54
CONSTRUCTION WORLD
OCTOBER
2014
FUEL AND OIL
Filter Focus COO Craig FitzGerald points out that there are
many benefits to implementing a Filter Focus filtration
system, such as cleaner oil, reduction in oil consumption,
longer life of the lubricated components of the machine,
and the added benefit of increased production capacities. Some of
the company’s satisfied customers include Kumba Iron Ore, Rand
Refinery, Selmec and AfriSam.
Kumba Iron Ore makes use of Filter Focus filtration systems on
its primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary crushers. Ramon Titus
from Kumba Iron Ore explains that the oil consumption of the crushers
was a concern as the total oil consumption per year was approxi-
mately 160 000 litres. “This rate of oil consumption was extremely
costly, and we were forced to investigate the cause.”
According to Titus, it was discovered that the oil should be
micro-filtered while in use, before it gets to the crusher, in order to
improve the life cycle of the oil, socket liner sand other components of
the crusher. The new filtration system was installed in April 2006 with
spectacular results.
“The Filter Focus filtration systems were installed at the Primary
Crusher Plant with great success. From March 2005 to March 2006,
before the new filtration system was installed, the total oil consump-
tion was 156 152 litres. Once the new systemwas in place, that amount
dropped to 120 000 litres for April 2006 to April 2007,” Titus observes.
Filter Focus was also chosen to execute a lubrication plan at Rand
Refinery. Mechanical foreman Richard Wilson elaborates: “Filter Focus
addressed our current equipment, drained, flushed and changed
seals and bearings where required, and initiated the lubrication plan.”
Since the introduction of the lubrication plan, Filter Focus has
monitored the impact of the process on the Plant and equipment, and
implemented an auto-lubricating plan and micro-fine filter systems
for the hydraulics. “Since adopting this system, Rand Refinery
has gone from 80 percent red indicators of problem equipment to
98% green and available. Breakdowns on the plant have come to an
end, and we are currently enjoying a higher level of equipment relia-
bility,” adds Wilson.
Three main products are used at Rand Refinery: LE Duolec, LE
Monolec Hydraulic oil and LE Almaguard Vari-purpose grease. “Even
though the initial cost of implementation is expensive, in the long run
there is added benefit to the customer through lower machine wear
and reduced electricity consumptions. By using the Filter Focus filtra-
tion system, oil can be drained, filtered and re-used for more than
10 years, saving customers time and money.”
Selmec MD H.J. Bolton reveals that the company has been
involved with the maintenance of the entire Vodacom Mozambique
GSM network infrastructure. This has included; power, standby power,
air-conditioning, radio and transmission. “Filter Focus oil and diesel
filtration systems have been in use in the Vodacom Mozambique
network since 2003, on more than 320 generators.”
Bolton believes that over the years, the filtration system from
Filter Focus has proven that it protects engines against contaminated
diesel, and prolongs the running hours with clean oil in the engine.
“There are units currently running with 22 000 hours on the metre, and
we have not yet had to replace an engine that failed as a result of oil.”
Furthermore, AfriSam maintenance clerk Nicolene Crane high-
lights that the company is happy with the results of the Filter Focus
filtration system. Since the Filter Focus filtration system was installed,
the maintenance lifespan on the Osborn 57H has increased dramat-
ically. She states: “AfriSam would like to thank Filter Focus for the
assistance and exceptional service that is delivered on a continuous
basis. It is a pleasure to work with suppliers who go the extra mile.”
Customer
SATISFACTION
guaranteed
Filter Focus – a leading wear control expert
specialising in the development, design
and manufacture of offline filtration
systems – offers clients a variety of tried
and trusted products and services that
guarantee customer satisfaction.
Filter Focus is a leading wear control expert specialising in the development,
design and manufacture of offline filtration system.
Filter Focus filtration systems were installed at primary crusher plants.
Engines are protected against contaminated diesel and prolongs the running
hours with clean oil in the engine.
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