Temperature monitoring for fluid couplings

Temperature Measurement

November 2008 Temperature Measurement

Voith Turbo has responded to industry demand for reliability with the introduction of BTM, a non-contact temperature measuring device for fluid couplings.

“Continuous monitoring of processes in a system is a prerequisite and Voith’s BTM non-contact temperature monitoring device for fluid couplings optimises processes through effective temperature measuring”, explains Voith product manager, Hans Voshol.

Applications include belt conveyors, crushers, marine propulsion, centrifuges, wood chippers and mills

The easy to install BTM replaces conventional temperature measuring systems on fluid couplings and consists of a processing unit, antenna and a temperature sensor. The product features and benefits include:

* Direct sensing of the operating fluid’s temperature resulting in increased system availability, improved operating efficiency, reduced maintenance costs and an optimised process.

* Temperature sensing in realtime allows for preventive responses such as load reduction in anticipation of an impending overload.

* Better utilisation of the fluid coupling’s thermal reserves is achieved.

* The standardised design renders the system ideal for retrofitting.

Although new to the South African market, there are numerous examples of successful applications of the BTM temperature monitoring device in Canada. Results of on-site testing of the BTM fitted to a shredder drive showed the benefits of the system. The shredder drive, which has a motor rating of 1 MW and utilises a 1150 DT-L fluid coupling, produces 40 tons of material per hour, 8 hours a day for 45 weeks every year.

Comparative testing was conducted on a unit fitted with the BTM device and a unit fitted with a conventional measuring device in the drive. Results showed reduced load on the drive and no production interruption on the coupling fitted with the BTM device, which resulted in numerous customer benefits:

* Higher system availability.

* Equipment-based load control.

* Improved operating efficiency.

* Lower maintenance costs.

* Increased profitability.

“The BTM not only provided exceptional benefits but also showed a return on investment within two weeks, which is phenomenal,” concludes Hans.

For more information contact Hans Voshol, Voith Turbo South Africa, +27 (0)11 418 4000, [email protected], www.voith.com

Share this article:

Temperature Measurement

Temperature monitoring for fluid couplings

Further reading:

Published by Technews