The Arc Journal

Tough machines for tough conditions Criterion Equipment’s -sub-dealer in East London - Buffalo Forklift and Fleet Services – supplies and supports the full range of TCM forklift trucks in the region. These robust machines, with capacities from 2.5 Ton to 20 Ton, are reliable workhorses that ensure high performance and safety in all sectors, including tough industrial applications. According to the Buffalo Forklift, users of TCM forklift trucks are impressed by the versatility, efficiency and low maintenance requirements of these machines. The Buffalo Forklift team is headed by Carl Boshoff, who started his career at Criterion Equipment ’s East London branch, approximately 26 years ago and has a wealth of experience in servicing and maintaining TCM forklift trucks. “Our customers need forklifts that are able to operate safely and efficiently for long periods in harsh conditions and TCM machines consistently measure up to these demands,” says Carl Boshoff, Managing Director, Buffalo Forklift and Fleet Services. “Forklifts are used for many critical applications, including carrying drums of chemicals and raw materials, heavy metal pipes, containers of stock and large engineering components for maintenance. “To ensure high productivity and optimum safety, our team advises every customer on the selection of the correct forklift for specific applications. It is important that machines have the stability to move goods safely around large sites and can also operate safely in tight spaces and on rugged terrain. “We are very impressed with the performance of TCM forklift trucks. These units have been engineered with minimal electronics, which is an advantage, because the likelihood of electronic malfunctions is reduced, operation is easier and there are fewer replacement components. https://lnkd.in/dNrdYTRs

ABB lands modernisation project for Mexico board mill ABB secured a landmark contract to modernise Smurfit Kappa’s corrugated cardboard mill near Mexico City. It will provide control system technology, drives, and motors, as well as ongoing expert service. Smurfit Kappa is one of the leading providers of paper-based packaging globally, with operations in 35 countries. It has operated in Mexico since 1957 and has recently increased production capacity in the country, investing over USD350 million since 2018. The project marks the first collaboration between the two parties in this region. It signals a new era of operational efficiency for one of the packaging producer’s busiest machines in Mexico. Modernisation is expected to transform Smurfit Kappa’s Paper Machine 5 (PM5) into a highly efficient and productive machine capable of meeting its demands. Upon completion of the project, Smurfit Kappa is expected to increase production efficiency and output significantly. Smurfit Kappa sought a partner with unparalleled expertise to spearhead this critical modernisation project. They required speed and tension controls to operate at optimum levels while minimising downtime. With its proven track record in the Latin American pulp and paper industry and deep understanding of paper machine processes, ABB emerged as the ideal choice. ABB will provide Smurfit Kappa with its ABB Ability System 800xA distributed control system (DCS), accompanied by a comprehensive paper machine drives system, encompassing some of the market’s most advanced drives and motors meticulously designed to optimise PM5’s performance. The ABB technology embedded in the drives, complemented by the control system, will help secure optimum speed and torque control of the paper machine’s sectional drives for years to come. This is achieved through a combination of factors, such as a Direct Torque Control algorithm, which ensures precise control and allows for consistent quality and minimised waste over a long period. ABB guarantees a system uptime of 98.5% for three months following the machine’s startup in 2025. This translates to a maximum downtime of only 33 hours within that timeframe. https://lnkd.in/denRtPVw ABB

Merck and Siemens take smart manufacturing to the next level Siemens has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Merck to drive digital transformation through strategic projects across all three business sectors of Merck. The goal is to bring new products to market faster, more cost-effectively, and with a heightened focus on sustainability. Cedrik Neike, CEO Digital Industries and Member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG, signing MoU and Kai Beckmann, CEO Electronics business and Member of the Executive Board of Merck. Cedrik Neike, CEO Digital Industries and Member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG, and Kai Beckmann, CEO of Electronics business and Member of the Executive Board of Merck, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand cooperation in Smartfacturing (short for Smart Manufacturing) and outline the next steps for both companies. The MoU makes Siemens a preferred global supplier and strategic partner for Smartfacturing technologies, paving the way for transformative projects across Merck’s business sectors. “Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics are at the core of improving lives and creating a more sustainable future. By combining Merck’s expertise in these vital sectors with Siemens’ cutting-edge hardware and software we are transitioning from a concept of mass production to a modular approach, saving time and increasing flexibility. With the MoU, we now aim to set new global standards for future production,” said Cedrik Neike. “Our collaboration, which spans over 145 years, is a powerful reminder that Merck and Siemens are more than just partners – we are longstanding allies in shaping the future.” Kai Beckmann highlighted the importance of this partnership: “Our goal is to bring new products to market faster, more cost-effectively, and with a heightened focus on sustainability. Smartfacturing is essential to achieving this, and Siemens is the perfect partner for this journey. Their deep domain expertise and century-long familiarity with Merck uniquely positions them to rapidly implement and scale our vision.” https://lnkd.in/dxGMBJzZ Siemens Energy

