Adopting conventional condition monitoring, testing and measurement techniques are not enough to ensure optimal operation of plant and equipment. Mines should be working closely with original equipment manufacturers that are in a better position to develop a bespoke solution that is suited to the technology and its operating environment. This is the view of Joest Kwatani’s managing director, Kim Schoepflin, who says that the South African screening equipment manufacturer has complemented conventional condition monitoring practices with advanced testing and measuring technology. “This assists our customers to achieve a continuous supply of quality production tonnage, while protecting company assets and reducing the total cost of ownership of their plant and equipment,” she says.

In developing this service, the company evaluates the skills levels of its customers’ staff at the plant, as well as their production and quality requirements. Once these are linked to existing systems, Joest Kwatani has the ability to pre-empt equipment failure, as well as the retention of valuable long term data on plant performance. The OEM calls on its extensive knowledge of different mining applications to continuously refine its monitoring tools. This intellectual property has been garnered from the thousands of vibrating screen and feeder installations Joest Kwatani has undertaken at mineral sands, coal, gold, diamond, platinum, iron ore and manganese mines throughout Africa.

When the screens have been installed, tests are conducted to establish the influence of the plant structure and full load conditions, as well as to determine the tolerable variances.

Schoepflin says these measurements are proving invaluable in flagging deviations and achieving long term optimisation of equipment performance. “They very clearly complement our full spectrum of service capabilities, from periodic on-site service calls, to full on-site maintenance for the life of the equipment,” she says.

Adding to the strength of these programmes is Joest Kwatani’s ongoing investment into research and development to arrive at the correct approach for each application. Schoepflin predicts that the role of condition monitoring/testing and measurement in the future is likely to increase to counter a growing trend in the mining industry worldwide to specify lighter screens and associated support structures when a plant is first designed, in an effort to contain costs.

Joest Kwatani is again demonstrating the importance of breaking the existing way in which equipment is being sold to mines. In addition to supplying a premium brand, it is the open and transparent relationship the OEM has with its customers that is adding just as much value.