Electricity + Control May 2018

DRIVES, MOTORS + SWITCHGEAR round up

In-house 12-dynamic ton balancing service in Zambia

Zambia’s position as the leading electro-mechanical repair facility in the region. Over a period of four years Marthinusen & Coutts Zambia has successfully upgraded its test facilities which can now accommo- date both ac and dc motors. The facility also boasts a tempera- ture-controlled burnout oven, curing ovens and vacuum pressure impregnation (VPI) tank. Furthermore, winding verification en- sures that stators and rotors are wound to international and OEM specifications. Further upgrades have also been implemented to the mechanical repair shop, which also offers machining, milling and submerged arc welding. Enquiries: Richard Botton.Tel. +27 (0) 11 607 1700 or email richardb@mandc.co.za

The largest balancing machine in Zambia was recently successful- ly commissioned at Marthinusen & Coutts ’ Zambian operation in Kitwe. The fully upgraded 12 ton Schenck machine is capable of balancing rotors up to 12 tons at operating speeds up to 3 300 r/ min, 5,5 metres in length and with diameters of up to 2,2 metres. Careful planning and execution by Marthinusen & Coutts, a division of ACTOM, ensured that the machine was successfully installed, calibrated and commissioned. The local M&C team re- ceived training to ensure optimum operation of the machine. The in-house ability to precision balance rotors to very high accuracy is a valuable service to customers in the region, and it will no longer be necessary to transport large components across border to South Africa for this work to be done. This local dynam-

ic balancing service also expedites the repair process, reducing delivery time, and avoiding the risks associat- ed with long distance transportation. All this translates into a bottom line cost reduction for customers because of the quicker turnaround times. The service will prove to be in- valuable to customers and OEMs operating in the Copperbelt region, and underpins Marthinusen & Coutts

The largest balancing machine in Zambia was recently successfully commissioned at Marthinusen & Coutts’ Zambian operation in Kitwe.

IE3-compliant DRN motor series promotes energy efficiency

DRN series, Maleka points out that the to- tal cost of ownership of the equipment is reduced significantly over the long term. “Not only do we inform our customers about these benefits, but we also advise on application requirements. Our aim is to offer a total solution, as opposed to sim- ply being a component supplier,” Maleka stresses. Enquiries: Jana Klut. Email JKlut@sew.co.za

SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa show- cased its IE3-compliant DRN series of asynchronous motors at bauma CONEX- PO Africa 2018. The range has set a new benchmark in the local electric-motor in- dustry in terms of energy efficiency. Stricter international regulations have meant that all two-, four- and six-pole asynchronous motors with a power rating of 7,5 kW to 375 kW must meet the re- quirements of energy-efficiency class IE3 in the European Union (EU). While South Africa does not face the same regulatory pressure as the EU, SEW-EURODRIVE has decided to raise the benchmark local- ly by launching its new DRN series as its standard range of electric motors. “We also have to take into account our customers across our borders. For exam- ple, if we supply an OEM in Africa carrying out a project in the US, the IE3 require-

ment has to be met. We not only supply the local market, but have to take our export obligations into account as well,” National Sales Manager Norman Maleka comments. SEW-EURODRIVE offers the DRN series as a complete range. “It sets the standard. A customer who buys a gearbox or drive from us will automatically have an IE3-compliant motor,” Maleka stress- es. “What is equally important is the fact that the DRN series is downward compat- ible with our previous motors, regardless of the energy class. It fits right onto our gearboxes, for example, which means no additional effort on the part of our custom- ers.” Another feature is a global stator, which boosts both parts availability and stockholding. Commenting on the benefit of using energy-efficient motors such as the new

32 Electricity + Control

MAY 2018