David Brown

17th July 2015

  

Font size: - +

Iconic engineering brand David Brown’s history of engineering high-integrity gearing systems and significant field service expertise led to the company’s successful development of CX drives – next-generation conveyor technology for the mining industry.

The mission of the engineering team was to apply the design, manufacturing and testing technology of the Benoni-based facility to deliver new levels of reliability and performance to customers in Africa and worldwide.

“The team first analysed power, torque and speed ratios from data worldwide to find a configuration most suited for a typical mine conveyor to improve the reliability of a standard gearbox,” explains David Brown engineering manager Henk du Preez.

Advanced computer modelling optimised gear tooth profiles under varying load conditions to improve torque and reduce noise, further refined through noise, vibration and harshness testing. The team achieved thermal ratings and performance using computational fluid dynamics to identify optimum fan performance and cooling fan design.

The efficient running and cooling capabilities also improved safety in hazardous operating atmospheres. Finite element analysis of housing rigidity improved power-to-weight ratios and noise damping, and three-dimensional modelling and prototype testing of lubrication design enabled efficient operation across a range of temperatures, gearbox orientations and running speeds.

CX matches bearing life in excess of 60 000 (L10 basic) hours for optimal availability and lower maintenance costs.

On the back of the successful launch of the CX and other engineering innovations, Benoni has become the centre of excellence for mining within the global David Brown Group, exporting CX drives, MDX mill drives and girth gears worldwide.

A Level 4 BBBEE contribution and a local high-skilled workforce are proudly behind the success of this facility, and the innovation continues with a hot forming technique of fabricated girth gears to provide speedier production and superior quality over traditional methods.

David Brown is well placed to continue innovating with engineering and service support that will keep South Africa’s industries competitive on a world stage.

Edited by Samantha Herbst
Creamer Media Deputy Editor

Comments

The functionality you are trying to access is only available to subscribers.

If you are already a subscriber, you can Login Here.

If you are not a subscriber, you can subscribe now, by selecting one of the below options.

For more information or assistance, please contact us at subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za.

Option 1 (equivalent of R125 a month):

Receive a weekly copy of Creamer Media's Engineering News & Mining Weekly magazine
(print copy for those in South Africa and e-magazine for those outside of South Africa)
Receive daily email newsletters
Access to full search results
Access archive of magazine back copies
Access to Projects in Progress
Access to ONE Research Report of your choice in PDF format

Option 2 (equivalent of R375 a month):

All benefits from Option 1
PLUS
Access to Creamer Media's Research Channel Africa for ALL Research Reports, in PDF format, on various industrial and mining sectors including Electricity; Water; Energy Transition; Hydrogen; Roads, Rail and Ports; Coal; Gold; Platinum; Battery Metals; etc.

Already a subscriber?

Forgotten your password?

MAGAZINE & ONLINE

SUBSCRIBE

RESEARCH CHANNEL AFRICA

SUBSCRIBE

CORPORATE PACKAGES

CLICK FOR A QUOTATION