Page 56 - HUB-4 Issue 98

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Technidrive's approach focused on developing an energy-
efficient and automatic unblocking system for the jaw
crushers. The selection of electric motors and gear units for
the system is essential. This choice was complemented by
integrating a CFW500 WEG inverter with built in soft
programmable logic control (PLC) functions, to control the
motor.
There were several advantages to this selection, including the
standard DC bus chokes to reduce harmonics. The inverter was
selected with an output sinusoidal filter to create a nice sine
wave, reduce output current and importantly reduce electrical
noise.
The installation, conducted by RJ Mitten's in-house team, was
swift, taking just half a day to complete. The jaw crusher
unblock systems have been in operation for 18 months now,
showcasing remarkable improvements in safety and
productivity.
“Previously, it would take two to three hours to clear a
blockage in the jaw crusher,” explained Noel Mitten, partner
at RJ Mitten & Sons. “Thanks to the upgrade, this task now
only requires ten minutes, showcasing the significant
efficiency gains we’ve
achieved. Crucially, we
no longer have to
perform this
manually.”
One of the
groundbreaking
features of the
upgrade is the
innovative software
developed by
Technidrive. During a
standard start-up
procedure from a
standstill, the variable
speed drive (VSD)
gradually accelerates
the crusher with a slow ramp time, limiting the absorbed
current due to the considerable inertia of the application. This
not only minimises the power supply demands, enhancing
system efficiency, but also alleviates strain on the mechanical
components.
Consequently, this approach can result in substantial savings
in maintenance costs and prolong the machine's lifespan.
Moreover, the advanced software facilitates a specialised
start-up function for situations where the jaw crusher is fully
blocked. If the crusher is halted while full, the VSD can be
activated in an unblock mode, swiftly initiating a rapid ramp
time either in forward or reverse, contingent upon the
crusher's position. It automatically regulates various
parameters including direction, current, ramp times, DC bus
voltage, torque, position and speed until the chamber is
cleared of product and the crusher operates empty for a
predetermined duration. Z
“This system eliminates the hazardous and labour-intensive
task operators traditionally face when manually unblocking
crushers,” explained David Strain technical director at
Technidrive. “Crucial to the system's reliability is the VSD,
carefully programmed to ensure efficient, reliable and safe
operation for the motor and mechanical equipment, equipped
with specialised Unblock program. Since we first developed
this system in 2016, we’ve installed over 80 crusher unblock
systems and continue to increase crusher safety and efficiency
across the globe for both end users and OEM’s.”
For businesses seeking to enhance their quarrying processes,
get in contact with Technidrive today. Alternatively, visit the
website to discover more about the company’s bespoke
solutions for the quarrying sector.
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www.hub-4.com May/June - Issue 98