Customised heavy-duty drive solutions

Second quarter 2006 Electrical switching & drive systems & components AI & Data Analytics

Sprint Electric's PLX range provides powerful, flexible and easy-to-program digital DC drives appropriate for demanding motion control tasks. This is according to Mike Cronin, managing director of Elquip Solutions, the South African distributor for Sprint Electric's products.

"As with all of the technology that we source for the South African market, we have identified industry-specific needs, and found the solution to that need. In the light of this we are very pleased to be able to supply the local market with Sprint Electric's range of heavy-duty drives," says Cronin. "Sprint Electric's PL and PLX range can take control of the most demanding motion tasks. All models include a large alphanumeric back-lit display, full set of centre winding blocks and a field weakener for extended speed range."

Technical sales manager, Gustav Verster, elaborates further on the features and benefits of Sprint Electric's PL and PLX ranges: "The PL range covers single direction 2-quadrant DC motor controllers. Most models also include a rate-controllable, fully regenerative stopping facility; and this useful feature eliminates wasteful dynamic braking resistors. This would normally require a more costly 4-quadrant drive and is only possible with a DC drive." He adds: "In the PLX range, a 4-quadrant regenerative drive provides motoring and braking in both directions of rotation; and the extremely compact footprint ensures easy integration within new machine designs."

Additional advantages to Sprint Electric's range include:

* A pre-programmable speed ramp automatically adjusts the speed of the motors, doing away with the need for any manual control by the operator.

* The easy-to-use menu structure using English language parameter names means the PLX is one of the simplest DC drives on the market to program, so the machine operator can quickly set up the machine for a particular product.

* Once programmed, the PLX allows the operator to easily adjust set parameters via the large 40-character backlit LCD display, and four ergonomically designed keys.

* The PLX comes with a wide range of the most frequently used software function blocks and a wide range of built-in digital and analog I/O (input and output).

* The PLX's unique regenerative stopping facility provides rapid braking and improves energy efficiency by regenerating electricity into the mains supply whenever the machine is stopped; rather than dissipating it as heat.

Elquip chose to support Sprint Electric's range of drives because they are powerful enough to control heavy-duty processes and these advanced features are included as standard.

About Elquip Solutions

Elquip Solutions is an established local provider of quality global electrical, automation, mechanical and consumable products. Elquip supplies customers throughout the OEM (original equipment manufacture), SI (system integration), and distributor markets. The team also works with clients to find the most efficient and effective implementation for the technology they require. Tailoring these solutions to clients' individual needs is a key part of Elquip's service.

For more information contact Mike Cronin, MD, Elquip Solutions, +27 (0) 11 826 7117, [email protected], www.elquip.co.za

Further reading:

Future trends for electronic safety and security in mining
Fang Fences & Guards Mining (Industry) Integrated Solutions AI & Data Analytics
The mining industry is ever evolving, driven by technological advancements and the growing need for enhanced safety and security measures, with significant innovation seen in turnkey electronic security for mining operations.

Read more...

---

Unlocking Africa's AI potential
Editor's Choice News & Events AI & Data Analytics
Africa's AI market is set to grow exponentially; by investing in AI education, training, and ethical practices, African nations can harness the power of AI to transform the continent and create a brighter future for its people.

Read more...

---

AI augmentation in security software
Security Services & Risk Management AI & Data Analytics
The integration of AI technology into security software has been met with resistance. In this, the second of two articles, Paul Meyer explores the challenges and obstacles that must be overcome to empower AI-enabled, human-centric decision-making.

Read more...

---

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...

---

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...

---