Industrial gear unit reduces power consumption
April 2021
Motion Control & Drives
SEW-Eurodrive Durban recently examined a rotary cooking pot breakdown at an animal-feed plant in the area. Sales representative, Cliffton Bridge, commented that it was a fairly old pot, which had suffered a transmission failure. An inspection of the broken unit showed that SEW-Eurodrive’s MC Series Helical Bevel IG Unit would be the perfect replacement solution, and that downtime could be reduced by implementing the company’s drop and install procedure.
“As solution specialists, we understand the need for a quick return to operational activity,” added Bridge. “The MC Series Helical Bevel IG Unit, which replaced the old worm styled gearing unit, is not only more compact due its modular design, but has far fewer variables. The helical bevel system also has increased torque capacity, broader gear ratios and delivers higher efficiency as the motor connects directly to the gearbox.”
Substantial cost savings were achieved by installing the advanced new drive unit – over a 26% cost saving – versus trying to repair the old gearbox. In addition, the new unit offered improved operating power at a mechanical efficiency of 95%, allowing the pot to be put back into service with minimum loss of production.
Another benefit is the extended bearing distance (EBD) concept of the design, which offers stronger bearings within the gear unit itself. This means that in many cases separate bearings are no longer required in the agitator, or an oversizing of the gear unit can be avoided. The concept is supplemented by an optional dry well seal, which prevents oil leakage at the output shaft.
“As a key solutions provider to the engineering industry, we believe that our efficient and modular solutions offer valuable savings, whilst showing the benefits of using the latest available technology,” concludes SEW-Eurodrive Durban branch manager, Clive O’Reilly. “Our purpose is to add value to our customers, giving them peace of mind through the quality of our local support.”
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