Mirfo install 1,000 tonnes/h QMS aggregate plant in Romania
Three cone crushers and four screens supplied by QMS for Luscan Com’s Batuta Quarry upgrade
QUARRY Manufacturing & Supplies’ (QMS) long-standing Romanian partner Mirfo Srl have recently completed the installation of a 1,000 tonnes/h aggregate plant in Arad County, Romania. An array of crushing, screening, and associated QMS equipment has been installed on behalf of leading Romanian aggregates suppliers Luscan Com Srl. The equipment will produce a multitude of aggregate fractions for use in a variety of infrastructure projects in Romania and Hungary.
Comanesti-headquartered Mirfo have, since their creation, become one of Romania’s leading suppliers and installers of high-quality quarrying and aggregate production equipment. Working in a highly competitive market that covers Romania and, increasingly, Hungary, the company has gone from strength to strength supplying, designing, installing, and supporting quarrying and aggregate plants.
One of the reasons for the success of the company in its 10 or so years of operation has been the long-standing partnership forged with UK-based QMS. This has enabled Mirfo to supply cost effectively some of the most advanced crushing and screening solutions available, supported by a company that still focuses on the needs of its customers.
A major project that Mirfo have been involved with recently was the design and installation of a bespoke aggregate plant at Luscan Com’s Batuta Quarry. Luscan began their life as a transport and haulage company but quickly saw the benefits of producing aggregates themselves. This led directly to their 2017 acquisition of Batuta Quarry, the largest stone quarry in Romania, which has since gone on to produced 8 million tonnes of mainly diabase aggregate.
Due to the physical properties of diabase, it is ideal when crushed for use as a construction aggregate. This has led to rock from the quarry being used on some of the largest road and railway construction projects in Romania and, increasingly, Hungary. The company’s customers now include a host of European construction companies, such as Astaldi Italia, CRH Romania, Max Boegl, Strabag Romania, Porr Construct, Somaco Prefabricate, Travertec, Holcim, and Colas.
In the seven years since acquiring Batuta Quarry, Luscan have invested in the facilities, distribution points, haulage, and production equipment. The site now has three production lines, all with the requisite loading and transport equipment.
However, in 2023 it was decided to update the plant with the construction of a new production line capable of producing the same amount of aggregate as before, but with 40% lower fuel consumption, thereby providing a positive impact on the environment. At the same time, automation of the haulage loading system would dispense with some of the front-end loaders, leading to a further significant reduction in CO2 emissions.
Thanks to their reputation for supplying some of the most productive, reliable, and environmentally friendly crushing and screening equipment on the market, Mirfo were invited to provide a solution for the new production line. Luscan required new equipment for their entire primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary crushing and screening setup, to produce a wide range of fractions from 0 to +63mm for use in asphalt production, road and railway construction, as well as concrete and precast production.
To ensure Luscan would be provided with the best-possible solution, Mirfo contacted QMS for advice on the most suitable equipment. ‘Zoltán Olti-Pasca, Mirfo’s general manager, is always in close contact with QMS to provide his customers with the best-possible solution, and Batuta Quarry was no different,’ explained QMS managing director Jonathan Beck. ‘Given the importance of the quarry, and the role that Luscan play in supplying aggregates to some of the leading players in European construction, it was vital that the most productive and cost-effective portfolio of equipment was supplied.’
After consulting with QMS process experts, Mirfo supplied three QMS cone crushers (B6, B4XC, B4), three 2m x 7m triple-deck screens and one 2m x 6m double-deck screen, as well as various associated equipment.
The QMS B-Series XC models are purpose designed for secondary crushing applications, boasting a significantly large intake capacity relative to their size, a feature attributed to their uniquely long crushing chamber. To optimize operational economy, the extended chamber is divided into three sections: upper concave, lower concave, and mantle. These sections can be exchanged at different intervals, enhancing both efficiency and adaptability.
The QMS B-Series cone crushers also stand out with their unique hydraulic system which provides automatic overload protection by allowing the head assembly to drop, facilitating the safe passage of tramp iron and other non-crushable materials. This feature is particularly advantageous for maintaining operational efficiency and protecting the crusher from potential damage. Another notable feature is the liner design. The liners do not require any backing material such as plastic, epoxy, or zinc. This design choice significantly reduces maintenance time as there is no need for mixing, pouring, or waiting for curing. It also enhances safety for maintenance staff, testament to QMS’s commitment to both efficiency and safety.
‘Mirfo report that Batuta Quarry is now fully operational and producing the accurately sized aggregates its clients require,’ said Mr Beck. ‘We were pleased to supply the equipment required and value our longstanding relationship with Zoltán and the rest of the Mirfo team. They know we are always on hand to help deal with any eventuality, providing advice as well as spare parts and any assistance we can.’
