1 August 2019
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
An industrial water filtration specialist that has used gearmotors from SEW-Eurodrive for many years has adopted its Movidrive inverters with CMP servo motors and customisable iPOS software for its latest self-cleaning GraviFilter screen filters. “This is an example of a longstanding client relationship that has progressed from a standard product to the latest automation technology as the client itself develops and transforms its product range,” says SEW-Eurodrive engineer, Dylan Enslin.
The new gravity screen filter has been designed for cost-effectiveness and to reduce its manufacturing complexity. Consisting of sheetmetal that is easy to laser-cut and bend, the quantity of welding needed has also been reduced. In addition, the use of the Movidrive inverter with the CMP servo motor allows for effective repeatable positioning of the spray assembly.
“In terms of our iPOS software, we were able to assist with a customised program to control the machine – from aspects of homing to running to manual functions for maintenance, jogging the machine, and then also a graphic user interface for the client to adjust basic settings via laptop,” Enslin explains.
The advantage of Movidrive is that it essentially replaces the functionality of a PLC, from servo positioning to switching pumps and solenoids on and off. Using the drive for positioning, for example, also does away with the old fashioned crank system, in addition to being able to control extra peripherals.
“We have used SEW-Eurodrive for many years for gearmotors. This is the first time we have done something more advanced and automated. We are very thankful for the programming and all the extra effort with our prototype unit. I do not think there are many suppliers willing to go that extra mile for their clients,” says Superior Filtration technical director, Laurence Sachs.
The latest GraviFilter prototype is being trialled at a citrus processing plant, where fruit pulp is very difficult to filter. “We have received good feedback to date on the performance of the prototype,” Sachs reveals. A latest version with even more improvements is on the cards.
The CMP servo motors are IE4-rated for maximum energy efficiency, and are synchronous compared to the traditional ac motors. “You can also control the ramps, which is something that mechanics with camming and crank arms is quite tricky to get right,” adds Enslin.
Ramps place extra strain on the bearings and the structure itself. Essentially this is a scalable solution, with a longer belt drive that can be added if need be. The prototype has a 10 m3/h capacity, with the largest screening filter manufactured by Superior Filtration producing an impressive 200 m3/h.
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...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.
Read more...Thrust for hybrid electric flying
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Several leading academic institutes in Germany are collaborating on the future of hybrid electric flying. The partners are researching an entirely new propulsion system for medium-range aircraft with up to 35 passengers.
Read more...Precise knowledge for precise applications
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Aerotech has been supplying standard product solutions such as motors, drives, controls and positioning tables since 1970. Customised motion subsystems include positioning systems on granite structures with undercarriage and vibration isolation, and also external measurement systems.
printer friendly version