Palabora Project – World Record
Palabora Project World Record Design included mechanical design, dynamic analysis, pulley FEA, curved chute design, control system, instrumentation, and commisioning. Worlds strongest belt at the time.
| Year of Construction: | 1989 |
| Location: | South Africa |
| Length (Tail to Head): | 2.875 km |
| Power: | 14,100 kW |
| Capacity: | 7,200 tph |
| Strength: | ST-6600 N/mm |
| Speed: | 4.1 m/s |
| Material: | Copper Ore |
- Worlds strongest belt at the time
- Low speed holdbacks on two drive pulleys use CDI designed holdback load share device to share load to +/- 10%.
- Determined shell fatal flaw in pulley design prior to manufacturing using FEA.
- In 1993, CDI provided novel curved chute design which protects against premature belt wear.
