Motors & Drives Information

With efficiency regulations only a year away, understanding the forces behind motors and drives leads to proper selection and peak performance.

Motors and drives are present in virtually all processing, packaging and material handling equipment. However, most food manufacturers take them for granted. They expect a machine, conveyor, fan, compressor or oven to run when they turn the switch.

Motors do more than just run machines. In fact, motors account for between 60 and 80% of an operation's energy costs. Improving their efficiency and reliability will significantly benefit the bottom line.

Innovations in design, materials and control are taking motor system efficiencies to new ratings. Understanding motor and drive compatibility, proper size and type selection, and even an appreciation of performance all can help prevent downtime and reduce utility costs. Moreover, regulations will further dictate motor efficiency ratings.

Motor designs and drive combinations are as numerous as applications. Induction, inverter, washdown and other types meet specific purposes and environments. Where and how the motors and drives are used determines the necessary horsepower, revolutions per minute (RPM), torque and other special features. Other selection factors include: motor size relative to the load it will carry, frequency of starts and stops, wet vs. dry environments, and the corrosive nature of the product or its vapors.

WASHDOWN PROTECTION

For years food companies protected their motor systems during cleanup and sanitation with plastic bags, splash guards, seals...or nothing. None of these options, however, properly protect motors from water or internal and external corrosion and rust.

Internally, rust or other corrosives can plug drainage holes, preventing air circulation and destroying internal components. Externally, paint or rust can flake off onto conveyors, floors or products. The obvious answer is to install washdown-duty motors.

# posted by Medical Information : 5:01 AM