The utilisation of SKF sealed bearings, combined with upgraded internal modifications, reconditioning and locally manufactured custom seals, has increased the average mean time between failures (MTBF) of scraper idlers on a customer’s submerged scraper conveyor (SCC) from between three and six months, up to between 12 and 18 months..
The submerged scraper idlers convey water-quenched hot coarse ash to the front of the SSC, which then collects and dewaters the boiler bottom ash (BBA) before discharging it at a controlled rate in the downstream plant. The SSC’s water-filled top trough, which works in conjunction with the dipper plates, provides boiler sealing by preventing air ingress into the boiler via the SSC.
The cost of frequent plant downtime to replace the failed scraper idlers was also exacerbated by the need for regular purchasing of new units. SKF proposed the supply of sealed spherical roller bearings (SRBs), a quality reconditioning procedure on the scraper idlers, and an overall redesign of the internal sealing arrangement. Senior application engineer, Cody Petersen explains that the highly contaminated operating conditions merited the use of sealed bearings. These bearings eliminated the possibility of contaminant ingress, thus increasing overall bearing life expectancy, equipment availability, and application running time. SKF supplied 28 units, each unit comprising two bearings, thus giving a total of 56 bearings.
“We proposed a complete redesign of the internal sealing arrangement due to the fact that the existing units were lasting for only approximately six months after installation, before either getting stuck due to guide wheel seizure, or leaking prematurely,” he says. “The SKF team carried out a redesign of the entire internal geometry, shaft, hub and guide wheel. We also manufactured custom seal cartridges to house custom seals manufactured by SKF locally, and we partnered with an accredited SKF supplier to recondition the housings.
“Our solution has created tremendous value for our customer on several levels. In addition to a significant decrease in plant downtime, the prevention of water/ash slurry leakage has, most importantly, resulted in a safer working environment. Alongside cost savings, the reconditioning and reuse of the housings also saved the customer time due to a faster overall turnaround time while lowering CO2 emissions, ultimately benefiting the environment.”
Since the installation of the first units, SKF has received a great deal of positive feedback from the customer, who has placed further orders for reconditioned units. “We have established an excellent working relationship with our valued customer, and we are continually implementing improvements in the current design to deliver the most optimal solution,” concludes Petersen.
Next-gen battery-driven grease gun SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
SKF’s innovative TLGB 21 battery-driven grease gun optimises lubrication efficiency and reduces costs, by seamlessly combining advanced technology with a smart, rugged design.
Read more...Autonomous robots provide green logistics DNH Tradeserve t/a DNH Technologies
Motion Control & Drives
In 2007, Heinrich Amminger and Martin Trummer from Austria had an idea for revolutionising warehouse logistics. They developed the automated small part warehouse – an intelligent and very environment-friendly logistics system that is winning an increasing number of customers for Ylog, a startup company.
Read more...Precision drives on the Red Planet DNH Tradeserve t/a DNH Technologies
Motion Control & Drives
More than 100 electric motors from maxon have been used on the Red Planet, and have withstood cosmic radiation, dust storms, and temperature fluctuations. The key to success is standard industrial products.
Read more...Solar-powered drive solution for water pumps Schneider Electric South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Schneider Electric South Africa has launched its Altivar Solar ATV320 variable speed drive (VSD), a solar-powered drive solution that is compatible with a wide range of water pumps, catering for water challenges and decarbonisation of irrigation pumping and agriprocessing machinery.
Read more...Dependable belt rip detection
Motion Control & Drives
Becker Mining has launched the newly developed BRS4.0 belt rip detection system, with advanced features for greater durability, higher efficiency, and improved safety.
Read more...Flat face and flat face screw couplings for mining
Motion Control & Drives
Quick couplings are the critical connectors that keep mining systems running. Within the mining industry, the choice of coupling can significantly impact equipment performance, downtime, and maintenance costs. Stucchi offers flat face and flat face screw couplings that are designed to withstand mining’s unique challenges.
Read more...New-generation drill rig
Motion Control & Drives
Epiroc is launching the new-generation PowerROC T35, offering both increased fuel efficiency and faster operations.
Read more...Compressed air treatment do’s and don’ts Artic Driers International
Motion Control & Drives
As a long-established importer and manufacturer of air dryers, Artic Dryers often sees the results of poor installation and issues with aftercoolers that create serious problems in air drying systems.
Read more...Understanding standby, prime and continuous gensets WEG Africa
Motion Control & Drives
The increasing reliance of South African businesses on generator sets to mitigate power disruptions highlights a crucial need for proper selection based on specific operational demands. Despite their growing usage, there is still widespread confusion about how to choose the appropriate genset, often leading to inefficient and costly decisions.
printer friendly version