Fluidtronik’s scope of work (valued at R4,9 million) included project management, installation and commissioning of the Hägglunds bucket wheel drive system, complete stainless steel piping installation including flushing, pressure testing and on-line oil cleanliness verification, as well as the design, manufacture, installation and commissioning of all the other hydraulic systems including:

* Luffing power pack and cylinders.

A total of 1000 m of piping was installed ranging from Ø10x 2ﾠmm seamless stainless steel and Ø60x 5ﾠmm non-welded seamless duplex stainless piping. All piping and bracketing was fabricated on site at Fluidtronik’s well-equipped site workshop facility.

Fluidtronik played an instrumental role in convincing the client to opt for a direct fluid drive system. This is the first Hägglunds drive on a stacker reclaimer bucket wheel application in Africa. The bucket wheel has proven immensely successful.

The drive offers advantages such as:

* Massive weight saving compared with conventional electromechanical drives.

The piping system connecting the bucketwheel drive motor and power unit is unique, as it is a non-welded, stainless steel, seamless bent and flanged system rated to 420 bar working pressure.

The luffing control system, consisting of an NG25 proportional Bucher valve fed by a variable displacement, load-sensing, axial piston pump, offers a smooth and precise, bounce-free luffing characteristic.

“Fluidtronik prides itself with another successful project completed within budget and on time,” said managing director Heinz von Fintel.

For more information contact Heinz von Fintel, Fluidtronik, +27 (0)31 700 9011, heinz@fluidtronik.co.za, www.fluidtronik.co.za