BELT SCALE WINS THE DAY FOR AFRISAM COEDMORE QUARRY

Following worrying discrepancies in the monitoring of production output, sales and inventory, a belt scale from Tru-Trac is winning the day for KwaZulu-Natal-based AfriSam Coedmore Quarry. With groundbreaking static calibration accuracy error levels as low as 0,06%, the belt scale provides reliable data for sound decision-making.

Over the years, AfriSam Coedmore Quarry has had issues with stock capturing and evaluation. “Accurately measuring production, sales and stock levels is critical for effective management and efficient operations,” says Lloyd Maringa, works manager at AfriSam Coedmore Quarry.

“Traditionally, we conduct quarterly stockpile surveys though an independent third-party to gauge the levels of stock on the ground. It was during these surveys that we would always encounter huge discrepancies between what we had produced, what would have been sold and what should have been on the floor.”

In some instances, the variations were as high as 70 000 tonnes (t). In the quest to resolve the problem, the operation resorted to monthly surveys instead of the usual quarterly routines. The more frequent surveys, however, did not yield different results. Further investigations eventually pinpointed issues with the existing belt scale between the intermediate stockpile and the secondary crusher. Despite several interventions, including regular calibrations by the supplier and even the installation of a second belt scale, the challenge persisted.

“We therefore went into the market for a new belt scale supplier,” explains Dustin Naidoo, maintenance superintendent at AfriSam Coedmore Quarry. “Tru-Trac proposed a proof-of-concept approach, whereby they installed a belt scale on a trial basis for a month. Upon evaluation of the results, we were impressed by the high levels of accuracy.”

Since the installation of the Tru-Trac belt scale, the stock management and evaluation problems are a thing of the past. “We have now reverted to the usual quarterly stockpile surveys, which saves us both time and money,” says Lloyd.

Tru-Trac’s flagship TTR FI-4 belt scale system installed at AfriSam Coedmore uses a fully floating pivotless weigh frame supported by four load cells, making it ideal for high-precision applications. It is a simple and extremely accurate system engineered to produce precise data. With a proven accuracy margin under 0,1%, the belt scale sets industry standards in metallurgical accounting.

“In addition to the accuracy of the technology, we are equally impressed by the service provided by Tru-Trac. Although they taught us to do in-house calibrations, a technician visits our site every month. Choosing Tru-Trac has proven to be one of the best business decisions we have made in recent times,” concludes Naidoo.