Industrial switchgear automation and energy management distributor ElectroMechanica (EM) caters for a variety of industries through its extensive range of drives.

EM product manager William Cameron says, despite the company not always offering bigger drives for mining applications, it has broadened its offering over the past couple of years.

“Previously, most of our product offering was not for the 525 V market range. We mostly catered for other sectors such as the agriculture sector, and food and beverage.”

However, EM started increasing its market share in the mining sector and slowly started introducing drives for this sector, says Cameron.

He adds that the C2000 series with 525 V to 690 V rated variable-speed drive is ideally suited to use in mining operations. The range that is currently stocked consists of about 17 drives from 3.7 kW to 315 kW. However, drives up to 630 kW are available on request.

The C2000 series ac motor drives provide the most efficient solutions for all drive applications, says Cameron. The drives features precise speed, torque and position-control functions that are suitable for sensor or sensorless types of synchronous/asynchronous motors.

“What makes these drives unique for the application is the very high voltage-range, which enables the drives to withstand quite drastic voltage fluctuations on the grid.

“These drives are general purpose type and can be used just about anywhere when a motor needs to be controlled. The main applications in the mining sector include ventilation, hoist, conveyor belts systems, as well as pump systems.”

EM keeps a healthy stock offering of its products in the country, with a workshop and technical support team to assist with repairs and services.

“Going forward, we see EM growing even more in the mining sector, as we have partnered with companies that will assist us in increasing our market share.”

The increased focus on the mining sector has completed EM’s low voltage drive offering, 230 V, 400 V and now 525 V options are available and in stock.

Meanwhile, EM launched the latest edition of its biannual product catalogue earlier this year. The catalogue – with 450 new products – covers a broad range of new developments across each of the various categories.

Electronics manufacturing company Delta Electronics’ ME300 drives are also featured in the catalogue. The drives are econocompact vector-controlled and offer essential built-in functionality, including multipump control, a built-in brake chopper and an RS-485 Modbus, as well as support for induction motors and permanent magnet motors.

EM is a specialist provider and has been serving the industry for over 35 years.