“In 16 years, you learn a lot”, contemplates MD Gustav Fourie. When questioned about the strategy and game plan for the prominent fluid handling company, Industrial Fluid Solutions he had this to say,
“Our strategy has remained consistent over the years, we believe in partnerships and aim to provide comprehensive fuel and lubricant handling solutions to heavy industries, from product and equipment selection, to storage and transport options, even including the clean-up and removal of waste products or accidental spills”.
Gustav Fourie, Industrial Fluid Solutions MD
These guys leave no stone unturned when it comes to fuel and lubricant handling on site.
IFS has taken the challenge to provide significant savings, improved productivity and better quality through enhanced lubrication methods on the local mining scene, head-on. Initially, IFS embarked on its journey by specializing in the supply and installation of lubrication systems. Today, their expertise extends to encompass a comprehensive equipment and product portfolio. Specifically designed to address virtually any on-site fluid handling needs.
One of the best features of modern fluid delivery systems is automation that has become available. And these guys take full advantage of the technology that others are apprehensive about. Automatic lubrication systems, electronic level and flow controls, even fully automated refill systems on certain solutions, are only some of the strategies they employ to squeeze some additional up time out of your machine. All this while ensuring the process is more efficient, safer, cheaper, and contaminant free.
Man on Site Program and Lumier Control Systems
IFS has honed its expertise in one of the most challenging and unforgiving environments: the African mining site. This is where equipment faces the most extreme conditions. Maintenance and repairs are at the order of the day for this nose to the grindstone team. With the Man on Site program, the risks of choosing technology over manual labor are proactively addressed. A technical consultant is stationed on your site to monitor and maintain systems. Thus reducing costs and enhancing efficiency in fluid handling, including fuel, lubrication, air, and coolant systems. Whether on-board mobile, or in bulk distribution facilities.
To keep everything in check, these tech heads invented a system they call Lumier Control Systems. These electronic control systems are based on fully potted and self-contained control units with the highest possible submersion rating. They bring comfort and functionality to machine operators through the use of a central information hub installed in diverse applications. The in-house developed software includes Engine and Terrain Monitoring, Hydro Carbon Management, and Operator ID and Control Integration. Additionally, third-party integration with CAN-bus creates a robust platform for mobile control systems.
Tankkraft Manufacturing
The ever expanding manufacturing division, Tankkraft, has built a reputation for quality and reliability in the mobile market. In 2003, this fledgling enterprise began with service bodies designed for on-highway trucks. Since then, it has expanded to manufacture small to medium-sized equipment. This equipment is specifically designed to transport liquid multi-loads across any terrain. The main goal is to optimize the load, making it more suitable for agile and cost-effective vehicles.
“We pioneered the use of Polyethylene tanks in those days and still use them today”, comments Technical Director Shaun Fourie. Their advanced design concept, known as the Canted Tank Design, incorporates these tanks. This design results in a lighter and more stable vehicle with a substantially lower center of gravity. This technology has significantly improved safety, making their products less prone to rollovers on uneven ground. Consequently, it has gained popularity among opencast mining plant operators.
Simplicity is Key
It’s often not the most complex systems that prove the best solution in certain circumstances. With this in mind, the quest for huge trucks and heavy pumps often needs to make way of simpler and smaller systems. And these lie at the heart of processing plants all over. Anywhere there is a rotating shaft, pulley or pivot point, there is a possible application for Greasemax.
This remarkably unsophisticated piece of lubrication equipment is a true stalwart of perseverance. These single point application units are compact, and single use operation is simple and convenient. Containing no electrical or mechanical components and just one moving part, these lubricators just about eliminate the tedious labour involved in manual lubrication.
Thermal Protection When You Need It
On the other hand, and possibly slightly off the slippery track, working with flammable fuels can pose various risks. Especially around engine components which can reach temperatures in excess of 500 C. This, unfortunately, is way above the flash point of diesel fuel. The installation of thermal protection products safeguard equipment from fire by taking away the ignition source exposure. Isn’t this a wonderful pro-active way to fight fires – ensuring they don’t start in the first place?
The drop in under-hood temperatures, facilitated by a turbo cover and component insulation, allows cooler air to enter your turbo’s induction. In terms of turbo performance, cooler air is preferable because it’s denser and contains more oxygen particles. This, in turn, leads to increased horsepower and reduced turbo lag.
Gustav Fourie, the eternal salesman, adds, “Manufactured from advanced inert materials that don’t absorb moisture, these covers are a fantastic addition for your truck.”
Spill Containment
Advanced materials are not only deployed in the heat management arena. Can you believe, it is also eminent in the waste management field? These days offering a non-volatile absorbent has become the norm. And safety when working with fuels, chemicals and lubricants is obviously of paramount importance. Industrial Fluid Solutions believes that every facility dealing with or handling these contaminants should prepare and equip themselves with basic spill kits and decontamination procedures. They are actively spreading their own brand of green throughout the industry and making significant progress in doing so.
Industrial Fluid Solutions… your all-round fluid handling solutions partner. Contact our sales team today!
