SEW-Eurodrive recently saw the installation of 10 of its leading modular compact (MC) industrial gear (IG) units. This installation was completed by Inenzo Water on the municipal water treatment plant in the Stellenbosch Winelands.
In water treatment plants one of the initial and most critical stages of the process is to aerate large volumes of water. Aeration is the process whereby water is enriched with oxygen through a continuous rotation and churning process. This enables the release of harmful gases and kills certain bacteria in the water. It also hastens the breakdown of organic matter.
Tailored solutions through products and expertise
Aeration is usually achieved by rotating a propeller through the water volume and thus mixing air into the water. This propeller is exposed to forces, both radial and axial, so should the drive gear be incorrectly installed or selected it can lead to failure or damage to both the propeller and the gearbox driving it.
With SEW-Eurodrive’s Compact range of IG units many additional assembly options are available and the extended bearing distance (EBD) configuration coupled to SEW-Eurodrive’s drywell bearing housing was ideally suited for the aeration process. The EBD configuration allows for higher radial and axial forces to be absorbed by the gearbox, while the bearing housing ensures no oil can leak into the sensitive water treatment process.
“In our industry we have to ensure that we are offering our clients the best solutions at competitive prices,” comments Chris Erasmus, project manager at Inenzo Water. “Over the years we have found that the pricing, quality and service offered by SEW played a decisive role in our procurement for this project.”
SEW-Eurodrive has extensive application knowledge with regards to gearboxes driving aeration equipment. By listening to the client’s requirement and understanding the unique problems faced on this project, the company was able to marry its own extensive product range and knowledge with client expectations.
“The Compact range of IG units are really becoming popular in South Africa,” says Byron Griffiths, manager of the SEW Cape Town branch. “These units have excellent configuration options, such as the EBD and drywell bearing housing we used on this project. These compact units are also relatively small for the torque that they can deliver, which makes them easier to install and commission and cuts down on start-up costs and time.”
An additional advantage is that the units are produced in Nelspruit. Local assembly cuts down on shipping costs resulting in savings for the client. Availability of spares and turnaround time on repairs can also be kept short to ensure high levels of availability.
Read more...Next-generation motor management solution Schneider Electric South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Schneider Electric has launched its TeSys Tera motor management solution in the West African market, combining advanced motor protection, digital connectivity and real-time diagnostics for manufacturing, mining and water applications.
Read more...SEW-EURODRIVE brings intelligent energy optimisation to Electra Mining SEW-EURODRIVE
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
At Electra Mining Africa 2026, SEW-EURODRIVE will showcase its DriveRadar IoT platform for predictive maintenance and real-time energy optimisation, alongside plant energy surveys and an 1850 kW medium voltage motor display.
Read more...Premium slewing rings from SKF SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
SKF’s slewing bearing portfolio spans standard and customised designs across a wide range of types and sizes, backed by advanced monitoring, remanufacturing services and application engineering expertise for demanding industrial applications.
Read more...World’s first fully electric hydrogen fuel cell aircraft engine
Motion Control & Drives
Airbus and MTU Aero Engines are establishing a joint venture to industrialise hydrogen-electric propulsion systems for commercial aviation, combining liquid hydrogen expertise with fuel cell development to support the ZEROe programme’s 2035 target.
Read more...Monopile handling innovations boost offshore wind farm
Motion Control & Drives
Mammoet’s XXL monopile transport system and new MTC 1600 terminal crane are helping offshore wind developers safely marshal and install ever larger monopile foundations, as demonstrated on Van Oord’s Baltic Power project.
Read more...SEW-EURODRIVE and SASTA celebrate milestone anniversaries SEW-EURODRIVE
News
[Sponsored] As the South African Sugar Technologists’ Association marks its centenary in 2026, SEW-EURODRIVE is celebrating 40 years of supporting South African industry with drive technology, engineering expertise and lifecycle support.
Read more...Automation without the mega factory Yaskawa Southern Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Mid-sized South African manufacturers are turning to targeted, low-risk automation to solve specific bottlenecks rather than chasing full factory transformation, helped by retrofit-friendly robotics and advanced simulation software.
Read more...Duplex worm gears for precision backlash adjustment
Motion Control & Drives
KHK USA has introduced duplex worm gears that allow precise backlash adjustment through simple axial movement of the worm shaft, eliminating the need for gearbox housing alterations during assembly or maintenance.
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