The mining industry consumes approximately 15% of Eskom's annual output. Considering that there is still a significant power constraint in the country, the need for mining professionals to implement energy savings measures in their operations is vital. There are several options available, one of which is to apply targeted efficiency measures to electricity intensive equipment.
One technology with great potential is:
Ventilation fans - these are subjected to more misuse, abuse and faulty applications than virtually any other type of equipment and are amongst the largest consumers of energy in underground operations.
Tips:
Specification
o Avoid over-sizing
o Design inlet and outlet ducts as straight as possible
o Install larger ducts to reduce friction and lower operating costs
o Invest in the most efficient ventilation fan technologies
Operation
o Use devices such as turning vanes, air flow straighteners or splitters to accommodate the air profile
o Use a variable speed drives on damped ventilation fans
o Optimise the duct sizing
o Adapt air flow to accommodate demand changes using inlet guide vanes control, outlet dampers or fan speed control
Maintenance
o Check and adjust belt drives and fans regularly
o Lubricate fan components
o Clean components regularly, clean fan blades are lighter and more efficient.
o Correct excess noise and vibration to ensure smooth and efficient operation
o Repair and seal all air leaks
o Replace loaded air filters
o Implement a maintenance programme.
For advice on the array of energy savings options for mines, call the Eskom Contact Centre on 08600 ESKOM (08600 37566) and log a query for an energy advisor in your area to contact you.
Energy savings tips for mines: heat pumps
The mining industry consumes approximately 15% of Eskom's annual output. Considering that there is still a significant power constraint in the country, the need for mining professionals to implement energy
savings measures in their operations is vital. There are several options available, one of which is to apply targeted efficiency measures to electricity intensive equipment.
One technology with great potential is:
Ventilation fans - these are subjected to more misuse, abuse and faulty applications than virtually any other type of equipment and are amongst the largest consumers of energy in underground operations.
Tips:
Specification
o Avoid over-sizing
o Design inlet and outlet ducts as straight as possible
o Install larger ducts to reduce friction and lower operating costs
o Invest in the most efficient ventilation fan technologies
Operation
o Use devices such as turning vanes, air flow straighteners or splitters to accommodate the air profile
o Use a variable speed drives on damped ventilation fans
o Optimise the duct sizing
o Adapt air flow to accommodate demand changes using inlet guide vanes control, outlet dampers or fan speed control
Maintenance
o Check and adjust belt drives and fans regularly
o Lubricate fan components
o Clean components regularly, clean fan blades are lighter and more efficient.
o Correct excess noise and vibration to ensure smooth and efficient operation
o Repair and seal all air leaks
o Replace loaded air filters
o Implement a maintenance programme.
For advice on the array of energy savings options for mines, call the Eskom Contact Centre on 08600 ESKOM (08600 37566) and log a query for an energy advisor in your area to contact you.
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