LH Marthinusen (LHM), a division of ACTOM (Pty) Ltd., has successfully finished a significant fan installation project for a major mine in the Phalaborwa region, further establishing its position as a leading provider of electro-mechanical solutions for the mining industry. This project involved the design, manufacturing, and installation of four overhung centrifugal fans, making it one of the largest installations of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.
Project Specifications and Impact - Size and Scale
A 3MW 11kV ACTOM motor powers each of the four 4-metre-diameter centrifugal fans, delivering an impressive airflow of 400 m³/s at 5500 Pa. The performance of these fans is precisely controlled by an integrated Inlet Guide Vane (IGV) system, which ensures optimal ventilation efficiency. A single fan assembly, complete with outlet ducting, stands approximately 15 metres tall and spans 7.2 metres wide, with the full assembly measuring 55 metres wide by 52 metres long and designed to handle substantial amounts of water in the airstream.
“This project represents a significant achievement for LHM,” states Gareth Bodley, General Manager of the Fan Division at LHM. “We’ve delivered a sturdy and reliable ventilation solution that improves safety and operational efficiency for the mine. The size and complexity of this installation demonstrate LHM’s ability to handle large-scale, demanding projects within the mining sector.”
The fan system offers vital 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 sustain full production without interruption, enhancing both safety and productivity.”
Engineering Excellence and Innovative Benchmarking
The project involved refurbishing and reusing existing equipment, as well as designing and manufacturing new components. LHM engineers introduced innovative design enhancements, including specialised, maintenance-free bearings for the IGV assemblies, ensuring long-term reliability and efficiency.
“LHM is not only a leader in electro-mechanical repairs and refurbishments but also a provider of cutting-edge solutions, supported by our technology partner TLT-Turbo GmbH, whose expertise in advanced ventilation continues to inspire industry-leading innovations,” explains Bodley. “This project demonstrates our ability to design and deliver advanced fan systems that meet the unique challenges of the mining industry. We have enhanced the previous design to ensure longevity and minimise future issues.”
Manufacturing and Project Timeline
The project commenced in October 2023 and was scheduled for completion in June 2025. The first phase, which involved installing new equipment, was completed in December 2024, while the second phase focused on refurbishing existing components. The key components of this project were manufactured and assembled in LHM’s state-of-the-art 6,000 sqm Fan facility in Driehoek, Gauteng.
“We are proud to have successfully delivered this project, showcasing our expertise and commitment to the mining industry,” Bodley concludes. “This project has already generated significant interest in our Fan Division, and we look forward to continuing to provide innovative solutions for our clients.”