Flameproof motors for mine ventilation

Partnering with Ventprom, a manufacturer of underground ventilation equipment, WEG has developed bespoke explosion-proof motors to meet the challenging conditions of a large-scale mining environment. Located in Belovo, Russia, the mine is produces 3.4 million tonnes of coal per year and WEG has designed a new motor that has been manufactured specifically for this environment.

Ventprom manufactures ventilation systems for several large mining companies, offering 70 years' experience producing tailor made ventilation systems for mines that need dangerous gases expelled, as well as the removal of heat and dust. Due to the environment in the mine, off-the-shelf motors would not provide a workable option, so WEG offered a bespoke solution which offered an increased lifespan when compared with generic motors. Using a tube-cooling design, the company developed two flame-proof motors that can operate effectively even when totally enclosed: the motors minimise heat by utilising cooling tubes inside the motor's frame.

As part of the commission, WEG also developed a bespoke bearings arrangement to cope with the high loads and inertia of the application: the two motors have an operating output of 2400kW. The motors meet Customs Union (TU CU) certification, a standard for countries in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and they also adhere to EACEx standards, the Eurasian conformity certification for explosion-proof products. The motors developed for the Chertinskaya Koksovaya mine were designed and manufactured by WEG Portugal at one of the company's European manufacturing facilities in Maia. The factory is one of two production sites in the country and specialises in the production of explosion-proof motors.

Learn more about bespoke motors at www.weg.com.