Download PRESS RELEASE Cummins 2 MVA motivator powers Bucyrus 495

PRESS RELEASE
Cummins 2 MVA motivator powers Bucyrus 495 rope shovel in
Botswana
19/06/2013: The South African division of Cummins - a global leader in the manufacture,
sales and servicing of diesel engines and related technology - is powering a large scale
electric rope shovel at Debswana's Jwaneng open pit diamond mine in Botswana.
Cummins South Africa general manager for the projects division, Werner Bester, indicates that the
Bucyrus 495 rope shovel is powered by a 2MVA Cummins motivator - a containerised diesel
generator that is genset mounted onto a custom built Martin trailer, which is pulled by a Western
Star 6900XD truck - powered by a Cummins ISX engine.
"The Cummins C2250-D5 generator is powered by a Cummins QSK 60 G4 engine, which is coupled to
a Stamford alternator that produces 2000 kVA at 6600 volts prime power. The Cummins PCC 3201
generator controller provides control and protection to the Cummins engine and the generator," he
explains.
Cummins South Africa project manager Jan Maritz notes that the Martin trailer has heavy duty axles
and a jumping beam suspension, which was specifically designed to accommodate the rough road
and challenging conditions in the pit. "The axles were also positioned in such a way that the trailer
has a small turning radius to easily manoeuvre inside the open pit mine."
The Bucyrus 495 rope shovel is a large electrically powered machine that is used in mines
throughout the world for loading and moving mining material. Bester adds: "The Bucyrus 495 rope
shovel requires an electrical supply in order to tram from one point to the next, and the motivator
provides this power while the shovel is being moved."
According to Bester, the motivator has been designed with numerous protection features to
safeguard the equipment, as well as the operating team. "A regeneration prevention feature is built
into the motivator, as regenerative power occurs while the bucket is being lowered. High volumes of
this type of power can cause damage to the alternator, and it is therefore monitored to ensure that
vital equipment is protected."
Bester highlights the fact that the fire protection system is a dual system, with FM 200 gas in the
switch gear section and dry powder in the generator section. "Additional infrared arc detection is
installed within close proximity to the switch gear, which will dispense the fire suppression agent as
soon as a flash is detected. What's more, there are a number of easy accessible fire extinguishers
mounted on the trailer too," he continues.
The fire protection system continuously monitors the earth resistance between the components
and, should a short circuit or open circuit occur, Bester explains that it will change the value of the
neutral earth from the one point to the next. "As soon as there is a fluctuation picked up on the
neutral earth, it will open the supply breaker and shut the machine down."
Another safety feature of the Cummins motivator is the fact that it comes standard with an
externally visible three colour alarm lighting system. This system alerts operators of likely problems
ranging from minor to major faults, in addition to potential fire hazards.
Due to the sheer size of the motivator, a three-man team is required to operate the machine, and
Bester notes that Cummins South Africa is committed to providing the most effective solution with
regards to safety and reliability by ensuring that the company has a regular onsite presence, while
providing instant access to technical support. "Cummins is ensuring that a dedicated expert is
available onsite for a six month period, in order to allow for uninterrupted operator training and
support."
Looking to the future, Bester is optimistic that there will be increased demand for Cummins
motivators. "Most open pit mining applications require motivators and, as increased investment in
the African mining sector prompts the establishment of new mines, I am confident that Cummins'
reputation for building safe and reliable machines will place the company as a frontrunner in this
regard," he concludes.
Ends
Notes to the editor
There are numerous photographs specific to this press release. Please visit http://media.ngage.co.za
and click the Cummins SA link.
About Cummins
Established in 1919 in Indiana, USA, Cummins today employs more than 40 000 people worldwide,
and has an annual turnover of US $10,8-billion. Cummins has a global network of 500 companyowned and independent distributor facilities at more than 5 200 dealer locations in over 190
countries. Cummins range of engines is used in a wide variety of applications, including; mining,
trucking, boating, power-generation, construction and agriculture. Cummins South Africa is
headquartered in Johannesburg, with branches in Alrode, Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban and
Port Elizabeth.
Cummins Contact
Werner Bester
Cummins SA General Manager for Projects
Jan Maritz
Cummins SA Project Manager
Phone: (011) 321 8700
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Web: www.cummins.com
Media Contact
Ryan Collyer
NGAGE Public Relations
Phone: (011) 867-7763
Fax: 086 512 3352
Cell: 072 377 5000
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.ngage.co.za