Mining applications

Mining operations require continuous production in some of the severest conditions for electrical and rotary equipment.

Palmera supports OEMs, EPCs, and operators with motor systems designed for reliability, automation, and energy efficiency.

HPGR
Ball mills
Slurry pumps
Conveyors

Relevant case studies

HPGR load-sharing motor replacement

A high-pressure grinding roll application required one motor to be replaced while the remaining parallel motor stayed in service.

Open Case Study

VFD-compatible slurry pump replacement

A copper mine slurry pump motor was replaced with a VFD-compatible design and improved electrical performance.

Open Case Study

Engineering notes for this sector

Load-sharing replacement motors

When two motors drive one machine in parallel, replacing one motor requires tight matching of electrical and mechanical behavior so load sharing remains stable.

Match torque curve, speed slip, efficiency, inertia, cooling, and starting behavior
Preserve shaft height, shaft end, feet, terminal box, and coupling interface
Relevant to HPGR, mills, pumps, fans, compressors, and other paired-drive systems

Cooling system enhancement

Aging motors often need improved cooling to handle hotter ambient conditions and longer duty cycles while preserving the existing mounting envelope.

Review cooling path, airflow, heat exchanger selection, and cooling class
Improve thermal margin without changing the foundation, coupling, or terminal arrangement
Recovered example: 4,600 kW motor cooling upgraded from IC511 to IC516 while frame size reduced from 1250 mm to 900 mm

Torque and speed-curve matching

Replacement designs must consider existing load curves, starting current, and speed-torque behavior so the new motor remains compatible with the driven machine.

Match original speed-torque curve and starting behavior
Reduce inrush current where possible
Keep adequate torque safety factor during network voltage drop and soft-start operation

VFD-compatible motor replacement

VFD-compatible motors require review of the original drive design, harmonic effects, insulation stress, and the ability to operate without changing existing drive settings.

Account for THD and high-voltage spike insulation stress
Use motor and VFD design data during replacement engineering
Witness testing can simulate real operating conditions and load

Spare-parts inventory continuity

Replacement motors can be designed around existing spare-parts inventories to reduce stock duplication and maintenance cost.

Consider existing bearings, sleeve bearings, carbon brushes, and other maintained components
Useful for large plants with high-value motor spares already in stock
Supports long-term maintenance continuity