Effective dust control means greater safety, higher productivity and cost savings BLT WORLD, in conjunction with the global ScrapeTec team, plays an important role throughout Africa, by assisting companies during conveyor handling, to effectively manage dust emission and material spillage. “ScrapeTec’s advanced dust control systems are proving to be highly effective in many industries, including the mining sector – not only for preventing dust formation and reducing material spill, but also to minimise the risk of explosion at critical sections along the conveyor route and transfer points,” explains Ken Mouritzen, BLT WORLD, distributors of ScrapeTec products, which are engineered in Germany to pristine quality and environmental standards. “Apart from the benefit of cost savings and minimal energy consumption, DustScrape and AirScrape dust suppression systems are highly effective in minimising exposure of workers to environmental pollution, which is a major problem caused by fugitive dust in dry bulk handling. “Our highly experienced specialists offer dependable solutions for specific problems at the transfer points of conveyor systems in many industries, where dust and material spillage are concerns. “Dust is a major problem associated with conveyor systems in all sectors, particularly where workers have prolonged exposure to the hazards of dust particles. Apart from the negative effects of dust on one’s health – like irritation to the eyes, skin and respiratory tracts, as well as serious lung diseases – some types of dust can also form an explosive mixture with air, which is extremely dangerous. “It is therefore crucial that the correct conveyor skirting is used to offer maximum safety to workers and to minimise deterioration of materials being handled in order to maintain the desired level of quality.” The BLT WORLD team has installed ScrapeTec’s highly-effective dust suppression systems on many conveyor systems at various plants globally and feedback from customers is positive. Common difficulties of traditional bulk conveyor systems include dust, material spills and contamination at the transfer points of conveyor systems. Misalignment, abrasion and subsequent belt damage are other problems. BLT World https://lnkd.in/dUa_5mxR

Transform air compressors into cost- and emission-reducing energy sources with Atlas Copco’s energy recovery solutions   While compressed air is critical for essentially any manufacturing or processing operation, the utility is also the largest consumer of a plant’s energy. Subsequently, garnering energy savings during the air compression process will irrefutably procure economic and environmental value-add for customers.   A staggering 94% of the energy that is consumed by an air compressor is converted into heat. This inexorable by-product of compressed air production is lost into the atmosphere via the cooling system and radiation. Atlas Copco once again demonstrates its well-earned reputation as an environmentally conscious, forward-thinking innovator, with the design of an energy recovery system. The unit smartly recovers all this wasted heat, transferring it to other areas in the plant where it can be re-used for multiple applications, essentially closing the loop.         “With our ER 90-900 energy recovery systems, operators are able to re-use this thermal energy, for example, to supply hot water in bathroom and kitchen areas or to heat work and office areas, addressing employee sanitation and comfort,” says JC Lombard, Business Line Manager for the Oil-free Air Division of Atlas Copco Compressor Technique. “Reducing a plant’s overall energy consumption will shrink both the electricity bill as well as the CO² footprint of the utility room, delivering financial and green benefits to the business.”   Lombard further highlights the fact that this thermal energy is also particularly suitable for process applications. He explains: “The hot water can be used as boiler pre-feed or even directly in industrial processes requiring temperatures of between 70°C to 90°C, providing a significant saving on costly energy sources such as natural gas and heating oil. This essentially means that operators can scale down or even completely eliminate boilers and other equipment required to generate heat or steam for industrial processes, thereby further adding to the bottom line for business sustainability.”   Available up to 900kW, the ER 90-900 energy recovery systems can be used together with Atlas Copco’s GA oil-injected and water-cooled, oil-free air compressors. These standalone, compact, small-footprint energy recovery units are specially designed by Atlas Copco for easy installation, operation, and maintenance. A dedicated connection kit further simplifies the installation process without affecting the compressor’s serviceability. The systems are available with either stainless steel or cost-effective copper coolers, depending on the application.  Atlas Copco

