Engineering solutions provider Bearing Man Group’s (BMG’s) specialist hydraulics division, BMG Hydraulics, recently completed the design and manufacture of a new hydraulic control system for precise furnace functions, including temperature control, required during the production of ferrochrome.

BMG Hydraulics projects and engineering manager Dustin Pereira says this new hydraulic electrode control system replaced the existing system after a transformer explosion caused substantial damage at a mine’s furnace. “The entire replacement system was designed, fabricated, tested and supplied to the mine in less than three weeks. A system of similar complexity and size would normally be completed in about 12 weeks.”

He says that hydraulic control systems are essential for furnace functions – including the regulation of electrodes to maintain constant heat – and therefore play a critical role during ferrochrome production. Hydraulic systems also control power regulation, in addition to case slipping, core slipping and nipplage.

All components that needed to be replaced were supplied by BMG Hydraulics, which gave the mine immediate access to specialist services and high-quality spares.

BMG Hydraulics enhances its manufacture and repair service with a total design solution, using the latest computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing software. This service entails expertise from design to the manufacturing and assembly of a complete system.

The company offers the industrial and mining sectors a comprehensive service for hydraulic systems that combines high-quality branded components, hydraulic engineering and contamination control, as well as a test and repair service, to ensure enhanced performance and extended service life.

BMG’s service to the hydraulics sector includes a mobile workshop that is fitted with tools, equipment and high-quality branded spares to be able to efficiently perform functions like troubleshooting, on-site repairs, installations, commissioning and system flushing. This service also encompasses on-site fluid analysis and hose and pipe assembly.