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.
Overcoming the bottling industry’s fragmented visibility Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing Electrical Power & Protection
Beverage bottling facilities are among manufacturing’s most energy-intensive environments, yet many still operate without granular insight into where that energy goes. Rezolia Muller-Potluri of Schneider Electric explains how tiered metering architecture and advanced
Read more...Schneider Electric introduces next-generation BlokSeT switchboard Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric has launched its next-generation BlokSeT low-voltage switchboard in West Africa, offering high reliability, predictive maintenance capability and digital integration for critical infrastructure and industrial applications.
Read more...Powering South Africa’s renewable energy expansion
Electrical Power & Protection
ACTOM Distribution Transformers, the sole NECRT contract holder for Eskom, is powering South Africa’s renewable energy expansion through robust neutral earthing transformer solutions deployed across solar and wind projects in southern Africa.
Read more...You can’t digitise a blackout Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Across East Africa, smart meters and AI promise cleaner, more reliable power, but digital tools cannot optimise a grid too weak to carry the load. Schneider Electric’s Symphrose Ochieng sets out why operators should strengthen physical infrastructure first, then add digital capability in phases.
Read more...Battery energy storage is key to powering South Africa’s manufacturing sector
Electrical Power & Protection
South Africa’s shift to renewables is creating a significant opportunity in battery energy storage, but local manufacturers face an uphill battle against cheap imports and stop-start demand. Richard van Moltke of ACTOM Static Power examines what it will take to build a sustainable local battery storage industry.
Read more...Decarbonisation is reshaping mining strategy in Africa Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing Electrical Power & Protection
Mining companies across Africa are embedding decarbonisation into operational strategy, driven by investor, regulatory and customer pressure to reduce emissions while improving resilience.
Read more...How to tell whether your mini-substation is new or refurbished
Electrical Power & Protection
Cosmetically refurbished mini-substations are being misrepresented as new equipment and sold back into the market, posing serious reliability and safety risks for mining, industrial and commercial operations. Trafo Power Solutions explains what to look for and what questions to ask before purchasing.
Read more...Optimising energy reliability for African manufacturing
Electrical Power & Protection IT in Manufacturing
Unreliable power can cost African manufacturers as much as 31% in sales. Behind-the-meter power offers manufacturers in sub-Saharan Africa control, visibility and resilience in their energy provisioning.
Read more...Electrical solutions for FMCG manufacturing giant
Electrical Power & Protection
An electrical upgrade at a leading fast-moving consumer goods facility demonstrates how ACTOM Kenya turned a fragile, reactive power infrastructure into a resilient, data-driven backbone for production. The project is also a case study in bridging legacy equipment with modern automation without disrupting operations.
Read more...Yokogawa digital plant to accelerate green hydrogen revolution Yokogawa South Africa
Editor's Choice Electrical Power & Protection IT in Manufacturing
Yokogawa explains how a digital plant approach and autonomous operations can integrate the full green hydrogen value chain, from renewable power generation to end-use applications, and why digitalisation and system integration are central to making green hydrogen viable in South Africa.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version