MechChem Africa August 2017

⎪ Plant maintenance, lubrication and filtration ⎪

As the operator of the largest independent high speed dynamic balancing machine in sub-Saharan Africa, Marthinusen & Coutts, a division of ACTOM, has an in-depth understanding of the importance of precision-balancing rotating machines. Precision balancing of rotors

M ike Chamberlain, marketing and commercial executive at this leading local repairer of rotating electrical and mechanical equip- ment, points out how critical it is to ensure the highest degree of accuracy when balancing rotatingmachines as thiswill minimise vibration levels thereby increasing reliability and reducing maintenance costs. The 32 t Schenck HM7 U/S balancing ma- chine, locatedatMarthinusen&Coutts’ 9500m² high-techworkshopinCleveland,Johannesburg, is in constant use. “Our customers, which include major local and international OEMs, benefit significantly through access to an independent balancing service offering with this level of ca- pacity and quality.” The HM7 U/S balancing machine has a mea- suring range between 100 and 5 000 rpm. It is 9.0 m long, has a journal size of 400 mm and a swing of 2.4 m. The machine is fitted with a CAB 920 H computer measuring system with advanced functionality. “This state-of-the-art technology makes changeovers to new rotor types quick and straightforward, and the machine is capable of balancing larger high-speed rotors dynamically at full operating speed,” Chamberlain says. He adds that, on occasion, and depending on the design of the rotor and the individual customer requirement, balancingcanbedoneat 10%over- speed or more if required. In-house balancing of rotors not only speeds up the process; it also reduces the cost and the turnaround time of repairs. The machine is also available to external customers on a first-come- first-served request. Marthinusen & Coutts also performs on site

Marthinusen & Coutts operates the largest independent high-speed dynamic balancing machine in sub-Saharan Africa. vibration and dynamic balancing with its recently acquiredBentlyNevadaADRE408 portable vibration and balancing system. Chamberlain says that the balancing is in line with international best practice with industry standard balancing certificates being issued for each completed rotor. q

The 32 t Schenck HM7 U/S balancing machine, at Marthinusen & Coutts’ 9 500 m² workshop.

August 2017 • MechChem Africa ¦ 13