Potash mining is a cornerstone of the Saskatchewan economy and to maintain competitiveness in the global market these mines require continuous and reliable operations. One factor in improving operational performance is the use of Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs). VFDs regulate the speed and torque of industrial motors, thereby enhancing process efficiency and providing greater overall motor control. This article will examine the process of JA Tech’s recent VFD upgrade at a local potash mine.
Established in 2003, JA Tech is deeply integrated into Saskatchewan’s mining industry, with over two decades of experience serving various mine sites. The company delivers many specialized electrical services, including end-to-end Mitsubishi VFD sales and service, staffed by certified VFD specialists. The local support comes right out of their office in Saskatoon, located near various mining operations. JA Tech is committed to supporting projects from initiation through to decommissioning.
In 2025, JA Tech executed a VFD upgrade at a local potash mine. The client required VFDs that would integrate seamlessly with the existing Motor Control Center (MCC), offer proven reliability, and be supported with local expertise. The project scope included the removal of the existing VFD buckets, installation of retrofit kits for MCC cells featuring Mitsubishi VFDs, and full system commissioning—all accomplished within a few weeks.
Why retrofit
The existing VFD manufacturer introduced frame size changes which changed the overall dimensions of the VFD. This made it incompatible with many MCC applications unless significant modifications were made. Coupled with rising maintenance costs, a transition was warranted. The Mitsubishi A800 series VFDs offered a direct fit for all MCCs without modifications, competitive pricing, local support, and robust design, making them well-suited for this integration.
Scope and execution
Sixteen VFD replacements were scheduled during a four-week shutdown. The retrofitted VFDs had to support vital equipment such as transfer screws, force feeders, bucket elevators, and feed belts, all of which were critical to the mine’s operations. JA Tech commenced the project with design work to ensure they met every one of the customers needs in every location, followed by the conversion of parameter settings from the previous brands to Mitsubishi, thus ensuring continuity in protection and control features. Mitsubishi Diamond Distributor Arrow Speed Controls manufactured and CSA certified each retrofit kit off site. During the shutdown, all 16 VFD units and associated components were replaced by JA Tech in just seven days. Immediately following the install, JA Tech’s VFD specialists began working through their detailed commissioning plan that tested the entire control systems functionality.
Quality assurance
At JA Tech, the motto is “Integrity, Quality, Commitment” and the JA Tech team understands that quality is in the details. To ensure quality on this project, the VFDs underwent comprehensive functional testing at Arrow Speed Controls and were re-inspected at various stages of the project. Additionally, the MCCs were evaluated before VFD installation to confirm optimal mechanical and electrical condition. Each cell was cleaned, lubricated, and tested to mitigate any potential issues during re-energization. Every phase of the demolition and installation process was photographed and documented, providing the client with a detailed record of the completed work. During commissioning, parameter entry sheets were followed that had the pre-agreed-upon settings between the client and JA Tech VFD specialists. Furthermore, an extensive equipment-specific commissioning checklist was utilized to verify that every operational scenario was tested.
The result
The project was completed within the scheduled timeframe and budget. The mine resumed operations without any interruptions or technical issues. The implementation of these Mitsubishi VFD’s has significantly enhanced process reliability for the foreseeable future. JA Tech has proven again why they are “the power system specialists”.
