The Special Astrophysical Observatory is a research institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It is located in the northern part of the Caucasus and uses SEW-Eurodrive drives. This giant optical telescope was built more than 25 years ago, and until the early 1990s it was the world's largest reflecting telescope - with a 6 m diameter reflecting mirror.
Now several of its drive components have to be optimised to enable the telescope to meet the requirements for participation in an international research project. The SEW servomotors and controllers which have been installed to move the telescope are coupled to a heavy Russian precision gear unit weighing several tons.
The drives have to meet the exacting requirements for precise and smooth movement, regardless of their speed. The angular deviation of the telescope's motion must be less than 0,15 arc seconds. Such a tight tolerance is difficult to imagine, given an object with a height of 42 m.
The motion control system is equipped with a triple-loop configuration of high-precision absolute encoders (also made in Russia). These are connected to a powerful computer in the main control circuit. Both telescope axes (azimuth and elevation) have already been fitted with SEW drives. The technical data for the azimuth axis drives are well within the criteria specified by the customer. The drives have been operating without problems for more than a year now.
The drive for the elevation axis is currently undergoing trials. The first test results indicate that it too will meet the technical requirements. A special report submitted to the Russian Academy of Sciences praised the quality of the SEW components and recommended them for use in similar projects.
For more information contact Carrina Davies, SEW-Eurodrive, 011 248 7000.
Precise information in the cockpit with FAULHABER stepper motors
Motion Control & Drives
For the display of Bugatti’s upcoming luxury model, Tourbillon, something truly special will be presented. Instead of a digital version, the driver will see a genuine Swiss timepiece behind the steering wheel.
Read more...Complete mine hoist systems
Motion Control & Drives
From friction to single and double drum hoists, ABB is a complete supplier of various types of mine hoist systems.
Read more...Innovative braking technology for heavy-duty hoists
Motion Control & Drives
The electro-hydraulic disc brakes in the DX series from RINGSPANN have been re-engineered, and are proving to be a trendsetter in the holding and emergency stop systems in the hoists of heavy-duty and container cranes.
Read more...These robots crawl into every nook and cranny DNH Tradeserve t/a DNH Technologies
Motion Control & Drives
Inuktun's small crawler robot magnetically sticks to metal walls and is able to move in all directions. It carries cameras, sensors and tools for inspection or maintenance work in tight pipes and on the outer hulls of tanks or ships. All crawler modules and cameras are equipped with brushed DC motors from Swiss drive specialist, maxon using various motor-gearhead combinations.
Read more...Proven drive technology solutions for the sugar industry SEW-EURODRIVE
Motion Control & Drives
As the South African sugar industry continues to optimise efficiency, uptime and sustainability across cane handling, processing and refining, SEW-EURODRIVE is helping drive this momentum with its world-class drive technology and local service support.
Read more...The environmental benefits of correct lubrication storage
Motion Control & Drives
While selecting the right lubricant for an application is key, how that lubricant is stored between applications is an often overlooked but critical aspect of reducing contaminants in machinery across a plant or site.
Read more...Sustainability is transforming fluid power
Editor's Choice Motion Control & Drives
Sustainability is reshaping the future of fluid power. With the growing demand for cleaner, more efficient technologies and tightening global regulations, fluid power systems are being re-engineered for higher efficiency, lower emissions and reduced material usage.
Read more...Demystifying demulsifier additives Wearcheck
Motion Control & Drives
Water is one of the most destructive contaminants in lubricants. Demulsifier additives prevent the formation of a stable oil-water mixture or an emulsion by changing the interfacial tension of the oil so that water will coalesce and separate more readily from the oil.
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