Case Study
Optdrive P2 reaches the heights in South African waterworks
Problem
A crane hoist used to lift heavy valves and equipment 98 metres from the base of a dam wall needed a capable variable frequency drive capable of producing full torque on the motor before disengaging the brake.
Solution
The heavy duty Optidrive P2 was more than capable of producing the full torque and it could do this without an encoder or closed loop. It also eliminated the shock loading previously experienced.
DATONA CRANE SERVICES
Situated at the bottom of the Sterkfontein dam wall, the hoist is used to remove big valves and other equipment for overhaul and general maintenance. A key challenge in this application is the fact that the hoist has to provide a total lifting distance of 98 metres.
The 37 kW, 380v Optidrive P2, supplied for the project through Datona Crane Services, is able to produce full torque on the motor before disengaging the brake on the hoist, without the use of an encoder or closed loop variable speed drive. Further more, the customer was amazed at the incredible improvement in performance due to the elimination of the shock loading that they had previously experienced when using contactor control.
"The customer was totally delighted to see the infinite amount of control that the Optidrive P2 gave them during their 11.5 ton load test and this not only in the hoisting motion, but also in the lowering motion too," said an Invertek Drives spokesperson.
He added: "We have been very successful in the use of the Optidrive range of products within the crane industry throughout South Africa. Needless to say, we have received a lot more enquiries regarding the use of Optidrives revolutionary technology in hoisting applications, and expect to rapidly grow our share of this market over the coming months."
