Electricity + Control January 2016

DRIVES, MOTORS + SWITCHGEAR

ROUND UP

Adding to the range of electric motor circuit breakers for harsh environments The addition of two new models to the WEG MPW range of motor protection circuit breakers will offer customers a broader range from which to select the most ap- propriate protection for electric motors. All motor protection circuit breakers in theWEG MPW range aremanufactured in accordance with IEC 60947 and UL 508 international standards giving absolute assurance in terms of operational parameters and quality. These devices offer the major benefit of being compact and modular, which al- lows space saving within the electrical panel itself. This means that the panel can be smaller or where necessary more components can be included in the panel. Engineered to withstand harsh operating conditions, the WEG MPW range of motor protection circuit breakers are robustly constructed for optimal reliability.The range facilitates the protection of a wide range of electric motors from 0,16 A up to 100 A. Significantly, theWEGMPW range has both thermal magnetic versions which provide protection against any potential short circuit and overload conditions and magnetic only versions which provide protection against short circuits. Use of the thermal magnetic device will reduce the amount of compo- nents required whenmanufacturing amotor control centre and this can translate into a significant cost saving. The magnetic-only version allows the use of electronic over- load protection devices which can reduce costs further. Enquiries: Kirsten Larkan onTel. 011 723 6000 or email kirstenl@zest.co.za or visit www.zest.co.za

First 50 kA-rated, arc-resistant, MV regenerative drive Rockwell Automation has introduced the industry’s first 50 kA, arc-resistant Medium-Voltage drive fea- turing full regeneration capabilities. The advanced ArcShield technology from Rockwell Automation adds to theAllen-Bradley PowerFlex 7000 MV drive product line. Combined with an integrated arc-resistant Allen Bradley CENTERLINE starter, the new PowerFlex 7000 drive system with ArcShield technology provides a fully integrated, arc-resistant starter-and-drive system. The ArcShield technology redirects hazardous en- ergy and gases created from an arc-flash event away from personnel. This helps reduce safety risks and protect equipment in heavy process industries, such as oil and gas, mining, power generation, and water and wastewater treatment. The arc-resistant system is certified tomeet the most stringent and comprehensive set of global arc-resistant standards. It provides a 50 kA arc rating and also meets Type 2B protection to provide full perimeter personnel protection, even when the low-voltage control door is open for maintenance purposes. “The PowerFlex 7000 drive system with ArcShield technology is the latest addition to our growing port- folio of arc-resistant products. It has been developed to support the increasing requirements of the electri- cal safety programs implemented by our customers,” said Henry Craukamp, ETO Sales Manager, Rockwell Automation, Southern Europe andAfrica Rockwell Au- tomation. “The new drive system offers an integrated safety solution to reduce the safety burden put on industrial end users. Our unique designs were influ- enced by direct feedback and requirements requested by customers.” Enquiries: Henry Craukamp.Tel: 011 654 9700 or email hscraukamp@ra.rockwell.com

Frequency converters enable lean automation Demand-oriented motor control is enabling users to reduce their electricity consumption by up to 80% compared to fixed-displacement drives. Bosch Rexroth has recently added two new models to its range of frequency convert- ers, the EFC 3610 and EFC 5610, to provide intelligent speed and torque control for motors from 400 W up to 18,5 kW. Bosch Rexroth’s EFC-class frequency converters are open-source, scalable and expandable drive controls that are easily integrated into many different kinds of machines and automation en- vironments, including in pumps, compressors, fans, conveyors, presses and packaging machines. The EFC 3610 is a universal, low-cost converter for control and demand- oriented energy supply for almost all industry segments.The EFC 5610 is a high- torque solution with efficient, high-performance vector control for specialised requirements and an expanded power range (up to 18,5 kW). Both are available in heavy-duty and normal-duty configurations.The communications interface of the EFC converters has expanded to include support for Modbus, Profibus and CAN bus protocols. Pluggable I/O connection terminals and fieldbus modules enable a high degree of expandability and flexibility in the way drive architectures can be configured. Integrated brake choppers and mains filters (EN61800-3 C3) reduce the need for external componentry, enhancing the plug- and-play functionality of these products. Process control is improved through integrated PID controllers alongside an eight-step sequence control system. Enquiries: GeorgVenter.Tectra Automation.Tel: 011 974 9400 or email georg.venter@tectra.co.za

Electricity+Control January ‘16

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