The mining industry plays a vital role in stimulating the South African economic growth by providing essential raw material in various sectors. It is crucial for this industry to constantly improve systems for extracting and refining minerals to the market situation with reliable products to increase efficiency. This industry requires modular and advanced solutions; our durable products are perfect for this industry. Festo offers automation components which have been tried and tested in operation and are designed to withstand the extreme requirements of the mining industry. Our solutions prioritise maximum system availability and safety for people and the environment.
The company background
Festo headed up a project for a prominent mining company that is recognised as one of the world’s largest primary producers of platinum and other significant raw minerals found below the surface in North West. This mining company is committed to strengthening local communities, preserving and protecting the integrity of our environment, and advancing the mining industry through new technologies - this is where Festo advanced solutions fit in.
Reliable solutions to reduce downtimes
The company required to replace their old and dated dart valve actuators with technologically advanced actuators. The precise and dynamic control of the dart valves is key to achieving optimum results in the flotation process. This ensures a constant froth level and thus higher yield. The Festo Linear Actuator DFPIs and CMSX Positioner, which we supplied to the client for this project, have enjoyed success across the globe. These solutions have aided in improving the recovery of precious minerals in the flotation process.
Precision control with the Festo DFPI linear actuator
The Festo DFPI, explicitly designed for the mining industry, is unlike any linear actuator in the market. It is a robust cylinder that comes standard with an integrated displacement encoder. This means that external sensors and linkages that are traditionally used in industry are no longer required for positioning applications when using our linear actuators. Mechanical linkage systems are prone to vibration, wearing off and tearing, which ultimately results in regular calibration and frequent maintenance. With the encoder integrated into the unit, the DFPI is not susceptible to the challenges that other actuators experience. Its technology reduces the commissioning time of the DFPI to less than a minute. Once commissioning is complete, calibration is no longer required. The DFPI can also be controlled by an external positioner or as an internal positioner that is integrated into the actuator housing – in all cases this linear actuator is a robust solution, rated to IP69 level of protection.
Energy-efficient and inexpensive CMSX positioner
The Festo CMSX positioner has an excellent price-performance ratio, making it one of the most affordable smart positioners in the market. Festo has an excellent reputation for reliable quality products that can work in extreme conditions, and the CSMX is no exception. The CMSX from Festo has integrated this into its design resulting in a positioner that can withstand the poor air conditions in the mining industry. This results in fewer machine failure and downtime. It is also one of the only positioners in the market that does not consume any air when at a standstill – something that is becoming more important as mines attempt to drive down energy costs.
Project collaboration results
Festo supplied the customer with a complete turnkey solution that comprised of DFPI actuators, CMSX positioners, control panels, installation and commissioning. This leading mining company now experiences faster response time, increased productivity and very accurate feedback from their level control systems as a result of Festo’s innovative technology and solutions. Their flotation cells now encounter less downtime and equipment damage caused by the corrosive environment and vibration, which is typical in this environment.