MechChem Africa May-June 2025

Modular industrial drives for mixing and agitating Nord Drive Systems – designed by German precision engineers, Getriebebau Nord and assembled locally by BMG – encompass modular drive configurations that ensure optimum performance of mechanical speed control for specific applications in industry, including mixing and agitation solutions for water, wastewater, processing and raw materials management applications.

“N ord drive solutions, which meet stringent local and international quality stan dards, are known for reli ability, energy-efficiency, low noise levels, extended service life and reduced main tenance,” says Johan (Os) Stoltz, National Product Specialist for Nord Drive Systems in BMG’s Electromechanical Drives division. These modular drive systems incorpo rate advanced drive technology and special design features to meet the precise require ments of every operation. In particular, pumps, mixing and agitating systems are required to meet high demands in environ mental technology, to distribute safe drink ing water, convey wastewater and circulate activated sludge, for example. BMG’s Nord agitator drive systems – which easily move large masses in agitat ing and mixing applications – consist of an electric motor, a frequency inverter, a MAXXDRIVE ® gear unit and accessories. Notably, the Nord MAXXDRIVE ® series is the only complete industrial gear unit system on the market with a one-piece UNICASE lightweight housing for mixing and agitating processes. Johan Stoltz, National Product Specialist for Nord Drive Systems in BMG’s Electromechanical Drives division.

Nord helical and helical bevel gear units – available from BMG in various sizes and speed ratios – offer high operational reliability and protection against leaks through optimum sealing. The robust and rigid design enables the system to cope with excessive loads, while the short total axis spacing results in low bending torques and extended operation times for the entire drive system. BMG also offers a wide range of attach ment options for simple and economic inte gration into mixing and agitation industry applications. “We supply numerous NORD drive components as explosion-protected ATEX versions, for safe operation in hazard ous areas, including Zones 1 and 2 for gas/ vapour/mist and zones 21 and 22 for dust,” Stoltz adds. NORD MAXXDRIVE Industrial Gear Units provide high output torques from 15 to 282 kNm and are perfect for use in heavy duty applications such as agitators, conveyor belt drives, mixers, mills, drums or crushers. They are available as helical gear units or bevel gear units and are constructed with Nord’s UNICASE housing, which was developed to accommodate larger roller

bearings to guarantee longer service life. These compact industrial gear units en sure reliable operation even under extreme conditions and are designed for vertical and horizontal installation to minimise required space. Another important feature of Nord’s MAXXDRIVE-based agitator drive system is the IEC/NEMA approved SAFOMI Seal less adapter for agitators, which prevents vibrations during operation. This adapter includes an oil compensation volume, so additional attachments and wearing parts such as an oil tank and drive shaft sealing rings are not necessary. This results in greater operational reliability and reduced maintenance. “Existing MAXXDRIVE helical gear units with standard IEC/NEMA adapters can also be easily converted for SAFOMI adapters,” notes Stoltz. Nord drive systems for agitators, pumps and mixers used in water, wastewater and process plants are engineered with a VL heavy-duty spread bearing design, which translates to reinforced bearings and in creased bearing spacing. These reinforced and larger output shaft bearings allow the

BMG’s Nord agitator drive systems – which easily move large masses in agitating and mixing applications – consist of an electric motor, frequency inverter, MAXXDRIVE ® gear unit and accessories.

4 ¦ MechChem Africa • May-June 2025