WEG Electric CIS, a subsidiary of WEG based in St Petersburg, has been awarded a contract to supply two flame-proof motors for the primary ventilation system of the Chertinskaya-Koksovaya mine in Russia.

Partnering with Ventprom, a manufacturer of underground ventilation equipment, WEG has developed unique, explosion-proof motors to meet the challenging conditions of a large-scale mining environment, it says.

The Chertinskaya-Koksovaya mine, in Belovo, is managed by MMK-Ugol, which produces around 3.4 Mt/y of coal, 2.8 Mt of which is used for steel production.

Working with Ventprom, WEG has designed a new motor that has been manufactured specifically to operate in this environment, it said.

Due to the nature of the Chertinskaya-Koksovaya environment, off-the-shelf motors would not suffice, according to WEG. To overcome this, WEG applied its expertise in motor design to develop a bespoke solution, with increased lifespan compared with more generic motors.

Using a tube-cooling design, WEG came up with two flame-proof motors that could operate effectively when fully enclosed. As opposed to air cooling, the motors minimise heat by using cooling tubes inside the motor’s frame.

As part of the commission, WEG also developed a unique bearing arrangement to endure the high loads and inertia of the application. The two flame-proof motors, which operated at an output of 2,400 kW, were customised specifically for deployment in the mining environment.

The two motors meet Customs Union certification, a standard for countries in the Commonwealth of Independent States. The motors also adhere to EACEx standards, the Eurasian conformity certification for explosion-proof products, according to WEG.

They were designed and manufactured for Chertinskaya-Koksovaya by WEG Portugal at one of the company’s European manufacturing facilities in Maia. The factory is one of two production sites in Portugal and specialises in the production of explosion-proof motors.

Ihor Sapa, Business Development of Russia and CIS countries at WEG Portugal, said: “Customised products are not necessarily a luxury, but a necessity in some sectors. For this project, developing a bespoke motor was essential. In the environment of the Chertinskaya-Koksovaya mine, the motors needed to be flame-proof and expertly designed.

“Thankfully, WEG Portugal is highly experienced in the manufacture of explosion-protected solutions.

“WEG’s customer-focused approach and the attention given to customers’ individual needs proves that WEG is prepared to address the requirements of unique and complicated projects – including underground mining and classified area products.”