Trafo mobile substation for Australian mine A turnkey mobile transformer solution has been designed and supplied to an Australian mine by South Africa-based Trafo Power Solutions, opening doors to export markets. ⎪ Power transmission, bearings, bushes and seals ⎪
A depth of experience across indus- tries – combined with in-house design expertise and a responsive approach to business – has under- pinned Trafo Power Solutions’ recent success for an Australian mining customer. According to Trafo Power Solutions Managing Director, David Claassen, the company designed and supplied a robust skid-mounted transformer solution for an opencast mine in Queensland. The turnkey substation project allows the customer to step up their generated power supply from 400 V to 6,6 kV, with the mobile substation able to accompany the customer’s generator set around the mine site. “Our 2 000 kVA substation includes the necessary low voltage and medium voltage switchgear, and gives the customer quick and easy plug-and-play functionality when moving locations,” says Claassen. “This means there is no need for time-consuming termination of cables when the unit is moved and recon- nected to the generator. To facilitate mobility, the skid is equipped with hooks for dragging as well as push bars for moving it into position.”
to resume without manual intervention. These robust devices prevent mechanical damage to motors, gearboxes and couplings and reduce unplanned downtime in continuous process environments.” The Autogard range covers torque ca- pacities from approximately 3.0 Nm to 45 000 Nm, allowing selection for light, medium and heavy-duty applications, including convey- ors, mixers, crushers and process machinery. These torque limiters comprise a mechanism that provides precise, repeatable disengage- ment and consistent performance over many cycles. Units can be installed in standard shaft and coupling configurations and are suitable for both new assemblies and retrofit projects. “BMG technical experts can specify torque- limiting solutions matched precisely to heavy- load operating conditions, through sizing, alignment and commissioning assistance. The team also provides a dependable back-up support service via the company’s extensive branch network.” BMG’s Regal Rexnord power transmission components also include industrial gear units, low-speed backstops, idlers, couplings, bearings and shaft locking assemblies. Other important He notes that it was important to account for the high vibration levels when specifying components for the design, with rigid mount- ing for strength and the use of anti-vibration equipment. Meeting the region’s specific standards was also an important aspect of the contract. “The design needed to be con- ducted within the requirements of Australia’s national standards and specifications, with which we have extensive experience from our work there with other customers,” he explains. “Further, the customer also wanted certain equipment specified that was common in the Australian market, as this was an important consideration to ensure adequate technical after-sales support.” This demonstrates the flexibility in Trafo Power Solutions’ design process, Claassen points out, which can accommodate and meet any national standards and incorporate cus- tomer preferences for certain locally sourced equipment. This was especially relevant in the low-voltage aspects of the design, such as protection relays and monitoring systems. “We are not rigid in the options that we consider, and can easily adapt to customers’
components include Falk True-Hold low-speed backstops and Rexnord Omega and Viva elas- tomeric couplings. As the official Rexnord partner in Southern Africa, BMG offers comprehensive technical support - from product selection and sizing, to installation, commissioning and after-sales service. This partnership combines Rexnord’s ad- vanced products with BMG’s technical exper- tise and a wide branch network, ensuring that customers in diverse industries benefit from reliable system protection, optimised uptime and lower total cost of ownership. https://www.bmgworld.net/ choices that best suit their preferences and local market availability,” he says. Claassen highlights that inspections and witness testing remain a core priority for fulfilling export orders, despite the customer’s physical distance from the country of design and manufacture. The Covid pandemic has encouraged the development of various com- munication technologies, which the company now harnesses to ensure customer involve- ment in the technical aspects of the contract. “We put this technology to good use, al- lowing the customer on this project to carry out all necessary inspections and factory ac- ceptance testing remotely and to their satis- faction,” he says. “At Trafo Power Solutions, we take pride in being easy to work with and finding creative solutions, even across long distances and under tight deadlines.” The contract has been an indicator of the company’s growing success not only in the international market, he says, but also in its journey from being a transformer supplier to becoming a turnkey electrical power solu- tions provider. https://www.trafo.co.za/
Protecting drive equipment against overload BMG’s Power Transmission division has ex- panded its Rexnord product range to in- clude Autogard torque limiters, designed to protect machinery, enhance reliability and minimise downtime in demanding industrial environments.
“In local industries – including wineries and breweries, mining, cement, sugar milling and bulk materials handling – where conveyor blockages, crusher jams and process surges are common, torque limiters play an important role in protecting high-value equipment,” says Carlo Beukes, Business Unit Manager, BMG’s Power Transmission division. “Rexnord Autogard torque limiters efficiently protect drive equip - ment against overload, thus preventing damage and minimising downtime in industries that depend on continuous operation. Unlike conventional mechanical shear pins or friction devices, the Autogard system delivers optimal performance and repeatable accuracy with minimal maintenance requirements. “Rexnord Autogard torque limiters protect drive systems by mechanically disconnect- ing the drive when the preset torque limit is reached. Once the overload condition clears, the unit resets automatically, allowing operation
Rexnord’s Autogard torque limiters from BMG protect machinery, enhance reliability and minimise downtime in demanding industrial environments.
March-April 2026 • MechChem Africa ¦ 19
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker