Primal Air’s VRF Midea 33kW Air Conditioning System Installation for a Bindura Mine
Case Study: Primal Air’s VRF Midea 33kW Air Conditioning System Installation for a Bindura Mine
Optimizing Climate Control in Harsh Mining Environments
Executive Summary
Primal Air designed and installed a customized Midea 33kW Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) air conditioning system for a mining operation in Bindura, Zimbabwe. The project addressed extreme temperatures, dust exposure, and uneven cooling demands across the facility. The solution improved worker comfort, equipment reliability, and energy efficiency, demonstrating Primal Air’s expertise in industrial HVAC solutions.
Client Background
The Bindura Mine is a mid-sized mining operation specializing in gold extraction. The facility faced challenges maintaining consistent indoor temperatures in administrative offices, control rooms, and equipment storage areas due to harsh environmental conditions and outdated cooling systems.
Challenges
1. Extreme Ambient Temperatures : Surface temperatures exceeding 35°C strained existing cooling systems.
2. Dust and Corrosion : High dust levels risked equipment malfunction and air quality.
3. Zoning Requirements : Varied cooling needs across offices (22–24°C) and equipment rooms (18–20°C).
4. Operational Continuity: Installation needed to avoid disruptions to mining activities.
Primal Air’s Solution
A Midea 33kW VRF System with tailored indoor units:
– 1 x Ceiling Cassette: Installed in the central control room (open-plan area).
– 5 x Mid-Wall Indoor Units: Strategically placed in offices, meeting rooms, and equipment storage zones.
Key Features:
– VRF Technology: Midea V6 Heat Recovery Inverter-driven compressors for 40% energy savings.
– Dust-Resistant Filters: Enhanced filtration for mining environments.
– Zoned Temperature Control: Independent settings for each indoor unit.
– Corrosion-Resistant Coating: Protection against humidity and chemical exposure.
– Remote Monitoring : IoT-enabled diagnostics for proactive maintenance.
Implementation Process
1. Site Survey: Assessed airflow requirements, structural constraints, and electrical infrastructure.
2. Custom Design : Balanced load distribution to match cooling demands (e.g., higher capacity for equipment rooms).
3. Phased Installation : Conducted during off-peak mining shifts to avoid downtime.
4. Rigorous Testing : Ensured seamless integration with existing ventilation systems.
5. Staff Training : Hands-on sessions for mine technicians on system operation and maintenance.
Key Challenge Overcome:
– Dust Mitigation : Upgraded filters prevented particulate ingress, extending system lifespan.
Results
– 35% Reduction in energy consumption vs. previous systems.
– Consistent Temperatures: Achieved ±1°C precision in critical zones.
– Zero Downtime: Installation completed without interrupting mine operations.
– Improved Air Quality : 90% reduction in dust particles in cooled areas.
– Scalability: VRF system allows future expansion with minimal upgrades.
Client Testimonial
“Primal Air’s VRF system transformed our facility. The zoned cooling keeps our teams comfortable, and the energy savings are remarkable. Their ability to work around our mining schedule was invaluable.”
— Mine Operations Manager, Bindura Mine
Conclusion
Primal Air’s installation of the Midea 33kW VRF system underscores the value of adaptive HVAC solutions in industrial settings. By combining cutting-edge technology with robust design, the project enhanced operational efficiency and worker productivity for Bindura Mine.
About Primal Air
Primal Air specializes in industrial and commercial HVAC systems, delivering energy-efficient, durable solutions for challenging environments. With expertise in mining sector requirements, we prioritize reliability, compliance, and client-specific customization.
Contact us to engineer climate control solutions that withstand the toughest conditions.
