LH Marthinusen (LHM), a division of ACTOM (Pty) Ltd., has successfully completed a significant fan installation project for a major mine in the Phalaborwa region, solidifying its position as a leading provider of electro-mechanical solutions for the mining industry. The project involved the design, manufacture, and installation of four overhung centrifugal fans, one of the largest installations of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.
Project specifications and impact – size and scale
Each of the 4-metre diameter centrifugal fans is powered by 3MW 11kV ACTOM motors, and delivers 400m³/s of airflow at 5500 Pa. This impressive fan performance is precisely controlled by an integrated Inlet Guide Vane (IGV) system, ensuring optimal ventilation efficiency. The entire fan assembly, including outlet ducting, stands approximately 15 metres tall and spans 7.2 metres wide, designed to handle substantial amounts of water in the airstream.
“This project represents a major achievement for LHM,” states Gareth Bodley, General Manager of the Fan Division at LHM. “We’ve delivered a robust and reliable ventilation solution that will enhance safety and operational efficiency for the mine. The size and complexity of this installation showcase LHM’s capabilities in handling large-scale, demanding projects for the mining industry.”
The fan system provides critical redundancy for the mine’s ventilation, ensuring continuous operation even during maintenance. “These fans are the lungs of the mine,” Bodley emphasises. “With this new system, the mine can maintain full production without interruption, enhancing both safety and productivity.”