New system to reduce lifecycle costs of operating paper machine
March 2003
Motion Control & Drives
ABB, a leading power and automation technology group, will supply an industrial IT direct drive system for Sappi Kraft's No. 4 paper machine at its Tugela Mill in KwaZulu-Natal. The system represents new direct drive technology, which is becoming the industry standard in drive systems.
The contract, valued at nearly R26 million includes the delivery of 24 drive sections, 17 permanent magnet motors and seven standard asynchronous motors without gearboxes, as well as application software and all related services such as cabling, installation, commissioning and training.
"ABB's direct drive will enable Sappi to reduce the total lifecycle costs of operating the paper machine," says Urs Leuenberger, technical director, Automation Technologies division, ABB South Africa. "The unique solution reduces mechanical component in the paper machine drive, thereby simplifying it and giving it improved running efficiency and cost of ownership."
The solution is based on the new permanent magnet motors, frequency converters and application software. The drive system uses direct drive philosophy, which encompasses the use of permanent magnet motor technology to provide good torque at low speeds to eliminate the need for gearboxes. Direct Drive technology improves machine running, lowers energy consumption and reduces planning, installation and maintenance costs. The first direct drive solutions were introduced in Finland.
ABB in Southern Africa employs 3000 people and has operations in Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. ABB South Africa manufactures and supplies power and automation technology products and specialises in electricity infrastructure and industrial automation projects.
ABB ( www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impacts. The ABB group of companies operates in more than 100 countries and employs about 146 000 people.
For more information contact Mark Chan Yan, ABB South Africa, 011 617 2175, [email protected], www.abb.com/automation
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...
printer friendly version