CEN SEP
26
COVER
STORY
INCREASED MAINTENANCE COSTS
are worsened by a lack of proactive, scheduled
maintenance and can result in excessive downtime and severely reduced profitability.
According to Faizal Mahomed, After Sales Manager at M&J Engineering, “The transfer points,
owing to the nature of their application, should be carefully considered as they can easily
become the obstacle to efficient operation.The critical issue here is that uncontrolled discharge
of bulk materials through conventional chutes is associated with escalated maintenance and
replacement costs.”
A common understanding in the industry is that the project is finished once the transfer points
and chutes have been installed and commissioned. “This is not the case, as once the chutes
are in active operation, problems can arise owing to wear and a lack of maintenance. We are
aware of the fact that inspections and maintenance are not the core business of the mines,
which is why we recommend investing in a maintenance contract that clearly outlines the
after-sales responsibilities of the supplier,” he says.
Ironically, owing to the reliable nature of the Weba Chute Systems, routine maintenance
is often not carried out on systems. “However, normal wear and tear does occur and even
a seemingly minor deflection, such as a slight spillage, can result in a significant loss of
productivity over time,” Faizal adds.
A comprehensive maintenance contract will include random and scheduled on-site inspections
as well as pre-specified appointments to undertake maintenance work. “M&J Engineering
thoroughly checks the condition of the chutes’ wear components to ensure that the chutes
operate within their engineered parameters. By timeously identifying issues, we are able to
alleviate equipment failure,” he assures.
The company undertakes to continuously monitor its Weba Chute Systems from the date of
installation. “This allows us to determine the wear rate and to ensure that the transfer point
is performing optimally. A technician regularly inspects and monitors all transfer points. In
instances where a mine has a large number of transfer points, this is extremely advantageous,”
Faizal explains.
After a routine check, a comprehensive report, including a detailed cost analysis, is compiled
and issued to the customer. It includes information on the condition of the chute and identifies
areas where maintenance is required, including the replacement of wear parts that have
reached the end of their life.
M&J Engineering promotes a customer-centric support programme that is underpinned by
extensive experience and expertise in a large number of installations. “By developing enduring
relationships with our customers, we are able to define their exact needs. Customisation of
products and a tailored maintenance contract provide customers with the assurance that
their transfer point and chute system will eliminate unnecessary downtime. The end result is
increased productivity and a handsome return on investment,” Faizal concludes.
Reducing downtime with
proactive maintenance contracts
Poor design and
implementation of
transfer points can result
in increased maintenance
costs for minerals
processing systems.
Top:
A comprehensive maintenance
contract will include random and scheduled
on-site inspections by technicians from
M&J Engineering as well as pre-specified
appointments to undertake maintenance work.
Below:
Locally manufactured Weba Chute
Systems are designed according to the
principle of conveyed material impacting on
surfaces which already contain material.
Bottom:
Ongoing monitoring and maintenance
of transfer points ensure reliable material
transfer.
MINING
MAINTENANCE
