Varelen designs and manufactures field-proven, flameproof mining duty transformers for a variety of mining environments and applications.
Mining ONAN transformers and flameproof dry type transformer are used extensively at mines, converting and distributing voltage utilized for distribution, load center, and shovel duty. They must have high power, a low profile, and a compact design to be suitable for rugged mining locations.
Transformers for mining equipment , especially those designed by Varelen, are engineered to withstand these stresses. They provide stable voltage conversion, safe distribution, and robust durability under demanding conditions. This article explores the role of mining transformers in surface mining projects, highlights their design principles, and explains why Varelen’s engineering approach ensures maximum reliability.
Mining oil transformers are specialized electrical devices that convert and distribute voltage to power mining equipment. Unlike standard distribution transformers, they are built with:
High mechanical strength to withstand shocks and vibrations.
Low-profile design for installation in restricted underground and surface spaces.
Compact build to fit within mobile load centers and substations.
Enhanced cooling systems to manage constant heavy loading.
They serve applications such as load centers, power distribution units, and shovel duty operations. In mining, these transformers act as the backbone of power infrastructure. Without them, drills, conveyors, shovels, and process plants cannot function efficiently.
Surface mining projects often span vast areas, requiring reliable and distributed power delivery. Transformers enable power to be stepped down from transmission voltage to usable levels for machinery. Key roles include:
Voltage Conversion: Ensuring large excavation shovels, crushers, and conveyors receive stable power.
By securing continuous electricity, mining duty transformers directly support productivity and minimize downtime in surface operations.
Mining transformers are deployed in a wide range of environments:
Underground mining:
Surface mining:
Process plants:
Mobile substations:
For over 30 years, Varelen has specialized in designing transformers for some of the world’s harshest mining environments. Clients in North America and beyond trust Varelen because:
Technical Specification
|
Main Specification |
|
|
Transformer type |
Three phases, dry type, oil immersed , nitrogen filled transformer |
|
Frequency |
50 or 60Hz |
|
Rated capacity |
Up to 8000kVA |
|
Rated voltage |
Up to 11kV |
|
Insulation class |
H, C |
|
Cooling mode |
ANAN，GNAN |
|
Explosion-proof type |
ExdIMb |
|
Connection code |
Yd, Dyn, Yyn etc. |
|
Standard |
IEC60079 |
|
Protection Class |
IP56 |
| Mounts | Surface and skid |
| Enclosures | stainless steel painted or standard coast guard white. Indoor or Outdoor Application |
Different mining environments require unique transformer designs. The following table compares common differences:
| Feature | Surface Mining Transformers | Underground Mining Transformers |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Larger units, higher cooling capacity | Low-profile, compact design |
| Cooling | AFAF, AFWF for continuous duty | Natural or forced air cooling |
| Protection | IP-rated enclosures for dust, moisture | Resin insulation for fire resistance |
| Mobility | Used in fixed substations and mobile units | Installed in confined, transportable setups |
| Risk Factors | Exposure to weather and heavy loads | Fire hazards, space constraints |
Modern mining projects demand energy efficiency as well as reliability. Mining duty transformers contribute to this goal by:
Reducing no-load and load losses through optimized core materials.
Utilizing amorphous metal cores for improved energy savings.
Extending equipment life by minimizing heat buildup.
Energy-efficient transformers not only lower operational costs but also support sustainability initiatives in the mining sector.
Transformers for surface mining projects are not simple commodities. They are specialized power devices that must withstand punishing environments while delivering consistent energy to critical machinery. Varelen’s mining duty transformers embody durability, safety, and efficiency. By combining advanced insulation, cooling technologies, corrosion-resistant coatings, and custom engineering, Varelen ensures that its transformers operate reliably in both surface and underground mining projects.
For mining operators, choosing the right transformer partner directly influences safety, productivity, and cost efficiency. With over three decades of proven expertise, Varelen remains a trusted name for mining duty transformers worldwide.
