Keeping miners warm for increased productivity – Franklin Empire
Franklin Empire Inc. is the largest independent electrical distributor in Canada, and is the only distributor with in-house manufacturing and repair facilities. Franklin Empire has 20 branches across Quebec and Ontario, and employs over 450 people. Franklin Electric acquired Playford in 1987, becoming Franklin Playford. In 1992, Franklin Playford and Empire Electric merged, creating Franklin Empire Inc. The acquisition of ElectroMécanik in 2000 formed their ElectroMécanik Playford division. This division continues to manufacture Playford industrial electric heaters, the most robust on the market since 1922. Playford industrial heaters are very popular in the mining industry. The heating element is the heart of the unit heater and has been designed to withstand the most severe operating conditions. All components are manufactured to the same rugged
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standards for use in harsh industrial environmental conditions. A stainlesssteel core and high-temperature refractory insulators provide continuous support for the high-quality nickel/ chrome alloy resistance wire coil. Each element is bolted into a mounting frame to withstand high velocities, a vigorous heat cycling, and external vibrations. All heaters are built with durable ballbearing motors. The unique design of the elements differentiates Playford heaters from others on the market. Playford heaters are often used in the temporary rooms set up in mines. Two major customers had a need for their heavy machinery used in mines. Electro-Mécanik Playford was able to develop an anti-vibration model designed from their standard unit heater to satisfy their needs. These companies have been using these units for over 20 years now and they are still in operation. These anti-
vibration heaters are used by other major mining companies and in other industries that have a need for heating in heavy machinery. In addition to heaters, ElectroMécanik Playford shops assemble control panels, power factor correction systems, low-voltage capacitors, and starters. They repair motors, industrial welding machines, lifting equipment, and automation equipment. A team of experienced technicians can perform a vibration analysis, dynamic balancing, motor testing, and preventive maintenance. Franklin Empire (Electro-Mécanik Playford) worked on a project with an engineering firm in Toronto to build two 1500 HP mine hoist panels for a mine in the Ontario region. Each panel consisted of two 2200A Siemens DC digital drives and a control section. Each drive is connected to a 1500 HP 550V DC motor. The motors are connected to a common shaft. The drives share the load and are synchronized by high-speed digital communication. The customer’s specification required that the drives have a common armature with prevision for the connection of a 4500A high-speed DC breaker in this circuit. Electro-Mécanik Playford designed and built a Copper DC bus bar system to meet the requirements of Hepburn Engineering and CSA. All live parts were insulated by means of Plexiglas barriers moulded to suit in the manufacturing facility. Upon completion, the units were tested and inspected by CSA and given a special CSA approval. Through their Electro-Mécanik Playford shops, and the long list of manufacturers they represent for distribution of lighting, electrical supplies, controls and automation, Franklin Empire has the expertise, experience and reputation to provide a complete solution to the mining industry for all their electrical needs. ¦