Based in South Africa, with a product footprint throughout Southern Africa, Busbars Installations and Manufacturers (BI-M) is adequately equipped to meet potential demand for busbar trunking from new mining operations which are being developed in Africa. The company foresees increase in demand for its Metal Enclosed Busbar System (MEBS), in addition to water-cooled furnace cables and flexible connectors.
Mining companies in South Africa and the rest of the continent are launching greenfield and brownfield projects to expand their operations. It is certain that one of the vital products that will be needed in the new developments is busbar trunking, which is critical in the delivery of power to new loads.
As a manufacturer, supplier and installer with over two decades of experience, Busbars Installations and Manufacturers (BI-M) is keen to share its knowhow with mining companies as they make crucial procurement decisions. The company is advising mining companies to be well informed about specifications of their respective busbar trunking requirements by engaging manufacturers with a proven track record in the provision of convenient and relevant solutions.
Turnkey busbar solutions
Stressing the importance of prudence in product selection, BI-M’s managing director, Moodley, guarantees that BI-M’s turnkey busbar trunking solutions have been specifically tailored to meet contemporary needs of industry. BI-M turnkey solutions entails the design, manufacturing, installation and commissioning of busbars and certain Electrical solutions which is carried out by the subsidiary company GLOBAL ELECTRICAL SOLUTIONS. From concept to commissioning, BI-M provides complete in-house engineering, which covers site surveys, 3D-CAD Drawings, Project Management and Temperature surveys.
Drawing attention to the company’s capabilities, Asogan Moodley, the managing director of BI-M, says, “Our highly skilled team provide our clients with exactly what is required, and with our 4000sqm in – house manufacturing facility, we are able to produce specialised components for the most challenging designs.”
“We pride ourselves on meeting our client’s deadlines and ensuring a quick turnaround and handover,” he adds.
Busbar range
BI-M has excelled in manufacturing and supplying premier Low voltage and Medium Voltage Polybar busbars. Its busbar range includes Resin Encapsulated Busbar System (REBS) Cast Resin, Metal Enclosed Busbar System (MEB), and Sandwich Type Busbar System (STBS) LV. It also supplies water-cooled furnace cables and flexible connectors.
Busbars specially engineered for harsh mining environments
Through unique features, the Polybar range and Sandwich Busbars are specifically engineered for the harsh mining environments (Industries where equipment is constantly at risk of exposure) which subject equipment to corrosive, explosive and chemically exposed enviroments. Polybars exterior has been successful tested against 33 of the commonly found industry chemicals ranging from mild to very harsh.
- Resin Encapsulated Busbar System
A 1000 Volt, maintenance free and IP67 rated, Resin Encapsulated Busbar System (REBS) mining specific is a favourite in mining, petrochemical and other aggressive environments. The conductor is totally encapsulated in a fire retardant, self-extinguishing and homogenous polymer concrete – guaranteeing high resistance to fire, water, moisture, mechanical loads, chemicals (33) and extreme temperature conditions.
- Metal Enclosed Busbar System (MEB)
The Metal-Enclosed Low and Medium Voltage Busbar system offers many advantages, mainly: modular frame arrangements, optional barriers for increased personnel protection, efficient and flexible designs, and standard connections to a full range of switchgear and transformer products.
- Sandwich Type Busbar System (STBS) – LV
Together with its international partners, BI-M also offers Sandwich Bustrunking for Low Voltage Power from 400A–6300A power transfer and distribution in process plants, Data Centres and Commercial Buildings
Water-cooled Cables and Flexibles for furnaces
The water-cooled water cables for electric arc furnace secondary electric circuit consist of components such as the delta closure secondary circuit, water cooled cables, electrode arms, and the electrodes. Individually designed and manufactured to a remarkably high standard, the water-cooled cables are currently used with all types of Arc furnaces, Induction furnaces and High frequency furnaces with cable ratings to 9000 MCM. As the only the only flexible part of the secondary electrical system, water-cooled cables allow for raising, lowering and swinging of the electrodes.
The copper cable is covered with a special rubber hose which is secured at the terminals with nonmagnetic stainless-steel bands. The following parameters determine the sizing: current density, water cooling flow rate, bending radius and cable length.
Setting a benchmark
In the face of products from competitors, BI-M’s flagship busbar systems, as well as the water-cooled cables and special flexible products, have set a benchmark in terms of quality, relevance and reliability.
“The Polybar system, as an alternative to traditional cabling, in particular, offers numerous advantages to the installer and client including savings on space, time and cost. There are also electrical savings due to reduced losses, reduced voltage drop and flexibility to reposition load centers using tap-off points,” Moodley points out, citing the Metal Enclosed Bus Bar Systems as a favourite in African mining.
“In general, the premium quality of the Polybar range, coupled with unrivalled product support, provides optimum solution for distribution requirements,” says Moodley, adding that BI-M has also created a niche market for its water-cooled cables for furnaces.
BI-M is currently the only 100% black-owned BBBEE-1 complaint Busbar trunking company in South Africa.
Immense opportunities for experienced suppliers
BI-M sees immense opportunities emerging for experienced suppliers from increase in the number of mining projects that are being launched in African countries following the easing of COVID-19-related restrictions on business and vaccine-roll out. “We are well resourced and experienced to meet the demand for busbars, water-cooled cables and associated flexible products in mining. As a dynamic company, we can tailor-make our solutions to suit what our clients require.”
Manufactured to high quality standards
ISO9001-2015 accredited, BI-M adheres to international quality assurance standards on industrial busbars.
The Polybar Busbar range – Resin Encapsulated Busbar System (REBS) and Metal Enclosed Busbar System (MEBS) – is fully SABS Test Certified.
Its Sandwich Type Range, (EFFIBAR) Sandwich Type Busbar System (STBS) is fully type tested to the DEKRA/KEMA Standards. It is manufactured in a Certified Management System environment where Quality ISO 9001, Safety OHSAS 18001 and Energy Management System ISO 50001 standards are applied to all aspects of the manufacturing and installation processes. It is also manufactured in accordance with IEC61439-1 and IEC61439-6.
The busbars undergo the following tests:
- Verification of Strength of materials and parts
- Verification of Degree of protection of enclosures
- Verification of Clearance and Creepage distances
- Verification of Protection against electric shock and integrity of protective circuits
- Verification of Dielectric properties
- Verification of Temperature rise limits
- Verification of Short-circuit withstand strength