Wacker Neuson breaks new ground in South Africa with the introduction of next-generation 4-stroke rammers: BS62-4 and BS68-4   Wacker Neuson, a global leader in light- and compact equipment, is proud to announce the launch into the South African market of its latest generation 4-stroke rammers. These new BS62-4 and BS68-4 models represent a significant leap forward in rammer technology, continuing the company’s long-standing tradition of innovation.   Building on a rich heritage that dates back to 1848, Wacker Neuson has consistently remained at the forefront of compaction technology. In 1930, the company set a new benchmark in soil compaction with the invention of the electric rammer which dramatically boosted productivity on job sites.   As industry needs evolved, Wacker Neuson continued to lead with innovations such as the 2-stroke rammer introduced in the mid-20th century, which enhanced mobility and ease of use. This was followed by the launch in the early 2000s, of the first 4-stroke rammer, bringing notable improvements in fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and lower operating costs.   “Wacker Neuson is a leading force in the South African rammer market, renowned for our innovation and reliability," says Stefan le Roux, Sales Manager for Wacker Neuson South and Sub-Saharan Africa. “Holding a substantial market share, our rammers have become a staple on construction sites throughout the country. Building on this success, the new BS62-4 and BS68-4 units, which mark the latest evolution in Wacker Neuson's 4-stroke rammer series, are engineered to meet the demands of modern construction, through enhanced performance and improved operator comfort.”   The BS62-4 and BS68-4 rammers, which are replacing the current BS50-4 and BS60-4 models respectively, feature several key advancements aimed at enhancing performance and kinematics. These upgrades facilitate handling and deliver superior compaction results. The rammers’ 4-stroke engine offers increased frequency and exceptional impact force, making these machines perfect for the most challenging job sites. Additionally, the environmentally-friendly power units feature low emissions and enhanced fuel efficiency. https://lnkd.in/dN97Wb92 Wacker Neuson

Jet Demolition supports mining houses to meet their ESG commitments The demolition of aged and redundant infrastructure and undertaking assessments and studies of current infrastructure to determine appropriate and industry-specific cost provisions for future demolition activities are just two of the ways that Jet Demolition supports mining houses to achieve their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments. The proactive removal of redundant infrastructure allows for the footprint to become available for new construction, thereby further limiting the direct impact of infrastructure on undisturbed land. The removal of redundant infrastructure, especially during ongoing operations, also allows for the removal of unsafe structures, thus lessening the burden on ongoing maintenance, further conserving resources. Large mining houses generally have a long-standing working relationship with environmental specialists that offer guidance regarding the legislative and social responsibilities of the mine. “We support these relationships by offering demolition services and solutions tailored to site-specific requirements, with a focus on removing redundant infrastructure without impacting ongoing operations,” explains Kate Bester, Contracts and Project Manager at Jet Demolition. The company is equipped and experienced in delivering turnkey demolition services, with final rehabilitation of the impacted footprint included within the scope of services. This means that redundant infrastructure can be removed, and any land affected by process spillages or hydrocarbon spills can be rehabilitated immediately thereafter by a single service provider. “This has both a cost-benefit to the client in terms of a turnkey solution, but also a risk benefit, in line with the widely adopted progressive rehabilitation approach,” notes Bester. Jet Demolition’s on-site management team is supplemented by its own full-time safety personnel, who ensure that the team is able to work safely in a dynamic environment. Judicious method selection, efficient resourcing and detailed planning all contribute to the safety profile of the works. “It is important to tailor the final approach to the client requirements,” stresses Bester. https://lnkd.in/dxYsYeB3 NGAGE - The Agency for Industry

Shumani Industrial Equipment launches online store South Africa's preeminent black-owned and managed industrial equipment supplier, Shumani Industrial Equipment, launched its online store at the beginning of June 2024. Available through its website, this strategic move marks a pivotal moment in the company’s evolution from a forklift supplier to a comprehensive industrial equipment provider, says MD Victor Nemukula. Amidst ongoing economic challenges and shifting consumer spending and procurement patterns, the online store is a platform to extend Shumani’s market reach and enhance customer engagement. “Even with a robust sales force, geographical limitations persist. The online sphere offers unparalleled accessibility, catering to diverse consumer preferences and purchasing habits,” comments Nemukula. The online store represents a hybrid amalgamation of traditional web presence and e-commerce functionality. It serves as a conduit for Shumani’s value proposition, empowering customers with the convenience of online transactions while retaining avenues for personalised interaction. “Our aim is not just to facilitate transactions but to foster long-lasting relationships,” stresses Nemukula. The integration of sales and service channels on the platform is testament to Shumani’s holistic customer support and guaranteed equipment uptime. “We go far beyond forklift supply to offer a diverse range of products and services tailored to meet evolving client needs, based on some of the leading brands available,” says Nemukula. The online store’s user-friendly interface and comprehensive product catalogue epitomises Shumani’s dedication to accessibility and customer-centricity. Key to Shumani's value proposition is its assurance of product quality and reliability. With a portfolio comprising renowned brands and a robust maintenance infrastructure, the company is poised to deliver unparalleled value to its customers. In remote areas where access to maintenance services may be limited, Shumani offers specialised kits to allow clients to conduct maintenance autonomously. Shumani Industrial Equipment

