Monthly Archives: October 2024

Client Focus

SAFEGAUGE SOLUTIONS FROM BOOYCO ELECTRONICS ENHANCE SAFETY FOR HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS

The strategic partnership between Booyco Electronics, a leader in proximity detection systems and safety solutions, and SafeGauge offers owners and operators of large mining, construction, forestry, agriculture and earthmoving equipment access to advanced wireless diagnostic tools designed to enhance safety and operational efficiency.

SafeGauge technology is renowned for enabling remote monitoring and testing of critical systems on heavy machinery without exposing workers to the dangerous conditions typically associated with live testing and equipment maintenance. Louis Venter, Area Sales Manager at Booyco Electronics, says that by allowing artisans to conduct tests and gather real-time data remotely, SafeGauge eliminates the need for workers to be in close proximity (line of fire) to large machines during potentially hazardous procedures. This innovation significantly reduces the risk of injury, creating a safer work environment across operations.

The SafeGauge range of equipment includes various specialised tools designed for different measurement needs. The PT (Pressure Transducer) Series is used to measure pressures in hydraulic and pneumatic systems, while the DI (Dial Indicator) Series is designed for measuring clearance, tolerance and wear on machine components. The TM (Tacho Meter) Series measures fan speeds and other rotating components, the LD (Laser Displacement) Series tracks wear on moving parts and the PR (Push Rod) Series is used to measure displacement between two fixed points.

Venter explains that all data collected by these tools can be processed through the Multitool Pro, which allows for real-time generation of reports and graphs. “With its built-in cloud connectivity, the system makes it easy to export or share data instantly, streamlining operations and improving decision-making efficiency,” he adds. 

Key Advantages for Equipment Owners

Venter says that one of the most prominent benefits of SafeGauge equipment is the enhancement of artisan safety. “Heavy-duty machinery in the mining and construction industries can present significant risks during maintenance or diagnostic processes, particularly when it involves hydraulic systems or high-pressure environments,” he continues. “SafeGauge’s wireless system allows these tasks to be performed without workers needing to be near the equipment, mitigating the danger of exposure to moving parts or sudden pressure releases.”

In addition to safety improvements, SafeGauge contributes to increased operational efficiency. By enabling real-time monitoring and remote diagnostics, equipment issues can be identified and addressed faster, reducing unplanned downtime and preventing costly failures. This proactive maintenance approach not only keeps operations running smoothly but also extends the life of key machinery components, minimising the need for expensive replacements.

A Valuable Solution for Heavy Equipment Operations

“For businesses in mining, construction, forestry, agriculture and earthmoving, where operational continuity is crucial, SafeGauge’s ability to deliver timely diagnostics and maintenance insights is invaluable. It allows maintenance teams to perform their duties more effectively, ensuring equipment remains in optimal condition,” Venter says. “The result is higher productivity and lower maintenance costs, adding value to both day-to-day operations and long-term capital investment.”

“Through Booyco Electronics’ distribution of SafeGauge in Southern Africa, local operations now have access to this world class safety and efficiency solution, helping companies meet stringent safety standards and drive operational excellence in even the most demanding environments,” Venter concludes.

Client Focus

GRINDEX BRAVO 500 PUMP PROVIDES ROBUST SOLUTION FOR GOLD MINING REPROCESSING

In a strategic move to optimise resource recovery, a South African gold mining operation successfully deployed Grindex Bravo 500 slurry pumps from Integrated Pump Technology to reprocess slurry from its surface return water dam. This dam, which has been used for process water storage over the past 12 years, was identified as a valuable source of gold-bearing slurry. The operation aimed to transfer this slurry back to the gold processing plant, and the Grindex Bravo 500 pumps proved to be the most appropriate solution for this task.

JD Nel, Key Accounts Manager at Integrated Pump Technology, explains that the return water dam was a crucial gold resource needed for production while underground maintenance, which temporarily halted recovery from an underground section, was underway. The return water dam resource was used to sustain gold production for the plant’s needs, but did present a challenge due to the extremely dense slurry, with a specific gravity (SG) of 1.38, which had to be pumped. 

Nel says that while it was not necessary to modify the existing process plant, as the material fed from the thickeners had a similar SG, it was important that the pumps selected would perform reliably within the application parameters. 

“Following a full assessment of the site conditions and application, we had no reservations is specifying the Grindex Bravo 500 as we knew this centrifugal pump could withstand the density of the material, but still transfer it at the required flow rate,” Nel explains. “The Grindex Bravo 500 is engineered for heavy-duty applications and its components, especially the impeller and liner, are designed to withstand the abrasive nature of dense slurries.” 

One of the critical factors in the success of this project was the impressive flow rate and reliability of the Grindex Bravo 500 slurry pumps. In this application, material is being transferred at a flow rate of 480 m3/h at a head of 18 metres. In total, three Grindex Bravo 500 pumps were employed, demonstrating their capability to handle the demanding requirements of this gold mining reprocessing effort.

Nel says the Grindex Bravo 500 is designed to handle high head pressures which is crucial for transporting dense slurries over long distances or vertical lifts. The pump’s ability to maintain consistent pressure helps in effectively moving heavy slurries through the system.

“Further,” he says, “the pump features a robust impeller designed to handle the high density and viscous nature of the gold slurry. The impeller’s design ensures efficient movement of the slurry, significantly reducing the risk of blockages and ensuring smooth operation.” 

Commenting on the construction of the pump, he says the overall design of the Grindex Bravo 500 includes heavy-duty bearings and a robust shaft to handle the stresses associated with pumping dense slurries. In addition, the pump’s design helps in minimising the risk of cavitation, a phenomenon that can be problematic when pumping slurries with high densities.

A Grindex Bravo 500 was deployed to pump clean water from the return water dam to the plant where this is being used to wash any material back into the system. 

“The deployment of the Grindex Bravo 500 slurry pumps underscores their robustness and effectiveness in handling high density slurries in mining applications,” Nel says. “This solution not only facilitates the reprocessing of valuable slurry but also highlights the operational efficiency and reliability that Grindex pumps bring to the mining industry.”