4th Quarter 2015Electrical switching & drive systems & components
SKF has launched a new magnetic system which is an oil- and contact-free drive solution for centrifugal compressors in chillers. Combining a high speed permanent magnet motor and active magnetic bearings with integrated controls, the magnetic system can operate with variable speed drives to deliver energy savings of at least 10% versus conventional centrifugal compressors. In addition, the system’s vibration- and friction-free performance results in extremely low noise.
Electromagnets levitate the compressor shaft, allowing it to rotate without contact. By eliminating the mechanical contact and the losses that occur with oil-lubricated bearings, the magnetic system reduces energy use significantly. By eliminating the need for oil lubrication, the system also improves heat transfer efficiency in the evaporator and condenser.
The permanent magnet motor at the heart of this SKF solution is more energy-efficient than induction motors at full and partial loads and offers a higher power factor and lower current draw. It also operates with a smaller size variable speed drive than induction motors. The system’s active magnetic bearings are capable of speeds in excess of 40 000 rpm, and can accommodate instant and frequent startups and transient surge forces. An active control system tracks and maintains rotor position to within a micron-sized orbit up to 15 000 times per second, eliminating vibration.
High speed permanent magnetic motor solutions from SKF utilise technology pioneered by S2M, a leading producer of magnetic bearings and high speed permanent magnet motors. Acquired by SKF in 2007, S2M has been refining contact-free, levitating bearing technology for more than 30 years.
Precise detection of complex rotational movements Beckhoff Automation
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
The EP3751-0260 EtherCAT Box module by Beckhoff connects an acceleration sensor with an inertial measurement unit - a gyroscope. This provides accurate detection of acceleration and rotational motion in addition to shock, vibration and tilt measurement, both as preprocessed values and as raw sensor data.
Read more...Energy management system for electrohydrostatic actuation systems
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
In the machine manufacturing industry, more drive systems are being converted from servo-hydraulic throttle to electrohydrostatic actuation systems. The four-quadrant capability of the electrohydrostatic pump unit and servo drive used in this technology, in combination with the new Moog energy management system, allows regenerative power flows generated during braking or pressure relief to be stored and reused.
Read more...Drive solution for stacker reclaimer
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Hägglunds Drives South Africa recently completed a retrofit project on the bucket wheel of a stacker reclaimer at Richards Bay Coal Terminal. The project entailed replacing a gearbox drive solution with a direct drive solution from Hägglunds Drives SA.
Read more...Kamoa-Kakula power pack order for SEW-EURODRIVE SEW-EURODRIVE
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
With well over 100 units already delivered, SEW-EURODRIVE is set to continue supplying Ivanhoe Mines’ prestigious Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Read more...Seven ways to reduce production downtime on the plant
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Production downtime is one of the biggest risks in the manufacturing industry. Follow these seven tips to reduce machine downtime in your production line.
Read more...The time is now to implement a motor management strategy Schneider Electric South Africa
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Motor management plays an all-important role in controlling motor energy costs in various industries, segments and applications. Research and practical experience have consistently shown that effective motor management practices can result in significant energy savings, reduced operational costs, and improved overall system reliability.
Read more...SKF’s successful raid action in Cape Town SKF South Africa
Editor's Choice Shaft power components
Authorities, with collaborative support from SKF, recently conducted a large and highly effective raid on a very well-known bearing seller of SKF bearings in Cape Town.
Read more...Rapid overhaul of compressor motors ACTOM
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Marthinusen & Coutts Zambia was requested by a smelter based in the Copperbelt to provide an in-country repair solution for its two critical 4,5 MW compressor motors. The company was given only three weeks in which to overhaul and commission the motors.
Read more...SKF and Bearings 2000 contribute to the circular economy SKF South Africa
Shaft power components
Throughout 2023, SKF Authorised Distributor, Bearings 2000 has supported SKF’s Remanufacturing Services with a strong focus on remanufacturing spherical roller bearings used in food and beverage applications, and also larger sized spherical roller bearings and deep groove ball bearings for the pulp and paper industry.
Read more...PC-based motion control on a labelling machine Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
For 50 years, Bausch+Ströbel in Germany has been developing packaging and production systems for the pharmaceutical industries. The company’s goal is to offer the best technical and economical solutions for the challenges of modern industry. Its new ESA1025 labelling machine shows how this is achieved with PC-based control from Beckhoff as the central motion controller.
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