Motion Control & Drives


SEW drives the sugar industry

February 2007 Motion Control & Drives

The motion sequence requirements in the sugar industry are characterised by a wide range of extremely varied tasks. As systems suppliers and drive engineering specialists, SEW Eurodrive has taken upon itself the task of offering solutions for all the requirements arising from this industry. Based on this philosophy it is important to have a clear understanding of every single step in the industry's processes and be able to identify with the tasks facing the customer. As a result, SEW Eurodrive not only offers mechanical systems but also supplies drive electronics to match.

SEW Eurodrive is familiar with the requirements of the sugar industry. The machines, systems and technology involved in these processes are exposed to extreme ambient conditions and must therefore be robust, able to withstand high torque loads and have a long service life. A modular design is essential for production systems in the sugar industry to be able to adapt quickly to work with new processes.

Drive engineering products made by SEW Eurodrive are not only reliable, powerful and robust but they have to be particularly safe. They have a high overload capacity both electrically and mechanically. Due to their modular design and countless combination options and mounting positions, all drive engineering products from SEW Eurodrive can be replaced quickly, if the need arises.

SEW Eurodrive's range of helical, parallel shaft helical, helical-bevel, SPIROPLAN and planetary gearmotors offer power levels from 0,06 to 200 kW with torque from 25 to 50 000 Nm, combined with an unparalleled number of closely-spaced power steps. Thus providing the best possible conditions for economical operation. Energy efficient motors, gearmotors for overhead trolley systems, variable speed gearmotors and industrial gear units complete SEW Eurodrive's comprehensive product portfolio. The gearmotors are complemented by MOVIDRIVE drive inverters and MOVITRAC frequency inverters. Ultimate control accuracy, integrated positioning and sequence control systems and hoist capability are all standard features of the MOVIDRIVE and MOVITRAC drive inverters with a power range of up to 160 kW all designed, produced and assembled by SEW Eurodrive. Operator terminals allow for optimum visualisation of the system. They allow production processes to be displayed and controlled via graphical and text-based display, particularly in conjunction with higher-level controllers.

Products from SEW Eurodrive's servo drive systems provide precision and dynamics: individual and flexible solutions can be found for many single or multi-axis applications and synchronised process sequences using low-backlash servo planetary or helical bevel gear units, powerful and compact servo motors or synchronous linear motors.

For economical, decentralised installation SEW Eurodrive offers components from its decentralised drive system, such as MOVIMOT, the gearmotor with an integrated frequency inverter or MOVI-SWITCH, the gearmotor with integrated switching and protection function. Mobile conveyor technology components powered via conductor rails or drag chains are being replaced by a new development from SEW Eurodrive: contactless energy transfer with MOVITRANS system components.

Service is a critical function within SEW Eurodrive, providing sales engineers who will assist with expert advice, open analysis and application project planning. This together with SEW Eurodrive's after sales service, product training and preventative maintenance makes for years of trouble free operation.

For more information contact Rene Rose, marketing manager, SEW Eurodrive, +27 (0) 11 248 7000, [email protected]



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