Celebrating its eighty-fifth anniversary this year, drive engineering company SEW-Eurodrive unveiled a range of new products at Electra Mining Africa held last month at the Expo Centre in Nasrec, Johannesburg.

SEW-Eurodrive MD Raymond Obermeyer highlights that the original-equipment manufacturer has had a presence at this flagship exhibition since the 1980s.

He notes that the new products that were unveiled, including the new DRN series of asynchronous motors, comply with all of the requirements for European energy efficiency class IE3. He adds that the new motor range is fully downward-compatible with all SEW-Eurodrive’s existing products.

Moreover, the company explains on its website that to comply with the new Integral Horsepower (IHP) motor ruling, SEW-Eurodrive offers the DRN motor.

The IHP rule redefines electric motors and expands the scope of products covered since the US’s Energy Independence and Security (EISA) Act of 2007.

“Not only does the new DRN motor meet the stringent [rule] energy efficiency standards, it also fits existing gear units to provide easy upgrades and retrofits of gear motors containing DRS (IE1) or DRE (IE2) motors,” SEW-Eurodrive’s website states.

The company mentions that its new DRN motor only has marginal changes in weight and dimension, compared with its DRE motor while the motors are the same price. This results in greater efficiency at no extra cost.

Further, Obermeyer points out that, another new product that was launched at Electra was the X-Series agitator, which is based on a modular concept that incorporates many parts from the standard product platform.

Obermeyer explains that the features include an integrated extended bearing distance (moderate or heavy-duty), integrated drywell sealing and pressure lubrication and a thermally optimised housing.

He adds that SEW-Eurodrive also launched its Movitrac LTP-B Eco heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) unit for mining, industrial and commercial applications. This comprises a total HVAC solution from fans to pumps and motors.

Obermeyer asserts that Electra Mining Africa 2016 is a valuable platform to showcase SEW-Eurodrive’s ongoing innovation and technological developments.

“We see the event as an opportunity to welcome existing and potential new customers to our product range and brand,” Obermeyer notes.

Commenting on the company’s ‘The Future Starts Now’ campaign which underpined its presence at Electra Mining Africa 2016, he stresses that innovation, tradition and customer focus are the cornerstones of SEW-Eurodrive.

“That was the case when our company was founded 85 years ago, and it still holds true today. Thanks to a range of customer-orientated service modules, we offer our customers added value and measurable benefits. “This is made possible by powerful drives, high-quality standards and customised solutions,” Obermeyer concludes.