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Prototype high-lift crane receives positive feedback

Condra MD Marc Kleiner discusses the company’s prototype high-lift crane.

15th August 2014

By: Jonathan Rodin

  

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South Africa-based multinational engineering company Condra is receiving positive feedback on the testing of its prototype high-speed, high-lift crane technology, which is designed and manufactured for fast-tracking the presink phase of new mine shafts.

“Radically different from the level-luffing cranes traditionally used for presinking, the prototype machine comprises a portal crane with a 25 t main hoist and renders feasability in three months for a typical 50 m mine shaft presink,” explains Condra MD Marc Kleiner.

The portal frame additionally accomodates two stage winders running parallel to the main hoist at the same height, which are used for raising and lowering the drilling stage, he adds.

Kleiner notes that the company conducted research and development on its prototype during the second half of last year.

The 25 t hoist unit is designed so that it can deliver a lifting speed of 30 m/min – almost eight times faster than the 4 m/min usually achieved.

“Besides the hoist speed and frame layout, considerable research was also carried out on the drives, gearboxes, cabin access, remote operation and safety devices,” he adds.

The Condra gantry spans 24.4 m and is 15.1 m high, with a below-ground lift of 80 m.

During an actual presink, the crane will stand over the shaft mouth to facilitate the removal of excavated earth and rock in a kibble, lifted by the crane hoist. It will remain in place until the shaft has been drilled, blasted, supported, cleaned and lined with concrete, Kleiner explains.

The portal design chosen for the prototype enables the crane to move along rails to adjacent shaft sites. “Changes in location will take a few days, instead of three to four weeks,” says Kleiner.

He emphasises that quality control during Condra’s manufacturing of the prototype was strict. “The hoist was intensively checked using magnetic particle inspection of the entire drum.”

Challenges
It is difficult to convince mines to adopt progressive strategies, says Kleiner.

However, he says the company expects the mining industry to receive the crane enthusiastically, despite the recent downturn the sector is experiencing. “The crane is a machine that can do its job considerably faster than similar machines on the market.

“The quicker mining starts, the quicker mining companies can expect a return on investment,” he says, adding that, although resistance is expected in the beginning, the mines should slowly start to realise the importance of cranes and become more receptive to change.

With a factory in Bulgeria and a worldwide distribution network, Condra is the only multinational crane manufacturer headquartered in South Africa.

Edited by Megan van Wyngaardt
Creamer Media Contributing Editor Online

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