Corrugator brakes increase productivity at Georgia Pacific container plant
3rd Quarter 2010
Other technologies
Georgia Pacific’s container plant in Chicago was experiencing very high maintenance and downtime costs on the 8-inch (203 mm) corrugator brakes on its Martin roll stands. Georgia Pacific runs 1524 mm diameter rolls, 2489 mm wide at 260 m per minute. Maintenance manager Rodney Cotillie, explained that the airtube actuators and pressure plates were failing within eight weeks of operation due to the high heat generated during the unwind operation.
Cotillier approached clutch and brake manufacturer WPT Power Transmission to engineer a solution. It was found that the heat dissipation capacity would need to be doubled without changing the mounting or expanding the envelope dimensions of the existing brakes.
WPT came up with the WPT model 111 corrugator brake which featured a single 279 mm ventilated centre plate. This was designed to force cooling air through the brake and double the horsepower rating. Special low coefficient friction linings were used to maintain consistent brake torque without any fade which might be caused by temperature or speed change. The brakes were fitted with integral mounting plates which allowed for bolt up installation without machine modification.
Cotillier reported that the first set of corrugator brakes performed continually and reliably for 14 months without replacement of wear parts. The new brakes operated at only 17 to 20 psi, with 28 psi at full emergency stop, with no roll runoff.
Additional benefits of the new brakes were faster splices and reduced compressed air requirements on the entire system. Higher production capability, reduced maintenance and downtime cost, and greater efficiency were also credited to new brakes.
For more information contact Mike Vernes, PECS, +27 (0)31 303 3701, [email protected], www.pecspower.co.za
Further reading:
Monitoring vibration allows for equipment longevity
Iritron
Other technologies
Unscheduled downtime and maintenance on machines is often a source of frustration for many companies active in industrial manufacturing as it results in loss of process and productivity, which in turn equates to loss of revenue.
Read more...
Building resilience in extreme environments
Other technologies
The petrochemical and oil and gas sectors operate in unforgiving environments. In this high-stakes industry, operational efficiency is vital, and unplanned downtime can have severe consequences. To thrive in this demanding landscape, a proactive and sophisticated approach to maintenance is no longer an option, but a necessity.
Read more...
Extending oil drain intervals
Other technologies
In a recent field study, African Group Lubricants tested the performance of Mobil Delvac Modern MX 15W-40 Super Defense engine oil under rigorous operational conditions. The goal was to extend the oil drain interval while maintaining optimal engine performance and reliability.
Read more...
Electric chain hoist where advanced features are standard
Other technologies
Konecranes has launched the new Konecranes D-Series electric chain hoist, designed to meet the demands of industries that require high-performance lifting equipment.
Read more...
Latest advance in automotive cooling fluids
Other technologies
The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by advancements in vehicle design and increasing demands for enhanced performance and durability. These changes are bringing a marked shift toward formulations that offer improved heat dissipation and robust corrosion resistance.
Read more...
Advancements in wire rope testing
Other technologies
Being able to get instant, real-time and portable detection of wire rope flaws can make a significant difference for operational teams. There have been a number of significant technological advancements and tools entering the market that help wire rope operators detect and resolve problems faster.
Read more...
Complete solutions for the die casting industry
Other technologies
Die casting is a manufacturing process that involves injecting molten metal into a mould to produce complex, high-precision components. FUCHS Lubricants South Africa addresses the evolving demands of the die casting sector through continuous product innovation and development.
Read more...
Regular maintenance of cutting fluids is essential to maintain quality
Other technologies
Regular cleaning and maintenance of cutting fluid systems significantly enhances overall efficiency by extending the life of the cutting fluids, reducing downtime and improving the quality of the end products.
Read more...
Rethinking common approaches to wire rope lubrication
Other technologies
: Wire ropes are hard-working components in many different applications, from mines to lifts, ports, construction sites and drainage systems. Correct lubrication of wire ropes is absolutely critical because wire ropes are more than just cables, they are intricate machines composed of interdependent parts in constant motion.
Read more...
Quantum refrigerator paves way for reliable quantum computers
Other technologies
Quantum computers require extreme cooling to perform reliable calculations. Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, and the University of Maryland, USA, have engineered a new type of refrigerator that can autonomously cool superconducting qubits to record low temperatures, paving the way for more reliable quantum computation.
Read more...
printer friendly version