Chambishi’s clay guns and taphole drills

BATEMAN has supplied fully-automated clay guns and drills to Chambishi Metals PLC, Zambia. Mounted on integrated carriages travelling on rails suspended overhead, the units serve multiple tapholes to tap both the slag and the metal independently.

An emergency clay gun, operated by backup accumulators, has also been installed to service the metal tapholes. In the event of a power or functional failure of the service unit, the emergency unit will ram the service unit out of position and position itself to plug the taphole.

The BATEMAN - Paul Wurth combination clay gun and taphole drill supplied to Chambishi meets all the modern requirements of a functional tapping platform. First, it creates a safe working environment for the operators and workers in the area. While heat- and burn-related accidents are infrequent, they are potentially very serious and reduction of all risk is a high priority. Secondly, it complies with all requirements for an extended tappingblock life. Being simple, rigid and high powered, repeatable positioning on the taphole is possible and its operation is functional, reliable and maintenance-free. When the equipment is retracted, it provides easy access and maximised space around the main launder.

The equipment can also handle the stringent processing demands imposed by the use of the harder siliconcarbide-bonded clays and the narrow and long tapholes needed for long tapping times and a regular flow of molten metal and slag.

Chambishi’s combined clay gun and taphole drill feature a fully remote-control operation. The slewing and ramming movements are hydraulically powered from a centralised pump and accumulator station through solid piping and swivel joints and no flexible hoses are used. The hydraulic fluid tolerates high temperatures and is non-flammable. The hydraulic holding force of the gun positioned on the taphole is adjustable up to 27 tonne. The drill is held in position during operation by the hydraulic cylinder – obviating the need for a separate locking device.

The clay gun can be designed with a capacity of up to 300 litres, with a nozzle designed for clay pressures up to 200 bar

More information may be obtained from Dave Norval, General Manager, Post Taphole Services, on +27-11-201-2300 or email posttaphole@batemanengineering.com

VIEW PDF