Kleemann all-electric plant train impresses in Sweden
Cost-efficient and future-oriented electric plant train proves positive for Kentas Last & Schakt AB
IN the coastal region of Stockholm, construction contractors Kentas Last & Schakt AB are taking another step into the future with an entire crushing and screening process being handled by an exclusively electrically powered, line-coupled plant train from Kleemann consisting of a Mobicat MC 120 PRO jaw crusher, a Mobicone MCO 110 PRO cone crusher, and a Mobiscreen MSC 953 EVO screening plant.
As Kentas Last & Schakt predominantly process 0–600mm granite and recycling materials, it is often necessary to adapt the machine settings to cope with the wide range of different feed materials, which is one of the reasons why a complete plant train consisting of three Kleemann machines is now in use. From the jaw crusher, the crushed material with a grain size of 0–150mm is passed to the cone crusher, where, after further crushing to a size of 0–60mm, it finally reaches the mobile classifying screen, which separates it into three fractions: 0–16mm, 16–32mm, and +32mm oversize.
‘Our decision to go fully electric was motivated by energy-saving considerations and the desire to reduce emissions’, explained Freddie Erickson, co-owner of Kentas Last & Schakt AB.
The investment also pays off in financial terms, with Kentas Last & Schakt estimating that the operating costs otherwise incurred by diesel fuel consumption are more or less cut by half when using an electric power supply. The procedures are also simpler and save valuable time, with no daily refuelling and no warm-up times, plus, as the electrical systems are more reliable, maintenance tasks are also easier and less complex.
The conditions at the location also confirmed the viability of the Swedish company’s project from a financial and logistical point of view. A substantial six-figure Euro sum was invested in infrastructure measures, including a transformer station and the laying of underground power supply lines.
The individual components of the plant train are interlinked by smart line coupling, which, thanks to automated regulation, guarantees a stable process chain from end to end. The machines communicate via fill level sensors and autonomously regulate their output. The upstream machine, for example, reduces the feed when the downstream machine reports a high fill level. If an emergency stop is activated anywhere on the train, all machines are stopped simultaneously.
Kleemann's SPECTIVE CONNECT system is used for on-site operations. It allows machine data and settings to be conveniently viewed and adjusted via a smartphone – safely and efficiently, without having to be present in person at the plant.
The experience gathered with all-electric operation has been entirely positive. In view of the results, Kentas Last & Schakt AB are already planning the electrification of further machines: ‘We are actively working on the conversion of as many of our machines as possible to electric power. This is clearly the way forward, and we are determined to implement this change across our entire fleet,’ said Mr Erickson.
