The process of mining is complex and requires the involvement of numerous industries.
The infrastructure (electricity, clean water, wastewater, road networks...) can be compared to that of a large city, not to mention the industrial infrastructure itself.
Traditionally, mining operations have faced significant challenges in managing large valves. Whether at ocean-side pumping stations, along pipeline routes, or especially in the mines themselves, water networks are complex, with huge flow rates, and therefore require custom valves (DN1000, even DN1200).
Often, these valves are manual and required thousands of handwheel turns to open or close, resulting in extremely long operating times. In some cases, it took several days to operate a single valve.
However, the interview also highlighted a major challenge facing the mining industry: handling heavy and hard-to-reach valves. Dave explained that the power plant valves were laborious to operate, resulting in intense physical fatigue for the operators.
One of our clients, a major mining company in Chile, faced significant challenges in operating large valves in remote facilities. Thanks to modec portable actuators, they managed to drastically reduce the operation time of a DN1200 valve from 3 days to just +/- 25 minutes. This translated to a 92% reduction in operation time, increasing efficiency and lowering maintenance costs.
Additionally, by eliminating physical strain, the risk of musculoskeletal injuries was significantly reduced, greatly improving workers’ health and well-being.
For the many valves located in pumping stations and water treatment plants, where compressed air networks are common, we offer pneumatic actuators, specially designed to be powerful and lightweight.
These devices can be ATEX-certified for use in explosive-risk areas, ensuring maximum safety.
Furthermore, for applications requiring greater autonomy, our battery-powered actuators offer the possibility of connecting directly to the electrical grid, allowing continuous operation without interruptions.
Modec portable actuators offer an innovative and efficient solution to this problem. Thanks to their compact and powerful design, they allow large-diameter valves to be operated quickly, safely, and precisely.
Additionally, their portability and autonomy make them ideal for use in remote and hard-to-reach environments.
Drastic reduction in operation time: A single person can open or close a large valve in minutes.
Increased safety: Eliminates the need for physical effort and reduces the risk of injury.
Enhanced efficiency: Optimizes maintenance processes and reduces downtime.
Versatility: Adaptable to different types of valves and environmental conditions.
It only takes a few seconds to install the portable actuator and handwheel adapter.
The device is intuitive, safe, lightweight, and can be used by anyone without danger. Some mines in Chile have used it to improve gender balance in jobs that were previously reserved for physically stronger individuals due to the harsh working conditions.
Portable actuators require no specific maintenance and are particularly suited to demanding environments.
With only 4 models (1 pneumatic, 2 battery-powered, 1 thermal), and a few adapters, any valve can be operated in any environment.
Whether there is a need to save time by speeding up or to increase force for difficult valves, our devices meet these goals.
The benefits of portable actuators are clear and measurable.
Beyond saving time and reducing costs associated with accidents and sick leave, these devices significantly improve workers' quality of life by reducing fatigue and the risk of injuries.
By extending the lifespan of equipment and optimizing maintenance processes, portable actuators represent a long-term investment that yields significant returns. The satisfaction of operators and improvements in productivity are just some of the many advantages this technology brings to the mining industry.
As many of our clients have expressed, the question that arises is: “Why didn’t we adopt this solution earlier?” or “What other tasks could be automated in the future?”
English