Planetary gearbox with impressive reliability

3rd Quarter 2013 Electrical switching & drive systems & components

In a 2013 survey, Voith’s Vorecon variable speed planetary gearbox was found to have an impressive availability of 99,98%. The mean time between failures (MTBF) of the Vorecon is an impressive 48 years, and its statistical reliability of 99,98% is just as notable.

A total of 201 Vorecons (model years 1987 to 2010) with a power of up to 31 MW were subjected to reliability testing. When compared with previous testing from 2005, the statistical overall operating time of the variable speed planetary gearbox increased by a factor of almost four, from 2 095 921 to 8 065 000 operating hours. This translates into reduced overall operating costs and increased productivity for entire systems.

The reliability of drive components is an important factor when calculating the lifecycle costs of a system. Not only does the extremely high reliability of the Vorecon decrease drive system downtimes, it also reduces the associated operating costs. The Vorecon controls the speed of pumps, compressors and fans. It is most often used in the oil and gas industry as well as in thermal power plants. Based on the hydrodynamic principle, the variable speed planetary gear can reach powers of more than 50 MW and can be operated at speeds in excess of 20 000 rpm. The hydrodynamic power transmission is wear-free. Its service life is several decades, more than three times longer than variable frequency drives (VFD).

The Vorecon is being deployed worldwide and the technology speaks for itself. Currently, more than 500 Vorecons are in use around the world. Voith has delivered its 500th Vorecon to the operators of the Cessao Onerosa oilfield, part of the gigantic pre-salt-cluster 250 km off the coast of Brazil.

For more information contact Terry-Lynn McIntosh, Voith Turbo, +27 (0)11 418 4036, [email protected], www.voith.com

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