South Africa-based condition monitoring specialists, WearCheck, expanded their operations further in Mozambique, with the opening of a world-class laboratory in Maputo.
WearCheck’s first Mozambican laboratory opened in 2013 in Tete province, Western Mozambique to service the region’s precious stone and coal mining industries with the scientific analysis of used oil, fuel and coolant testing and other asset reliability care (ARC) services.
This laboratory has now moved to Maputo, where it is situated at Esquina da EN4 and Mozal Road, Talhão no. 11/15, Bairro Mussumbuluco, Municipio da Matola.
WearCheck acquired CMMC, a condition monitoring company in Maputo, during 2021.
The addition of CMMC to the company’s East African presence boosted the availability of specialist condition monitoring techniques to mines and other industrial operations in Southern Mozambique as well as those in the Nelspruit area near the RSA border.
CMMC, launched in 2006, carried out similar functions to WearCheck’s ARC division, including vibration, alignment, thermography and oil analysis.
Managing director of WearCheck, Neil Robinson, is pleased that industries in East Africa are benefiting from the merger between the two companies, as the full range of WearCheck’s condition monitoring techniques is now available in the region. These include general used oil analysis, transformer oil analysis and Advanced Field Services (AFS)-aligned techniques such as Non-destructive Testing, Technical Compliance, Rope Condition Assessment) and other ARC functions.
‘We extend a heartfelt welcome to WearCheck Mozambique country manager, Riaan du Plooy, and his team of 10 analysts who have joined the WearCheck family, and to all the original CMMC customers – we are delighted to help you save money through a wide range of world-class condition monitoring services that boost the reliability and availability of machinery,’ said Robinson.
‘Furthermore, WearCheck Maputo is strategically situated to provide our customers in the greater Nelspruit area with added local expertise.’
Market leader
WearCheck is the market leader in several condition monitoring sectors – including testing and analysis, asset reliability care and lubricant-enabled reliability services. WearCheck enhances the health of transformers, engines and other assets.
Testing and analysis services scientifically monitor used oil from mechanical and electrical systems, transformer oil, water, fuel, greases etc., and over 800 000 samples are processed by WearCheck each year.
Water analysis – WearCheck’s newest service – tests water quality across a broad range of applications.
The lubricant-enabled reliability service offers advice and products to enhance an operation’s lubricant management systems.
WearCheck’s asset reliability care division offers services such as reliability solutions (balancing, vibration monitoring, alignment and more) and advanced field services (rope testing, technical compliance, non-destructive testing).
WearCheck serves many industries – mining, wind turbines, earthmoving, industrial, transport, shipping, aircraft and electrical operations.
World-class condition monitoring
WearCheck’s footprint incorporates 14 world-class laboratories in nine countries across Africa and beyond.
Businesses in these countries have easy access to a WearCheck laboratory, including South Africa, Mozambique, Ghana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, DRC, Dubai and India. The company also operates satellite offices in several other African countries, where samples can be dropped off for processing.
WearCheck’s unique container laboratories
The company’s unique Maputo laboratory is created from a remodelled shipping container – one of five operated by WearCheck in different African countries.
WearCheck’s head office in Westville is where the distinctive mobile laboratories are compiled in repurposed shipping containers. Kitted out with the latest laboratory instruments, the labs also boast features such as ventilation, air extraction systems, fire prevention, uninterrupted power supply, air conditioning and burglar bars.
The design of the container labs is fluid, to accommodate new industry developments and techniques.
Robinson is addressing the infrastructure deficit in locations in Africa by providing scientific analysis services in remote areas where mining and other industries operate.
Says Robinson, ‘Our mission is to enhance access to world class condition monitoring services in Africa. While establishing a brick and mortar laboratory in certain locations is often hindered by stumbling blocks such as basic infrastructure, the container laboratories do not rely on these and are therefore far easier to place in areas with limited accessibility.
‘Ensuring consistently accurate test results is critical, therefore each mobile laboratory remains connected to the WearCheck South Africa LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System), which ensures quality control and standardised testing procedures.’
International WearCheck Group
WearCheck is a member of the International WearCheck Group (WCI) which is an association of independent laboratories spanning the globe, dedicated to oil and wear particle analysis. This relationship with the WCI allows for the ongoing exchange of technical information globally and the ability to offer a worldwide service.
In Mozambique, samples can be delivered to WearCheck Maputo, which can be contacted by phone on +258 8469 77006 or email Gabrielp@wearcheck.co.mz. Alternatively, you can call +258 8579-27933 or +27 83 596-5562 or email RiaanDP@WearCheckRS.com
