The crushing plant at Central Iron Ore continues to upgrade its equipment as part of the programme for the repair of conveyor drive gearboxes.
The programme involves replacing those gearboxes that have reached the end of their service life. Implementation of the programme began two years ago with the repair of auxiliary and main drive gearboxes of the K-2 main conveyor, an important transportation artery of the plant.
This year, the enterprise has planned the replacement of two more gearboxes on the main conveyors. One of them is currently undergoing a major overhaul. Specialists are restoring its operational functions, after which it will return to service. Another gearbox has been replaced with a new one manufactured by the German company SEW-EURODRIVE. This is already the third project of the crushing plant with this supplier.
"This brand-new, European-made complete drive system with gearbox will finally replace the remnants of our outdated equipment. The gearbox has been installed on one of our largest conveyors, the M-1. This is the so-called distribution conveyor, which transfers ore from the second stage of crushing to the third," said Anton MILKEVYCH, Deputy Head of the Crushing Plant for Engineering.
The manufacturer took into account all the requirements and suggestion put forwards by the enterprise's mechanic engineers and electricians, in order to ensure it complies with the specific needs and conditions of the production process. Moreover, apart from the obvious advantages, it has another: its weight is only five tonnes.
"For comparison: our old gearbox assembly weighed no less than 15 tonnes, which created additional difficulties during its replacement, installation, commissioning, maintenance, and so on," explained Serhii MOKHTAN, Chief Mechanic Engineer of the Crushing Plant. "Based on our previous experience, we already know that gearboxes from this manufacturer are distinguished by their power, ease of maintenance, and reliability in operation, even under the strict conditions of the crushing plant."
The last of the five planned gearbox replacements will take place in 2026. Overall, the main goal of the programme lies in the prevention of accidents and unscheduled shutdowns, ensuring reliable operation of equipment, and a stable and safe production process for employees.
