Drive and automation specialist SEW-Eurodrive South Africa offers ventilation and cooling solutions for mining industry applications with its LTP-B Eco heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) drive.

The drive is available in two three-phase variants, a 440 V unit from 0.75 kW to 160 kW, and a 525 V unit from 0.75 kW to 11 kW.

The drive is also available in a single-phase 220 V variant from 0.75 kW to 2.2 kW for added flexibility in applications where three-phase power is unavailable.

The HVAC drive is available in a range of ingress protection (IP) ratings, from demanding operating conditions to hazardous environments, such as IP20, IP55, and IP66.

SEW national sales and marketing manager Norman Maleka explains that the drive can be supplied with an optional built-in isolator that is integrated for maximum functionality.

“This drive is for applications where a standard drive is not applicable,” says Maleka, as it is specifically a variable-speed drive for optimising HVAC applications. Different parameters can be set, such as for fan or pump control, allowing for maximum energy saving.

The drive is suitable for fans, pumps and air-conditioners, among others. For example, when coupled to a fan, it can vary the airflow for maximum efficiency, Maleka states. “We also focus on retrofitting, and point out to clients the cost savings that can be achieved with this drive owing to its greater functionality.”

SEW regional sales manager Clive O’Reilly explains that energy saving is a major focus in both the mining and HVAC industries. What gives the LTP-B Eco drive a leading edge here are advanced functions such as sleep and wake to maximise energy efficiency by switching on a pump only when it is required, for example.

An automatic pump-cleaning function means that dust can be extracted from, or clean air circulated through, a mine shaft. The highly versatile drive even allows for the operation of multiple pump-sets, which can pump out slurry water, or even pump in water for cooling applications. A built-in programmable logic controller function allows for customised applications to be programmed directly into the drive.

O’Reilly adds that pump maintenance requirements are reduced significantly, owing to proactive features such as blockage detection and run-dry protection. A built-in energy consumption meter has a clear display to enable end-users to calculate energy savings quickly. A motor preheat function allows for a smooth start-up without any condensation forming inside the drive if the ambient temperature is low.

The HVAC drive was launched officially in South Africa at Electra Mining Africa 2016 at Nasrec, Johannesburg. Maleka says this was in response to client- specific requirements, which is a hallmark of SEW’s approach to innovation and ongoing product development.

The HVAC drive has been used in a variety of underground mines to date, with its uptake expected to increase exponentially as mining clients are made aware of its advantages and benefits over conventional technology.