Optidrive P2 Powers New Quarry Processing Plant in New South Wales

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Problem

As part of a major expansion, the quarry needed a variable speed drive solution capable of controlling multiple conveyors, vibrators and a high-power extraction fan from a single, centralised control system. The drives had to operate reliably in a demanding industrial environment.

Solution

Invertek Drives' Optidrive P2 was selected as a single, standardised drive solution across the processing line. Twenty five drives were installed, including IP20 units for conveyors and vibrators and an IP55 Optidrive P2 controlling a 200 kW extraction fan.

Quarry processing facility

Application

Control of multiple conveyors, vibrators and a high power extraction fan as part of a major quarry plant expansion.

Invertek solution

Optidrive P2 variable frequency drives

Background

As part of a significant processing plant expansion, a quarry operator in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales required a reliable and flexible variable speed drive solution to control conveyors, vibratory equipment and a large extraction fan.

The project was delivered by an experienced engineering contractor and required seamless integration with the site’s existing PLC and SCADA control system. Reliability, standardisation and ease of commissioning were key priorities, alongside the ability to support long cable runs and high power applications.

The challenge

The quarry environment placed demanding requirements on the drive solution. Equipment was distributed across the site, resulting in long motor cable runs, while the control system required full Ethernet based communication for monitoring and diagnostics.

With several drive manufacturers involved in the tender process, the quarry operator was also seeking to simplify procurement and long term support by standardising on a single supplier wherever possible. The site was already using Sumitomo Drive Technologies gear units, making compatibility and supplier alignment an important consideration.

The solution

Invertek Drives’ Optidrive P2 was selected to provide a consistent drive platform across the processing line.

In total, 25 Optidrive P2 VFDs were installed:

24 IP20 units controlling conveyors and vibrators
1 IP55 Optidrive P2 controlling a 200 kW extraction fan

All drives were installed in an environmentally controlled electrical room. To support the long motor cable runs, output chokes were fitted to ensure reliable operation and protect connected motors.

Each Optidrive P2 was equipped with an Ethernet communications card, enabling direct integration into the quarry’s PLC and SCADA system. This allowed full visibility of drive status, operational data and fault diagnostics from the central control room.

Commissioning and performance

Commissioning was completed efficiently, with Ethernet connectivity allowing rapid integration into the control system. The installer reported that configuration was straightforward and required minimal adjustment.

The Optidrive P2 drives have delivered stable and consistent performance across all applications, including conveyors operating under varying load conditions, vibratory equipment and the high power extraction fan.

Tony Cox, Head of Invertek Drives in Australia with Sumitomo Drive Technologies, said: "The Optidrive P2 provided the right balance of power capability, Ethernet connectivity and ease of use. Having Ethernet available on every drive allowed the system to be integrated quickly, and the 200 kW extraction fan was comfortably handled by the P2 platform."

A spokesperson for the engineering contractor added: "The drives were straightforward to commission and integrated easily into the PLC and SCADA system. Performance across conveyors, vibrators and the extraction fan has been excellent."

The result

By standardising on Optidrive P2, the quarry operator has achieved a reliable, fully integrated drive solution that meets current operational demands while simplifying future maintenance and expansion.

Further development is already planned, including an additional processing line and the phased replacement of older competitor drives during 2026.