A custom-engineered Weba transfer point solution being installed at a diamond mine in Botswana.
Custom-designed transfer point solutions aimed at providing controlled material flow, improved dust control, extended wear life and reduced maintenance downtime, are operational in various mines across Africa. The chutes are particularly suitable for commodities such as platinum, gold, coal and copper.
In addition to key mining countries such as Ghana, Mali, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana, Weba Chute Systems have been installed in Tanzania, Mauritania and Eritrea. The company deploys authorised agents to support customers in specific countries, while technical experts from its head office in Germiston, Gauteng, are on call to assist.
Weba Chute Systems emphasises that its digital engineering design facilities and expertise make use of technologies to simulate the specific material flow conditions in each customer’s application, allowing the company to custom-design solutions and to scientifically accommodate exact flow characteristics into its design.
Discrete element modelling allows close control over the flow of material through the chute. This aims to minimise turbulence and reduce the levels of dust created in the working area. It also reduces spillage levels, which can lead to the saving of valuable material and less time spent on cleaning activities.
The company states that it works towards ISO dust management standards, providing support to its customers in managing health and safety in this critical area of transfer points. Its testing measures dust down to 0,03 micron particles, to ensure that designs meet health-related targets.
Flow control creates more material-on-material movement to reduce wear on chute liners, extending liner life compared to that of conventional chutes. In addition, custom designs and the use of simulation technology allow for wear life to be predicted, based on specific operating conditions.