Ageing sawmills and sugar mills in KwaZulu-Natal represent a significant growth opportunity for SEW-Eurodrive to introduce its latest energy-efficient technology. This is an increasing trend as both the pulp and paper and sugar industries strive to cut costs and boost productivity.
This is according to Clive O’Reilly, branch manager for KwaZulu-Natal, who is based in Prospecton, Durban. The Durban branch is one of the key strategic locations for the company. Apart from its significant stockholding, the branch also has a repair and service capability, an assembly line for new drive units, and even an in-house spray-painting facility.
While pulp and paper and sugar are highly specialised industries with specific requirements, SEW-Eurodrive is able to meet most of these needs with its standard geared units and industrial gearboxes, which are assembled locally. “These are energy-intensive industries, and therefore energy efficiency and optimisation are key,” stresses O’Reilly. “This is why when it comes to standard IEC motors our range plays such an important role.
“The opportunity for growth in these sectors is substantial, especially as so many sawmills and sugar mills have old gearboxes long past their service life, some of which have been running 20 years and longer. Not only do these now need to be replaced, but the sector is looking to leapfrog to the latest technology at the same time.”
While the older drive trains comprise traditional components such as sprockets and chains, the latest trend is for direct drives onto the application itself. This reduces maintenance for end users, as it means less stockholding of critical spares such as V belts, pulleys, sprockets and chains, and increased efficiency simply due to the fact that it is a direct drive as opposed to a traditional mechanical system.
The Durban branch also has a technical team that can attend to any issues on-site, such as emergency repairs or breakdowns. “Our fast turnaround time on both delivery and aftermarket service is a key differentiator for us,” concludes O’Reilly. “This is especially important in industries such as pulp and paper and sugar, where any downtime has a major impact on the bottom line.”
New precision planetary gearboxes
Motion Control & Drives
Teknic offers precision planetary gearboxes with a wide selection of frame sizes, gear ratios, output flanges and body configurations to accommodate a range of motion control requirements.
Read more...MEPS rules create opportunity but smart moves are critical
Motion Control & Drives
SEW-EURODRIVE says that South African regulations on premium efficiency IE3 motors open a door of opportunity for geared motor users, but forward planning and the considered advice of established and trusted experts is vital.
Read more...Open-source humanoid robot redefining human-machine interaction
Motion Control & Drives
Pollen Robotics is working on an ambitious mission: to imagine and advance useful robotics for humans. Their flagship creation, Reachy combines accessibility, innovation and open-source collaboration.
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