Dry-type transformers supplied to 1.6-km-deep mine
Dry-type transformer specialist Trafo Power Solutions was recently required to supply three units to an underground South African gold mine, with a design solution that accommodated strict weight and height restrictions as well as logistics obstacles.
The mine required the transformers to operate in demanding conditions of dust, moisture and heat, says Trafo Power Solutions MD David Claassen.
“The transformers are to operate at about 1 km below surface, and will have to be transported through both an incline shaft and vertical shaft,” says Claassen. “Especially with the larger unit, we had to work very closely with our Italian technology partner TMC to reach a design that could be moved within these constraints.”
Trafo Power Solutions also designed the enclosures locally, to enable them to be transported in manageable components before being re-assembled underground. The enclosure design had to ensure that while dust and moisture were kept out, there was still enough air circulation to cool the unit. The dry-type transformers will be supplying loads for a refrigeration plant.
“Trafo Power Solutions conducted the complete designs, which were then verified and vetted by TMC,” he says. “This quality control is central to our approach in ensuring fit-for-purpose solutions.”
He emphasised that the design and manufacture of the units was carried out according to schedule and they are on track to be supplied within the customer’s required timeframes.
Trafo Power Solutions also designed the specialised skid bases for the transformers, to facilitate moving the units to their operating destination, and to accommodate the weight of the units, which are a 250 kVA unit, a 630 kVA unit and a 10-t 3 150 kVA unit.
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