Sometimes it just pays to do things yourself. When Rula Bulk Handling could not source a cable tensioner large enough for a new cableway, the engineers knew they had to come up with an inventive solution.
Erecting a cableway poses some unique challenges, and one crucial aspect is effectively managing cable tension. In a system like this, the cable is fed into a cable tensioner before being pulled over the pylons. The problem they faced was that due to the size of the cable, they would need to find a tensioner large enough to run the new cableway safely. After discovering that no such tensioner was immediately available, Rula approached Axiom Hydraulics and ifm to assist with building their own.
If there was ever a project for Axiom’s experts to sink their teeth into it was this one, and they welcomed the opportunity to work together with Rula to develop the new tensioner. ”We knew it would not be an easy task, but we were excited to assist Rula in realising this one-of-a-kind machine,” says Axiom application engineer, Greg Behrens. “From the initial concept phase right through to final commissioning, Axiom was on hand to provide Rula with both technical insight and support.”
The tensioner in this system utilises a hydrostatic brake system to control cable tension that is wound between drums, and it is able to induce a staggering 20 tons of braking force. The system variably controls the cable tension as necessary, while incorporating multiple passive and active emergency systems and redundancies. Every aspect of the tensioner is monitored and controlled to manage the cable tension safely and effectively.
The natural choice when it came to the display and controller for the machine was ifm. The company is a trusted manufacturer of sensors and systems for the automation industry and is well known for its robust and reliable products. With its industry and application expertise, ifm successfully provides system solutions that are both innovative and economical. An ifm HMI and PLC monitored and controlled various
aspects of the system to control the tensioner safely. Together with ifm, Axiom provided a complete electrohydraulic solution for the machine. This included custom-designed manifold blocks with Sun Hydraulics cartridge valves, low speed, high-torque Black Bruin motors, a variable displacement bent axis Brevini piston pump, a sizeable hydraulically driven ASA Hydraulik cooler, and additional hydraulic hardware to meet the system requirements. With Axiom’s impressive portfolio of brands, there was no doubt that this machine was equipped with world-class components and parts.
With the electrohydraulic system completed, the structural fabrication, fitting of electrics, corrosion protection, component fitment and final testing were all performed in-house by Rula. To ensure that the machine could handle the induced loads, Rula performed multiple finite element analyses (FEAs) to check stress and deflection distributions during worst-case</nobr> loading conditions.
“This stimulating project proved that tough engineering challenges are what we live for, and it reminds us why we love engineering. Axiom Hydraulics is proud to have played a role in this unique project, and we look forward to the next challenge,” concludes Behrens.
Novel bearing steel next generation of aeroengines SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
SKF continues to re-imagine intelligent and clean rotation with the development of an innovative temperature-resistant, corrosion-tolerant steel called ARCTIC15 designed for aeroengine bearings.
Read more...Products from maxon
Motion Control & Drives
A wide range of new products is available from motion control specialist, maxon. with a diverse technology portfolio ranging from highly integrated robotic actuators to powerful servo drives and controllers.
Read more...Actuators for precise hexapod movements
Motion Control & Drives
Aerotech, manufacturer of high-performance motion control and automation systems, is expanding its Automation1 platform. These compact hexapod devices enable the complete integration of six-axis motion systems into existing control
Read more...SEW-EURODRIVE service centre transforms future of drive repairs SEW-EURODRIVE
Motion Control & Drives
In a momentous step for the local industrial gearbox and drives market, SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa has formally opened a new service and repair facility alongside its headquarters in Aeroton,
Read more...Precision meets performance: The ELGD Axes Family from Festo Festo South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Festo has introduced the ELGD axes family, engineered for the demands of future-focused industries. With cutting-edge guide technology, exceptional rigidity and high load capacity, these axes deliver more performance within the same installation footprint.
Read more...Condition monitoring in hazardous areas SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
SKF is further strengthening its condition monitoring offer portfolio by a newly developed hazardous area version of its Microlog Analyzer dBX portable vibration analyser.
Read more...Rip-and-ship solution speeds up nuclear decommissioning project
Motion Control & Drives
When removing steam generators from decommissioned nuclear reactor buildings, the most economical method is to remove them in one piece. Mammoet was commissioned by Framatome to support with the removal of four steam generators from PreussenElektra’s Nuclear Power Plant Unterweser in Germany.
Read more...WearCheck turns the focus on friction modifiers Wearcheck
Motion Control & Drives
One of the most important features of a lubricant is the reduction of friction between two surfaces.A dditives like friction modifiers are added to perform this function. Wearcheck turns the focus on friction modifiers
Read more...SEW-EURODRIVE transforms drivetrain uptime SEW-EURODRIVE
Editor's Choice Motion Control & Drives
The DriveRadar IoT Suite from SEW-Eurodrive is an ideal solution for industrial condition monitoring. This powerful ecosystem of intelligent sensors, edge devices and cloud-based analytics ensures that customers have full visibility and control of their operations.
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