Page 10 - Energize January 2022

NEWS

Flameproof switchgear for enhanced safety and

system protection

ecker Mining South Africa’s Energy electronics are rated as intrinsically safe (IS).
Distribution division manufactures Other features of this system include modular mounting on a skid or trailer and a quick
Bcustomised switchgear, designed opening door that cannot be opened until all slide-in modules of a housing have been
for the efficient distribution of electrical disconnected. This compact station has separate compartments for a contactor unit, the
power, energy co-generation, rectification display and relay module. KE1008 switchgear also comprises Becker’s HPC 450 V5 contactor
and traction. unit, which is a 1,1 kV unit rated to 450 Amp, with IECEX certification. These contactor
“These systems are certified for safe modules are fitted with fully integrated electronics for control, monitoring and protection
and dependable use in hazardous and functions and comprise proven technology that has been successfully used in the global
non-hazardous applications in surface and mining sector for over 20 years. HPC contactor modules have been designed for the easy
underground mining, as well as chemical exchange of pin adaptors for various applications, without the need for disassembly. For
and petrochemical plants,” says Nico added safety, sliding guides into contact points can only engage on initiation of the switching
de Lange, Vice President: Operations & handle. These contactor units have a high breaking capacity of 22 kA for 1 kV. A motorised
Systems, Becker Mining South Africa. phase reversing switch allows the direction of rotation on the outgoing circuit to be changed
“Becker’s compact flameproof KE 1008, within five seconds. Individual items can be reversed, without affecting other outlets. KE
1,1 kV switchgear units, which are 1008 switchgear also comprises a TU6 lighting module, which encompasses a dry-type
imported from Germany and adapted to single-phase 4,1 kVA transformer. This unit, with a 50/60 Hz mains frequency, has a primary
customer requirements, comprise power voltage up to 1,1 kV (6,6 kV is available) and secondary voltages of 1 x 230 V (or 110 V) –
bus technology and plug connections, 10 A or 1 x 230 V (or 110 V) – 6 A. Safety features include integrated 30 mA earth leakage
which ensure a high level of operator and overload protection.
safety and system protection. “Modular Apart from switchgear, the company also manufactures transformers, conveyor control
KE 1008 switchgear units are fitted with systems, electrical panels, motor protection systems and a range of flameproof and
integrated and adjustable monitoring and non-flameproof products. With a focus on supplying solutions to meet specific end-user
control functions, for easy programming, requirements, Becker has developed transformer and switchgear combinations. These
dependable operation and low systems have been well received by many sectors, mainly the mining industry.
maintenance requirements.”
KE1008 switchgear units have seven Contact Nico de Lange, Becker Mining South Africa, Phone 011 617-6300,
module slots, one earth leakage monitor info@za.becker-mining.com, www.za.becker-mining.com
and a lighting module. Parameters for the
slide-in modules can be set at the closed
compact station during operation, or via
various field bus systems.
Notable characteristics of this
system include Modbus and Profibus
communication, temperature and power
factor monitoring, maximum voltage
recording, kWh monitoring, an operational
hour meter and individual phase current
and voltage display. Machine selection
with pre-set safety settings, is available for
ease of operation.
Safety protections comprise short
circuit, loss of vacuum, earth leakage,
earth fault lock out and pilot relay. Added
to this are over and under current,
thermal curve, over and under voltage,
loss of phase and phase unbalance
occurrences protections. For enhanced
safety, this unit has an interlocking
system and can only be powered up on
closing of the main door. All external

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