Smooth-running conveyors and feeders are critical in a variety of industries, and for an array of applications, particularly in mining where potential breakdowns could cost the company a pretty penny!
With this in mind, conveyor drives should be well-maintained, lubricated, ventilated and expertly housed – and this is where NORD comes in. Their modular Industrial Gear Units (IGUs) provide flexibility, ease of use, reliability and a long service life.
Thanks to its modular design, a range of individual components can be matched based on exact requirements. According to Adrian Taglieri, Engineering Manager for NORD, this particular product was a breakthrough at the time, allowing for transmission components to be placed together in a single housing without any forces placed on the housing joints.
“While the product has evolved over the years, it remains a prominent part of our mining product portfolio. By allowing customers to add their components of choice, narrowing down the delivery time and ensuring quicker installations, we add value and keep flexibility top-of-mind” says Adrian.
A robust and flexible option for Inenco
Located in Australia’s mining hub of Western Australia, Inenco has more than 160 branches worldwide and offers core product lines such as embrace bearings, power transmission, sealing, fasteners, driveshafts, drives and motors, belting, fluid power, engineering services, lifting and safety equipment, tools and maintenance products. In addition, their number of stocked lines exceeds 350,000 – equating to a presence in almost all industrial and trade sectors from agriculture and automotive to mining and transport in Australia.
Scouring the globe for only the best in quality products, Inenco selected NORD as their drive partner of choice. “We are a proud NORD distributor in Australia and have collaborated with them on many successful installations” says Brad Bickford, Application Engineering Manager – Power Transmission at Inenco.
“As a robust and flexible option, NORD’s IGUs are aimed at the mining industry. While the company has various other smaller geared motor options, the high-kilowatt IGU products prove their mettle in large mining applications.”
Sharing in the success
Last year, Inenco was tasked with supplying several MAXXDRIVE helical-bevel drive systems for a conveyor-feeder setup at a Western Australian lithium operation. The project was spearheaded by Inenco Group subsidiary, CBC – one of the country’s largest distributors of bearings and power transmission solutions.
The installation required close collaboration between Inenco and NORD based on scope and the desired outcomes. These right-angled, close-coupled drives would prove to be one of the company’s most ambitious Australian projects yet.
“It required six large drive systems to be implemented across four conveyors and two feeders. NORD proposed a great package that was in line with what this particular client was looking for. When the opportunity arose for us to supply the client, we looked at numerous options and summarised that the Nord proposal could deliver best to spec,” says Brad
“What set NORD apart was the combination of a modular design, the ability to output up to 250,000 Newton metres of torque and their trademark Unicase housing design. We supplied the units in March 2018 and it then took some time for installation and commissioning, so they have been in operation for over 12 months now ” he explains.
Specific additions to the drives, tailored for the project, included the addition of a keyless shrink disc to the output side of the MAXXDRIVE. NORD’s design team also included upgraded taconite seals to reduce the risks of dust ingress and leakages. “This ensures a long service life in harsh conditions” says Brad.
NORD IGUs were fitted and driven by TECO MaxE3 high-efficiency premium severe duty motors. For safety and efficiency purposes, the four IGU systems destined for use on the conveyors were also installed with backstops to prevent roll back on inclines. Additionally, where required high speed mechanical fans are also installed to assist with cooling in a hot climate.
According to Brad, the feedback thus far has been positive. “Compared to rival brands, it stacks up very competitively, with quality German backing and features and benefits. It’s a quality product that ticks all the boxes.”