Atlas Copco transforms hydrogen mobility with new H2Y air compressor As the world pivots toward cleaner energy, with hydrogen emerging as a renewable source kingpin, Atlas Copco is stepping up its green narrative with the introduction of the new state-of-the-art H2Y hydrogen compressor.   “We designed the H2Y hydrogen compressor to meet the growing demands for hydrogen mobility which is driven by the global energy transition,” affirms states JC Lombard, Business Line Manager for Atlas Copco Compressor Technique’s Oil Free Air division. “The future of hydrogen mobility hinges on robust and reliable compression solutions so these machines are so much more than just products; they are integral to the sustainability of the hydrogen industry. Whether for high-pressure applications or fuelling stations, Atlas Copco’s groundbreaking technology is poised to deliver safe, reliable and efficient hydrogen compression, ensuring continuous operation for a range of critical applications.   Lombard explains that the H2Y hydrogen compressor is a vital component for FastFill, Time-fill and Combination-fill hydrogen stations which depend on a constant and steady supply of compressed gas. Atlas Copco’s solutions are engineered to maintain seamless operations, safeguarding both processes and profitability and mitigating costly downtime that can have a direct impact on revenue.   Atlas Copco’s hydrogen compression systems represent a comprehensive approach that optimises every facet of hydrogen mobility. Atlas Copco has integrated its pioneering Variable Speed Drive (VSD) technology and Proportional Control systems to enable the H2Y compressors to adapt to fluctuating inlet pressures, subsequently enhancing efficiencies while reducing energy consumption. Lombard notes that this adaptability is particularly crucial in virtual gas pipelines, where consistent performance is essential.   Quality assurance is a cornerstone of Atlas Copco’s approach. Each hydrogen compressor undergoes rigorous factory testing and is containerised to ensure that the machine arrives on-site fully operational. This modular, plug-and-play solution simplifies installation, reducing both the time and costs associated with setting up new hydrogen fuelling stations.   Lombard concludes: “Atlas Copco’s groundbreaking technology is poised to deliver safe, reliable and efficient hydrogen compression, setting a new industry benchmark in hydrogen mobility and empowering customers to meet their sustainability goals with confidence.”                               Atlas Copco

SRK experts to share insights at SAIMM’s upcoming ESG conference SRK Consulting will be an active participant at the upcoming Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM) conference on pressing environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues in mining in Africa. The event, featuring plenary and parallel sessions, will focus on ‘ESG in the minerals industry: challenges and opportunities’. It will take place on 16 and 17 October 2024 at Glenburn Lodge and Spa in Muldersdrift near Johannesburg. SRK Consulting will be contributing several presentations – on topics ranging from water stewardship, climate change and air emissions, to tailings facilities, mineral reporting codes and the use of remote sensing technologies to track changes in pollutant concentrations. “ESG is an evolving and vital field that has relevance in every aspect of mining today, and in which SRK has developed a depth of expertise over decades,” said SRK Consulting managing director Andrew van Zyl. “Celebrating our 50th year in 2024, we have long supported the SAIMM’s valuable role in building professional skills and insights in mining, and look forward to another opportunity to share our insights and learn from others.” The plenary session on the first day of the conference will include an address by SRK principal environmental geologist Lindsay Shand on ‘Unpacking the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) water stewardship maturity framework’. The first parallel session on environmental matters will feature two speakers from SRK. Managing director Andrew van Zyl will provide the keynote address for this session, discussing the impact of climate change in the mining industry. Principal civil engineer Justin Walls will talk on incorporating mine closure into tailings storage facility (TSF) design in a paper entitled ‘Back to the future: reverse engineering TSFs for the end land use’. Also contributing to the environmental session, SRK chairman Vis Reddy will draw on work undertaken by SRK in air quality offsets, in his presentation on ‘Opportunities to improve the wellbeing of the most affected communities by reducing emissions from sources other than mining and industry’.   In the parallel session on governance on the conference’s second day, SRK principal engineer Andy McDonald will present a talk on integrating ESG into the South African Mineral Reporting Codes (SAMCODES). The sustainability session on the second day will also feature a talk by SRK senior geophysicist Wesley Harrison, entitled ‘Harnessing multispectral data for sustainable mining: Advancing ESG objectives while navigating limitations and exploits’. The conference is validated by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) and the South African Council for National Scientific Professionals (SACNASP) so delegates can be credited with continuous professional development (CPD) points. SRK Consulting