Motion Control & Drives


Drive-based solutions enhance machine efficiency and safety

July 2022 Motion Control & Drives

BMG’s NORD predictive maintenance solutions offer fast, efficient and comprehensive evaluation of analog and digital data to enhance the operational efficiency and safety of machines. The intelligent PLC in NORD drive technology forms the basis for condition monitoring and predictive maintenance.

“BMG specialists use predictive maintenance as a methodical continuation of condition maintenance, with the prime objective of proactively maintaining machinery and equipment, and detecting operational changes. Our NORD status-oriented maintenance system replaces traditional time-based maintenance to enhance the performance of the gear unit, electric motor and frequency inverter, for increased efficiency of the entire plant as well as reduced downtime,” explains Deon Crous, national product specialist for BMG’s NORD Drive Systems, Electromechanical Drives division.

“Digitalisation in drive technology boosts the added value our customers derive from drive data. This is especially so in drive systems in demanding production environments, where industrial gear unit installations are usually used in critical applications and their failure could cause severe damage. For example, in mining, wastewater, intralogistics and the food industry, as well as in general heavy-duty applications.

BMG’s NORD drives for condition monitoring are based on intelligent algorithms and software in an Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) environment, where networked drive units collect condition data in the inverter’s integrated PLC and pre-process it, together with data of connected sensors and actuators.

“An important advantage of this system is that it offers our customers dependable data analysis, rather than merely data reading. Results of pre-processing or complete data can be optionally transmitted to an edge device, from which the data of all subsystems is managed and evaluated. This information is then available as pre-selected and edited smart data for further use and clear visualisation,” he explained.

A common application example is the sensorless determination of the optimum oil change time based on the oil temperature, which is the key factor for oil ageing in gear units. This information is used in conjunction with gear unit parameters and specific operational parameters to precisely calculate the appropriate oil change time, without the need for a physical temperature sensor.

BMG’s electromechanical specialists are able to extend and adjust NORD drive equipment for the specific automation task, including drive monitoring, drive control and process control. The team is also able to advise customers about the correct PLC software architecture for every application.

In smaller production plants, NORD scalability allows users to gain initial experience prior to reorganising the plant. There are three configuration levels available: at the first level, the drive unit PLC only performs drive monitoring; drive parameters are pre-processed in the PLC and communicated to the higher-level control system that is responsible for drive and process control. At the medium level, the PLC integrates the drive control and also runs drive-related functions. At the higher configuration level, the inverter PLC completely replaces the higher-level control system.

NORD drive systems – developed by Getriebebau Nord and assembled locally by BMG – comprise optimum drive configurations to ensure the high performance of mechanical speed control for specific applications in almost every industry. Local assembly at BMG World in Johannesburg enables prompt delivery of drive systems and the quick availability of spare parts.


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

New torque sensors for fastening applications
Spero Sensors & Instrumentation Motion Control & Drives
Sensor Technology, a global leader in innovative torque and load measurement solutions, has launched its latest advancement in torque sensing technology.

Read more...
Tough chain and induction hardened sprockets
Bearing Man Group t/a BMG Motion Control & Drives
BMG’s Tsubaki Titan chain series offers significant improvements in wear life, particularly in demanding applications like abrasive and dusty conditions.

Read more...
Innomotics powers largest heat pump system in the Netherlands
Motion Control & Drives
Innomotics, a global leader in the provision of electric motors and large drive systems, has played a pivotal role in the realisation of the largest heat pump system in the Netherlands. It is located at the municipal wastewater treatment plant in Utrecht.

Read more...
Heavy-duty V-belts for aggressive conditions
Bearing Man Group t/a BMG Motion Control & Drives
BMG’s extensive range of specialised Gates belting includes heavy-duty Predator V-belts, which have been specially designed to meet the challenges of drives that need to perform optimally in harsh African conditions.

Read more...
Three decades, one Perfect Harmony GH180
Motion Control & Drives
When customers seek to install a new medium voltage variable frequency drive, their priorities are reliability, efficiency and ease of use. Innomotics excels in these areas with its robust product offerings.

Read more...
Robust industrial chain solutions
Motion Control & Drives
Bearings International recently relaunched its quality range of premium brand chain solutions, KÖBO and Zexus, alongside its renowned private label offering Roller Chain Opti.

Read more...
Unlocking the smart factory
ElectroMechanica Editor's Choice Motion Control & Drives
At ElectroMechanica, we recognise that transitioning to smart automation isn’t just about adopting new technology; it’s about solving real challenges. Labour shortages, rising costs and downtime due to outdated machinery make digital transformation essential for long-term competitiveness.

Read more...
Enhanced grease gun and pump range
SKF South Africa Motion Control & Drives
The addition of a new LAGC S coupler to enhance the performance, safety and ease of operation of SKF’s proven grease gun and pump ranges demonstrates the company’s commitment to channelling innovation into its products and technology solutions.

Read more...
Problem solving under pressure
Axiom Hydraulics Motion Control & Drives
The greatest strength of Axiom Hydraulics lies in the company’s ability to solve complex problems and adapt systems to meet unique challenges. This capability stems from two key factors: the diverse experience of its team members, which spans decades across multiple disciplines, and their unwavering dedication to their clients.

Read more...
New AI advisor for robot selection
igus Motion Control & Drives
igus’ new AI chatbot has been added to the online platform RBTX.com. The interactive consultant is designed to enable companies with little previous experience and technological expertise to quickly and reliably put together low-cost automation solutions to becoming more competitive.

Read more...