Voith Turbo’s TPKL fill controlled turbo coupling range is specifically developed, designed and engineered for smooth operation in harsh belt conveying applications that demand powerful drive systems to move large masses.
The couplings adapt to prevailing load conditions, controlling and accelerating the driven machine smoothly, ensuring even load distribution with multimotor drives, and protecting the drive train from damage in overload situations.
“Applied in various controlled power sharing applications, these closed loop systems are mainly installed to slowly accelerate belt conveyor systems to full speed”, explains coupling product manager, Hans Voshol. The couplings are also used as clutching devices to stop and restart the conveyor without shutting down the main motor.
“Our TPKL range is ideally suited to compact drive solutions and can accommodate belt conveyors with an individual drive power of 4700 kW (1500 rpm). The compact and robust TPKL coupling is manufactured to the highest possible quality standards and is exceptionally durable and reliable. This independent, self-supported unit has reinforced bearings and shafts for mounting on based mounted drives or swing base (torque arm supported) drive frames.”
According to Voshol, the numerous energy, cost and time saving benefits offered by TPKL couplings make them the preferred products for many varied applications. The TPKL coupling features a robust welded housing, integrated oil tank and no external moving parts; it is fully piped (with the exception of the separate cooler which is piped on site) so continues cooling, even with the plant at standstill, until restart temperature is reached when it switches off automatically. The drive’s external cooler makes it thermally exceptionally efficient. Overloaded belts are effortlessly dealt with and inspection runs and belt splice positioning are handled with ease as the empty belt can be moved at approximately 20% of its nominal speed.
Voith fill controlled couplings deliver smooth starting of the conveyor belt system; with a start factor of 1,2 x full load torque (FLT), the coupling will start the conveyor with the last recorded running values as set point. “A start torque limitation of 1,2 is achieved as the coupling uses the last running torque plus 20% additional torque for acceleration,” explains Voshol. “Also, our couplings apply only the required torque and not the full load torque when a conveyor belt is either half loaded or empty, resulting in a significant reduction in cost and energy consumption – a plus factor with current skyrocketing electricity prices.”
These couplings have a proven 22-year global track record for optimal operation in the harshest and most taxing working environments, including the oil, gas and petrochemical industries. According to Voshol, Voith TPKL couplings are operational in more than 500 drives worldwide, the largest being a conveyor installation with two 866DTPKL couplings, each transmitting 1875 kW @ 1200 rpm.
Turning to the South African market, Voshol says that TPKL turbo couplings, which include the previous TPE and TPL open loop ranges, have been successfully operating in mines, harbours, coal terminals and power stations for over 20 years. The largest installation in South Africa consists of two 650DTPKL-E couplings, each transmitting 710 kW, that drive an overland conveyor from a mine to the stockyard. Voshol adds that since the initial launch in 1988, the range has been supplemented. “For example, the TPKL-T is a robust, alignment free coupling that is suited to alignment free drive solution requirements,” he says.
“Our constant fill type fluid couplings have also been operating successfully for some 30 years at one of South Africa’s busiest ports. They have earned an exemplary reputation for quality, durability and reliable performance over the years and TPKL-R couplings were selected when port conveyors were upgraded,” remarks Voshol. This port operation now has 30 650TPKL-R units operating successfully. A further 16 650TPKL-E units were installed, commissioned and run, without any problems, at another very busy export terminal.
“We have built up experience, knowledge and expertise through successfully serving South African industry for close on three decades. We have a clear understanding of local markets and applications and we couple our local capabilities and expertise with German technology and know-how. This, combined with in-depth product knowledge, gained through intensive ongoing training programmes, enables us to offer customers not just a range of fluid couplings, but a complete coupling technology solution, backed by 24/7 after sales service,” concludes Voshol.
For more information contact Roy Webster, Voith Turbo, +27 (0)11 418 4000, [email protected], www.voith.com
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