Greater efficiencies at Brazilian biomass plant with variable frequency drives
August 2023
Motion Control & Drives
The implementation of variable frequency drives at a biomass plant in Brazil has resulted in increased efficiency, lower energy consumption, and reduced emissions. The biomass plant, which converts waste material into heat and energy, previously utilised a damper-controlled ventilation system and continuously moving material conveyor to feed the burners. This outdated setup caused the fans to run at a constant maximum speed, regardless of the required ventilation flow. Additionally, the system suffered from inefficiencies caused by an excess of material being fed into the burners.
Santa Carina-based Tavares Automation used VFDs from Invertek Drives to optimise the plant’s processes. The Optidrive E3 and P2 VFDs were integrated into the system, offering precise control and optimisation capabilities. The biomass plant was highly inefficient, resulting in high energy costs and emissions. The objective was to control the ventilation accurately and optimise the biomass burning process.
The implementation involved replacing the damper ventilation system with a VFD-controlled setup, enabling precise control of fan speed according to the required air flow. This immediately led to reduced energy consumption and improved boiler efficiencies. The feeding mats responsible for material transport were automated, ensuring only the necessary amount of material was used, preventing accumulation and inefficient burning. The mat’s speed could be adjusted or stopped based on the required quantity. As a result, the customer achieved greater boiler efficiency, with reduced biomass consumption and electricity costs. Additionally, the optimised burning of biomass significantly decreased the emission of gases into the atmosphere.
Further reading:
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...
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...
The world’s most powerful worm
Motion Control & Drives
Geothermal energy from the natural heat of the Earth is an inexhaustible resource, yet the growth of the global geothermal power sector lags behind other renewable energies. Now Swiss startup, Borobotics is hoping to speed this up with its innovative new electric-powered geothermal drilling robot, which can be used to fast-track and lower the cost of heat pump installations in confined spaces.
Read more...
Building resilience in extreme environments
ACTOM Electrical Machines
Motion Control & Drives
The petrochemical and oil and gas sectors operate in unforgiving environments. In this high-stakes industry, operational efficiency is vital, and unplanned downtime can have severe consequences. To thrive in this demanding landscape, a proactive and sophisticated approach to maintenance is no longer an option, but a necessity.
Read more...
Collaborative robots pioneer automation revolution
Motion Control & Drives
Collaborative robots (cobots) are a versatile, cost-effective robot form factor that is demonstrating value across many industry verticals. According to a new report from ABI Research, revenue from cobots will increase from $970 million in 2023 to $7,2 billion by 2030.
Read more...
SKF shines at Mining Indaba
SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
This year marked SKF’s second consecutive participation at Mining Indaba, where the global bearing and seal manufacturing giant spotlighted its premium quality, future-smart, environmentally sustainable mining and industrial products, technologies and services.
Read more...
Reducing the risk of sewage spills
Motion Control & Drives
The UK government has announced plans to impose tougher penalties on water companies in England and Wales that fail to prevent sewage discharges into rivers and seas. David Strain, technical director at the automation systems specialist, Technidrive explains how solutions like variable speed drives and smart monitoring systems can help water companies reduce the risk of sewage spills and ensure compliance.
Read more...
High-performance electric wire rope hoists
Motion Control & Drives
Becker Mining South Africa’s Kito RX electric wire rope hoists, launched in Africa two years ago, play a critical role in many industries.
Read more...
Complete solutions for the die casting industry
Motion Control & Drives
Die casting is a manufacturing process that involves injecting molten metal into a mould to produce complex, high-precision components. FUCHS Lubricants South Africa addresses the evolving demands of the die casting sector through continuous product innovation and development.
Read more...
printer friendly version