Hi-tech rubber belts and hose manufacturer Gates will use this year’s Investing in African Mining Indaba to launch its safe, long-lasting hydraulic hose and couplings for mines, says Gates Europe commercial director Christopher Garety.

The Mining Indaba will be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from February 9 to 12.
Garety says it is important for Gates to promote and develop its brand in Africa and to meet potential new customers. “To be seen as a serious player, you need to attend the indaba. “There is no other event where you can meet with senior decision-makers from mining companies across the globe.”

Products to Launch
Gates will introduce its iLok hand torque coupling system, which reduces downtime when longwall mining equipment is being moved and reassembled, at the Mining Indaba, says Garety.

He adds that the iLok prevents staple-lock couplings in underground longwall coal mines from becoming corroded and fusing together, which makes them easy to disconnect and service.

The iLok is convenient as it is simple to understand and use, and easy to connect and disconnect by hand. It can also withstand high-impulse applications, explains Garety.

He adds that it also uses a secure, visible locking system and releases any residual pressure away from workers during disconnection. Its compact size enables it to fit easily in tight quarters, while its smooth surface prevents abrasion against adjoining hoses or equipment.

Further, Garety points out that Gates’ MegaTuff hose offers a hassle-free solution to the problem of abrasion in rugged environments such as mining. The hose has a special cover construction and compounding that uses high-performance engineered plastics. It can withstand constant rubbing against, for example, metal, which eliminates the need to replace hoses frequently.

“Even with all this extra protection, MegaTuff hoses are flexible and maintain minimum bend radius performance,” says Garety, adding that the MegaTuff hose can also stand alone and does not need spring guards or nylon sleeving.