The latest addition to the FLSmidth range of reclaim feeders is the Buffalo reclaim feeder that offers an economic way of reclaiming coal at power station stockpiles, as well as for ROM coal. FLSmidth comments: “These highly durable reclaim feeders represent a low operating cost solution to optimising both new and existing plants. They are mobile and moveable, affordable and easy to install with minimum civil works required.”
The Buffalo brand, originally known as McCarthy Mine Machinery, successfully developed and introduced the original Buffalo feeder-breaker into coal mines in 1975. Since then, constant product development and innovation has seen FLSmidth’s Buffalo feeder-breaker being widely employed in the coal mining industry. The company became part of FLSmidth in 1999. Today FLSmidth’s Buffalo range of chain feeders is manufactured in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga, in the Delmas coal fields and draws on the company’s extensive experience in the design, development, manufacture and servicing of feeder-breakers.
Whether operating in a power station stockyard or handling ROM coal on a mine, or acting as a bypass unit during major stacker reclaimer maintenance operations, the new mobile Buffalo reclaim feeder can be loaded by either dozing or side tipping onto the feeding deck at a feed rate of up to 1,800 t/h through a sizer or directly onto a conveyor belt. The chain is driven by two power efficient induction motors coupled to direct drive trains. Feed rates are easily adjusted using variable frequency drives. On-board transformers can be fitted for uncomplicated installation and mobility. The machines are also equipped with automatic lubrication for ease of maintenance and reliability.
The reclaim feeders are fitted with a removable hardware bolt on the deck plates to promote longer machine life between overhaul cycles and all new machines comply with the latest South African Mine Health and Safety standards, ensuring safe operation and maintenance of machinery in mines. The Buffalo range of chain feeders is custom designed and can be manufactured to suit a broad spectrum of customer applications. Buffalo feeders have a robust build and have been engineered for long life and to operate in harsh conditions. Chain breakage is practically eliminated, as the chain pull is designed to be 120 t per strand. The chain feeder operates at low speeds (0.08 to 0.35 m/s), which promotes long wear life of chains, sprockets and flight bars.