An industrial water filtration specialist that has used gearmotors from SEW-Eurodrive for many years has adopted its Movidrive inverters with CMP servo motors and customisable iPOS software for its latest self-cleaning GraviFilter screen filters. “This is an example of a longstanding client relationship that has progressed from a standard product to the latest automation technology as the client itself develops and transforms its product range,” says SEW-Eurodrive engineer, Dylan Enslin.
The new gravity screen filter has been designed for cost-effectiveness and to reduce its manufacturing complexity. Consisting of sheetmetal that is easy to laser-cut and bend, the quantity of welding needed has also been reduced. In addition, the use of the Movidrive inverter with the CMP servo motor allows for effective repeatable positioning of the spray assembly.
“In terms of our iPOS software, we were able to assist with a customised program to control the machine – from aspects of homing to running to manual functions for maintenance, jogging the machine, and then also a graphic user interface for the client to adjust basic settings via laptop,” Enslin explains.
The advantage of Movidrive is that it essentially replaces the functionality of a PLC, from servo positioning to switching pumps and solenoids on and off. Using the drive for positioning, for example, also does away with the old fashioned crank system, in addition to being able to control extra peripherals.
“We have used SEW-Eurodrive for many years for gearmotors. This is the first time we have done something more advanced and automated. We are very thankful for the programming and all the extra effort with our prototype unit. I do not think there are many suppliers willing to go that extra mile for their clients,” says Superior Filtration technical director, Laurence Sachs.
The latest GraviFilter prototype is being trialled at a citrus processing plant, where fruit pulp is very difficult to filter. “We have received good feedback to date on the performance of the prototype,” Sachs reveals. A latest version with even more improvements is on the cards.
The CMP servo motors are IE4-rated for maximum energy efficiency, and are synchronous compared to the traditional AC motors. “You can also control the ramps, which is something that mechanics with camming and crank arms is quite tricky to get right,” adds Enslin.
Ramps place extra strain on the bearings and the structure itself. Essentially this is a scalable solution, with a longer belt drive that can be added if need be. The prototype has a 10 m3/h capacity, with the largest screening filter manufactured by Superior Filtration producing an impressive 200 m3/h.
Power supply with scalability optimised Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric has introduced the Easy UPS 3-Phase Modular to the South African marketplace. This robust uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is designed to protect critical loads while offering third-party verified Live Swap functionality.
Read more...Prioritising arc flash safety Comtest
Electrical Power & Protection
Comtest has developed a range of thermal imaging and wireless testing tools from Fluke, designed to ensure safety is the top priority for engineers working in potentially dangerous arc flash zones.
Read more...Hot Dip Galvanizers Association shines new light on renewable energy
Electrical Power & Protection
The Hot Dip Galvanizers Association of Southern Africa plays an important role in supporting the energy value chain – which spans clean, renewable and green energy – as it powers towards key sustainability targets.
Read more...ACTOM supplies high-voltage equipment to wind farm project ACTOM Electrical Machines
Electrical Power & Protection
ACTOM High Voltage Equipment is currently in the process of manufacturing 400 kV and 132 kV high-voltage primary equipment for the Ummbila Emoyeni wind farm project in Mpumalanga.
Read more...Energy measurement module for BL20 I/O System Turck Banner Southern Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Turck’s BL20 energy measurement module enables precise monitoring of the energy consumption of single- or three-phase systems.
Read more...Distributed energy resource management systems: a grid symphony Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
To listen to a symphony is one of the world’s great gifts. A conductor must ensure that instruments play beautifully as a whole and are kind to the ear and uplifting to the spirit yet shine in their individuality. The same can be said of a DERMS, which must effectively manage diverse energy sources to avoid compromising the grid’s integrity.
Read more...Focus on energy sector infrastructure development can drive economic growth
Electrical Power & Protection
Post-election periods in South Africa often see a renewed focus on infrastructure development, with a specific emphasis on directing investments towards the energy sector. This strategic approach aims to accelerate economic growth, address energy challenges, and ultimately uplift the overall standard of living for the populace.
Read more...Turning the continent into a global leader for green fuel
Electrical Power & Protection
Africa is at a turning point, with the potential to shift from being a supplier of raw materials to becoming a leader in advanced manufacturing, particularly in the growing green hydrogen market. For this transformation to happen, African countries must work together, combining their resources and talents to build a strong local economy.
Read more...Local range of planetary units SEW-EURODRIVE
Editor's Choice Motion Control & Drives
As SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa actively extends its offerings to customers, the SEW PPK and SEW P2.e industrial gearbox ranges are good examples of solutions that are well suited to the local business environment.
printer friendly version