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Fluid couplings range promoted at 2014 Electra Mining Africa

WESTCAR ROTOFLUID COUPLING Distributed in sub-Saharan Africa by Bibby Turboflex South Africa, the standard Rotofluid range comprises constant-fill traction couplings, with a power rating of up to 4 000 kW

MADE FOR MINING Bibby Turboflex South Africa has supplied about 200 Westcar Rotofluid fluid couplings to mining projects throughout sub-Saharan Africa

10th October 2014

By: Ilan Solomons

Creamer Media Staff Writer

  

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Power transmission company Bibby Turboflex South Africa (SA) showcased its Italian-manufactured range of Westcar Rotofluid couplings, for which it is the sole distributor in sub-Saharan Africa, at this year’s Electra Mining Africa trade show, which took place last month at the Nasrec Expo Centre, in Johannesburg.

Bibby Turboflex SA sales and marketing manager Kevin Gill tells Mining Weekly that the company is increasing brand awareness of the product range across local industries, including the mining, engineering and con- struction sectors.

“We have been stocking this range since 2004. However, we are intensifying the marketing of this product range, which was reflected by our exhibiting the couplings at Electra Mining.”

Gill adds that, despite the global economic downturn that started in 2008, Bibby Turboflex SA has supplied about 200 Westcar Rotofluid couplings to coal, platinum and diamond mining projects throughout sub-Saharan Africa.

He points out that the fluid couplings range includes the standard Rotofluid series and the Rotofluid CA series of constant fill couplings, which comprise three main components – a pump, a driven impeller turbine and a covered flange for the outer impeller.

Gill notes that a low starting torque of less than 200% is achieved with the standard circuit in a maximum oil-fill condition.

“It is possible to further limit the starting torque to 160% using a reduced oil filling. However, this creates slip and increased working temperatures.”

However, Gill points out that with a single-delayed fill chamber, the ratio between the starting and nominal torque may reach 150%, thereby reducing torque further to 120% using a double-delayed fill chamber. This generates up to 4 000 kW.

He notes that a starting torque lower than nominal motor torque can be achieved using the Rotofluid CA series range, and that the series comprises different sizes for power output of between 37 kW and 1 800 kW at 1 500 rpm.

Fluid Couplings Advantages
Gill tells Mining Weekly that the couplings ensure a reduction in the current absorption during the starting phase, when the motor can start under low load conditions.

The couplings also ensure easy start-up, with gradual acceleration of the driven equipment; automatic load-sharing on the basis of the synchronous speed of two, or more, motors; protection of the drivetrain against overloads; and the dampening of rotational vibrations.

Gill adds that the torque transmitted complies with preset values and that direct online starter motors can be used without star-delta starters or slip-ring motors.

Product Specifications
Westcar’s standard Rotofluid range comprises constant-fill traction couplings, with a power rating of up to 4 000 kW.

“The range’s single- and double- delay fill chambers ensure smooth starting and starting-torque limitation using externally adjustable calibrated nozzles,” says Gill, adding that the option of fitting additional safety devices is available.

He notes that the standard Rotofluid range includes Viton seals and O-rings, as well as interchangeability between common components.

Gill further notes that the Rotofluid CA range comprises constant-fill couplings that have patented oil circuit designs, which are suitable for several applications, including at mills and for conveyor drives.

“The Rotofluid CA range has a power rating of up to 1 800 kW and double-delay fill chambers with an annular chamber,” he says. The range is also equipped with an externally adjustable starting-torque-limitation calibration nozzle, as well as Viton seals and O-rings.
Other products in the Westcar range, which Bibby Turboflex SA stocks, include the Rotofluid GGG hydraulic couplings, with cast iron casings for rated powers of up to 6 000 kW; the Rotomec hydromechanical couplings, which comprise hydraulic start-up and centrifugal mechanical lock-up, with no slip at running and power rated for up to 1 500 kW; and the Rotoflexi flexible couplings.

Edited by Samantha Herbst
Creamer Media Deputy Editor

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