Hydraulics specialist Enerpac introduced its new range of EVO-System multifunctional synchronous lifting system pumps, which are suitable for use in mining operations, in April.

Enerpac Africa and sub-Saharan Africa director Neil Watson informs Mining Weekly that the pump has been well received by the market and its sales have been steadily increasing.

Watson says there are many uses for synchronous lifting systems.

“The system, which comprises hydraulic pumps and cylinders, enables operators to move and manoeuvre large objects and structures,” says Watson, who adds that using a manual system to control multiple cylinders is a long, complicated and labour-intensive process.

The EVO System can connect up to four units, while being controlled by one hydraulic power unit (HPU) control.

The HPU control enables the operator to use up 48 cylinders with the same accuracy at the same time, with multiple cylinder capacities and strokes, explains Watson.

Moreover, he says the EVO-System allows for these tasks to be performed safely and efficiently.

Watson explains that the EVO-System continually monitors each cylinder’s position and reviews the difference between leading and lagging cylinders. It also interprets which corresponding valves to operate and allows or blocks oil flow to the cylinders.

“Therefore, the faster cylinders stop and wait for the slower cylinders, until all cylinders are automatically within the required synchronous tolerance,” he explains.

The EVO-System pump can have up to 12 lifting points. It is a two-stage pump, with oil flows of 11.1 ℓ/min at 200 bar, and 2.1 ℓ/min to 4.01 ℓ/min at 700 bar. Each pump has a 3 kW motor and a voltage of between 230 V and 400 V. It also has a frequency of 15 Hz to 60 Hz and a control voltage of 24 V of direct current.

Watson adds that the pump is also equipped with electronics and electrical engineering group Siemens’ Simatic human-machine interface programmable logic controller (PLC) that has a 22.86 cm touch screen.

“The pump weighs 800 kg, exerts a maximum pressure of 700 bar, has a transductor span of 800 bar and a 250 ℓ reservoir,” explains Watson, adding that the pump’s hydraulic oil requirement complies with ISO 32.

He points out that the system can operate in temperatures of between 0 ºC and 35 ºC, but cautions that the PLC touch screen will start to freeze below 0 ºC.

The EVO-System has data storage and recording capabilities at user-defined intervals and can be used with single- or double-acting 700 bar cylinders, which have the same or differing capacities.

“The systems have a variable-frequency drive motor for improved synchronisation, which is a standard global product offering,” he notes.

Watson adds that a single operator controls all movements and the EVO-System has an easy user-interface setup, control and navigation system.

“The EVO-System delivers a comprehensive understanding and management of a lifting operation from a central control position, which improves the levels of safety and operational productivity by up to 60%,” he boasts, adding that the programmable fail-safe monitoring and safety alarms significantly reduce the risk of operational accidents.

In the mining industry, the EVO-System can be used for several applications, such as dragline crane, excavator and opencast mining maintenance.

“The EVO-System can also be used for other industries, including industrial building, permanent hydraulic installations and power generation, as well as the oil, gas and petrochemicals sectors,” concludes Watson.