Archive | Mechanical Systems

2521

5:06 pm
June 18, 2014
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Remote-Access Machine Controller Bridges Digital and Physical Plant Environments

According to Nanospark, its new machine interface controller with a variety of digital and analog inputs and outputs can effectively “wire” users to nearly any machines and sensors in their plants. Operated through an app that can be accessed with a range of devices, it incorporates a number of capabilities, including a scheduling feature to run equipment only when it’s needed, thus saving energy. This same feature can make key pieces of equipment ready for employees when they begin their shifts or turn on machines early so they’re running by the time operators arrive.

Nanospark also allows users to turn off machinery from afar via text-messaging. This remote monitoring and control feature works anywhere a phone signal is available and can be added to any machine.

The alerts feature on this new machine controller can be leveraged both for emergency notifications and to streamline processes and increase productivity. When a condition is met, the user receives a notification and, if needed, can quickly begin taking corrective actions.

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3105

5:02 pm
June 13, 2014
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Axial Excluder Seal Protects Wind-Turbine Bearings from Debris and Contaminants

SKF Axial Excluder SealSKF has introduced an axial excluder seal that offers a high-performance alternative to conventional rubber seals for protecting the main shaft bearings on wind turbines.

According to the manufacturer, as an advanced first line of defense against any debris or contaminants the wind carries, this new seal can help operators reduce the risks of bearing failures and associated costs of downtime, repair and lost productivity.

Unlike conventional rubber seals that can be prone to excessive wear and subsequent failure, this axial excluder design (designated HRC1) is made of a proprietary SKF polyurethane material that exhibits excellent resistance to wear, abrasion, UV radiation and ozone.

Key features include a robust sealing lip to help reduce bending and minimize contact area, friction and wear; optimized flexibility and engineering geometry allowing axial displacement of + 2 mm; and integrated grooves to keep the sealing edge properly lubricated. The product also incorporates a stainless steel clamping band with a fast-lock mechanism to facilitate easy up-tower installation and fixation on the shaft in new installations, as well as retrofits.

SKF notes that early field trials have confirmed the HRC1 seal’s performance levels and durability. Seals were installed on 40 separate 2.5 MW turbines operated continuously under real-world conditions. After three months, an initial inspection revealed only normally expected run-in wear, with no dramatic changes six months later.

HRC1 axial displacement seals are available in standard solid and split versions for shaft sizes from 1m to 3m. Custom solutions can be developed.

1278

3:05 am
June 13, 2014
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Planetary Gearboxes for Synchronous and Asynchronous Servo Motors

G700_P120_440x200Lenze Americas has unveiled a new g700 series of purebred planetary gearboxes designed for servo applications with demanding requirements relative to overload capacity and dynamics. The g700 can be used in conjunction with the company’s synchronous and asynchronous servo motors, and as a single gearbox with a servo motor. Designed specifically for servo application, these one-, two- and three-stage units are available in five sizes and cover torques ranging from 177i n-lbs to 7080 in-lbs.

According to the manufacturer, the special handling of the toothing edge on these gearboxes (including grinding and honing) and precise, balanced clamping system for the motor, help minimize noise generation. As a result, a noise level of ≤58 dB(A) that corresponds to quiet conversation is achievable.

Robust and reliable, Lenze’s g700 needs no lubricant changes or top-ups and is completely maintenance-free.

978

5:23 am
June 9, 2014
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Maintenance-Free, Right-Angle Servo Gear Reducers Fit Tight Spaces and Clearances

AutomationDirectRightAngle-servo-5x7Screen Shot 2014-06-08 at 11.38.33 PM has extended its SureGear line of precision servo gearboxes to include right-angle planetary gear reducers. Suitable for applications that call for a compact footprint, the PGB line has technical specs similar to those of the PGA series of in-line reducers and provides a practical solution where space and clearance are limited.

Offered in four gear ratios (5:1, 10:1, 15:1, 25:1) PGB gearboxes feature a thread-in mounting style, helical-cut planetary gears for quiet operation and uncaged needle roller bearings for high rigidity and torque. Their maintenance-free design also features high-viscosity, anti-separation grease that doesn’t migrate away from the gears, meaning there’s no need to replace the grease for the life of the unit.

PGB-series reducers can be mounted in any orientation, and come with hardware for attaching to SureServo motors.Offered with a six arc-min backlash rating for 2-stage and nine arc-min backlash for 3-stage, the new units come with a 5-year warranty.

3082

3:58 am
June 9, 2014
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Compact-Footprint, Refrigerated Dryers for Rotary Compressors Offer Simplified Maintenance

Kaeser Compressors has released a new line of refrigerated dryers for use with rotary compressors up to 40 hp. The Kryosec TAH-TCH series can handle flows from 12 – 159 cfm. Incorporating copper-brazed stainless steel plate heat exchangers, they provide drying at ambient temperatures up to 122 F.

The units’ air-to-air and air-to-refrigerant heat exchangers are combined with the condensate separator in a single assembly to save on space and weight. According to the manufacturer these new units have an exceptionally compact footprint and, with their low profile, easily fit under machine platforms and in tight corners. They can also be wall-mountedKryosec_5x4_cmyk_tcm9-539226.

Other features include an Eco-Drain electronic demand drain for dependable condensate drainage without pressure loss and a hot gas bypass valve that adjusts cooling capacity to match varying conditions. With all components, including heat exchangers, refrigerant circuit, condensate separator and drain, easily accessible when the side panels are removed, maintenance is simplified.

2811

8:44 pm
May 27, 2014
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Several KLOZURE Bearing Isolators Receive Upgraded IP Ratings

Garlock052714Klozure has announced that several products in its KLOZURE line of bearing isolators have received upgraded ingress protection (IP) ratings from the National Electrical Manufacturers Association’s NEMA MG-1 2009 Part 5 specification. The GUARDIAN, MICRO-TEC II, SGI and EnDuro have been upgraded from IP55 and IP56 sealing ratings to IP65 and IP66 sealing ratings, confirming their suitability for use in applications where no liquid or dust ingress is permitted.

IP ratings signify contaminant protection levels. While IP5x products can effectively protect equipment against dust, sealing products with an IP6x rating ensure zero dust intrusion. IP65-rated seals protect against dust and forced water intrusion, whereas IP66-rated seals protect against dust, increasingly powerful water jets and heavy seas.

Testing services for the IP65 and IP66 ratings were performed by a third-party evaluation group.

1849

7:54 pm
May 27, 2014
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Safer, Faster, Easier Flange Maintenance

052714EqualizerAccording to Equalizer USA, its patented flange-spreading tools can be used with all flange-joint types, even those with no access gaps between them. The company says its new Equalizer SWi product range can make activities associated with flange maintenance in a plant safer, more efficient and more cost-effective than in the past.

Products in the SWI line are shorter and lighter than previous models and offer a 60% more spreading force and almost 30% more spreading-distance. Molded revolving handles, revolving safety lanyards and the absence of finger-pinch points enhance usability. Simpliefied disassembly and reassembly of these spreaders translates into easier maintenance of the tools themselves. The SWI range includes three different models:

  • Mechanically operated, the SWi12/14TM (shown) is capable of exerting 14Tons of Spreading Force.
  • The SWi20/25TE is hydraulically operated by a separate hand pump and capable of exerting 24Tons of Spreading Force.
  • Featuring an integral hydraulic pump, the SWi20/25TI is capable of exerting 24Tons of Spreading Force.

 

 

 

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