A converted electric compressor for underground mines
Rental company Rand-Air offers a range of industrial equipment for rent to a variety of sectors across Southern Africa including petrochemical, power generation, food and beverage, automotive, utilities and construction and the company has recently announced a three-year investment in more than 65 new rental machines.
“This has boosted our total fleet of mobile oil-free and oil-injected air compressors, diesel- and electric-powered screw air compressors, diesel generators, lighting plants and pumps to over 1 000, comprising 755 machines and more than 350 ancillary pieces such as receiver tanks, dryers, et cetera,” says Rand-Air fleet manager Craig Swart.
The company highlights its ability to convert machines to suit operation in underground gold and platinum mines and it recently bolstered their GA 160, 110 and 75 air compressors with the addition of another ten machines for underground applications. “We share a close 25-year partnership with a supplier who takes care of the machine modifications,” says Swart. The air compressors are reconfigured and enclosed in robust cages that meet mine lift dimensions and ensure that they are able to withstand rugged underground conditions. Modifications include the conversion of machines to mechanical specifications, including the removal of electronics (Elektronikons) and digital screens.
“For large contract projects, we station a specialist three-man team, two operators and one technician, underground, who are trained to work in this very different environment,” continues Swart. “This enables us to service the machines on site and attend to any breakdowns immediately.” Small repairs such as panel replacements are done at Rand-Air’s fully-equipped workshop in Jet Park, Johannesburg. Full machine rebuilds are undertaken by the supplier and inspection and commissioning is done by technicians from both Rand-Air and the supplier.
The company notes that QAC1100 TwinPower machines are also part of its generator fleet and offer popular features of flexibility and transportability. Containerised side by side, the two QAC generators deliver up to 1 MW of predictable power on a single platform.
“A recent investment in 20 new surface dewatering pumps has further ramped up our hire fleet to a total of some 25 pump units,” affirms Swart. The open frame, trailer-mounted pumps include four PAS 150 medium and ten high flow units and six PAC H high heads. The company will also soon be adding steam machines to its fleet.