LKAB has awarded ABB a contract to put in two ABB Gearless Conveyor Drives (GCDs) on the present conveyor belt system at its Malmberget mine close to Gällivare, Norrbotten County, Lapland, probably the most northern province in Sweden.
The present setup already carries as much as 15 million tons of iron ore yearly, utilizing a 2,800kW wound rotor induction motor (WRIM) with gearbox to drive the conveyor. Will probably be changed with ABB’s newest GCD expertise, two 1,600kW fashions with everlasting magnet motors (PMM), to allow a rise in annual manufacturing whereas decreasing power consumption per ton.
ABB’s set up engineers and undertaking administration group face the problem of working in a decent area at round 1,250 meters underground to take away the big gear and change it with the brand new items. As soon as the improve is full in 2025, LKAB will have the ability to obtain total power financial savings of between 6 and 10 p.c, which is able to translate to appreciable OPEX financial savings per 12 months.
ABB GCDs have a motor energy of between 0.2MW and 8MW, eradicating the necessity for a gearbox and thereby reducing upkeep prices whereas enhancing total reliability and resulting in higher uptime. A singular ABB innovation, they’re identified to be probably the most energy-efficient conveyor drive answer.
“We’re managing the biggest iron ore mines in Europe the place productiveness should stay excessive whereas power effectivity will increase,” mentioned Pär Sundqvist, Engineer and Mission Proprietor, LKAB. “This vital improve will enhance the throughput on the conveyor and assist us to satisfy our power targets. ABB’s expertise may even cut back each OPEX per ton and ongoing lifecycle prices.”
“The brand new ABB gear will enable for an improved working surroundings within the mine – cleaner and safer,” mentioned Ulf Richter, Product Supervisor Conveyor Options, ABB. “Gearless Conveyor Drives are identified to be probably the most energy-efficient answer for conveyors, enabling dependable transportation of ore. The improve additionally means decreased noise and warmth within the conveyor drive space.”
The GCD’s PMM are straight coupled to the present conveyor’s drive pulley and also can tailored to satisfy the actual calls for of this underground set up. The primary benefits are power financial savings, well being and security enhancements, decreased upkeep prices and regular, strong manufacturing as a consequence of larger reliability.
ABB was awarded the undertaking contract within the third quarter of 2023 and the set up will happen throughout scheduled upkeep stops with the ultimate commissioning due in August 2025.
