Haver & Boecker, a leading provider of mineral processing systems, opens its doors to future mining engineers.
In January, the company gave 27 University of Toronto mining engineering students a firsthand look at the industry. Haver & Boecker engineers presented on various aspects of vibrating screens and the screening process before giving the students a tour of the plant to reinforce what they are learning in class. The company plans to continue the programme and offer it to other higher education institutions.
Sam Marcuson, University of Toronto Materials Science and Engineering adjunct professor, contacted Haver & Boecker following a presentation by the company at a Canadian Institute of Mining event.
"I wanted to give my students field experience and a hands-on approach to understanding the industry and career they’ve chosen," Marcuson said. "Screening is an important part of mineral processing, so seeing the equipment, talking to specialists, and learning about the technical, economic and customer aspects is incredibly helpful. The material isn’t easily conveyed in a classroom."
Dieter Takev, Haver & Boecker’s vice-president of engineering and technology, and Duncan High, processing equipment technology division manager, walked students through the basics of screening, screen sizing, vibrating screen mechanical performance and vibration analysis. Takev and High’s seminars included the history of screening as well as the definition of screening and its phases. Students learned about types of material and screening equipment, the calculations involved in determining optimum performance and the mechanical design of different components.
Takev also instructed the group on how mining and aggregates operations use Haver & Boecker’s Pulse vibration analysis software to monitor the health of vibrating screens and detect irregularities that would prevent optimum performance.
The mining engineering students closed their day with a tour of the plant. Haver & Boecker experts showed the students how to conduct vibration analysis on a running machine.
"The trip was a resounding success. The sessions were informative and provided the perfect complement to the description of screens and screening that was presented in class," Marcuson said. "And the whole day demonstrated to my students the high level of engineering support on what can appear, at first glance, to be a relatively straightforward piece of equipment."
Marcuson also said trips like this help address the challenge of keeping manufacturing jobs in North America. He said developing constructive relationships with customers and providing high-quality products with continued support are vital to be successful.
The programme will continue annually with the University of Toronto. Haver & Boecker invites other institutions with mining and aggregates programmes to contact it for the opportunity to offer their students firsthand industry experience.
"We’re excited that we could use our experience and knowledge to give these future industry leaders a firsthand look at what their career path holds," said Peter Kilmurray, vice-president of sales. "The group was very attentive and asked great questions throughout the day. We hope the information we conveyed leaves a lasting, positive impression that will help them in the years to come."