MegaBanner-Right

MegaBanner-Left

LeaderBoad-Right

LeaderBoard-Left

Home » Industry News » Mining Sector News » SEW EURODRIVE SA secures the group’s world-first X.e agitator gear units order

SEW EURODRIVE SA secures the group’s world-first X.e agitator gear units order

AFTER the recent X.e series agitator unit launch in July 2023, SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa secured an order for nine units earmarked for the mining industry.

“The X.e agitator units are ideal for applications where high power ratings are required for stirring and mixing materials, and what is significant is that we can customise these agitator units to suit the customer’s specifications,” Jarrod Futter, Engineering Manager at SEW-EURODRIVE explains. “For example, we offer various bearing and shafting options and modular systems for the unit which can be selected to meet the customer’s budget and expectations.” 

The selection process depends on multiple factors, including the input speed, motor power, loading distance, axial loading and most importantly, the radial loading in the application and required output speed,” Futter adds.

The X.e agitator differs completely from previous X Series vertical drives. The X.e agitator unit is purpose designed for mixing and agitation, focusing on a stronger and dynamically improved housing. This allows for higher radial load applications, with a maximised bearing distance and an intelligent housing split above the maximum oil level to minimise potential leaks completely and offer better servicing and maintenance capabilities. The X.e agitator also features a new robust, integrated foot design with multiple aligned foot holes to allow for easy mounting and stiffness as well as huge strides in thermal improvement.

During the X.e agitator design process, SEW-EURODRIVE applied the ‘digital-twin’ concept that ties real-world testing to a digital Finite Element Analysis. Explaining the process, Futter says this methodology allows the matching of real-time figures during testing to the digital analysis, achieving the same results. “This enabled many cost benefits, minimised the need for physical testing and allowed the team to see and solve problems before they happened. The digital-twin concept is a more energy efficient and environmentally friendly solution for development and testing, and minimises potential waste,” Futter adds. 

As an example, he says that the extended bearing distance could be further optimised along with the oil flow characteristics. Using fluid simulation the piping could be optimised internally, allowing the designers to see how the flow occurs before creating a physical unit to evaluate the theory. The simulation results could then be checked with real-time tests to ensure the oil flow occurs as designed and optimal lubrication is achieved.

The X.e agitator unit has a unique application-specific reinforced and extended bearing distance concept, with the distance between the lower and upper output shaft bearing mounted further apart. This creates a greater shaft distance between these loading points, which allows the low speed shaft to handle higher radial forces. “In layman’s terms – the lever has been made longer to move a larger load,” Futter says. 

The X.e  agitator unit not only features a pressurised internal lubrication system that allows for continuous oil flow to all upper bearings and gears to ensure the units are well lubricated, but the unique labyrinth seal ensures protection from external particles that may damage the oil seals. Offering three sizes with various torque ranges and gear units, SEW-EURODRIVE offers client-specific products all safely encapsulated inside the gearbox for client and product protection.

For further information visit www.sew-eurodrive.co.za

To enquire about Cape Business News' digital marketing options please contact sales@cbn.co.za

Related articles

Integrated Pump Technology to unveil expanded pump solutions at Electra Mining Africa

INTEGRATED Pump Technology, a leading provider of pump solutions to the mining industry, will showcase its expanded range at Electra Mining Africa. Highlights include the...

Bolt and Engineering celebrates its 40th anniversary: the good things never change, but keep getting better

THE Bolt and Engineering Distributors (B.E.D) Group, founded in November 1983, has been supplying the mining, agricultural, construction and engineering sectors with quality fasteners...

MUST READ

Traffic disruptions ahead: Cape Town roads to close for SONA 2025

Cape Town motorists should prepare for road closures and traffic disruptions as the annual State of the Nation Address (SONA) takes place on Thursday,...

RECOMMENDED

Cape Business News
Follow us on Social Media