Five year warrantee for drives.

Control Techniques has launched a free, five-year warranty for its Commander range of general-purpose drives. Anyone who purchases a drive from the Commander range will now be able to register to extend the products’ warranty from two years to five, at no extra cost.

Anthony Pickering, president of Control Techniques said: “To increase the warranty period for our Commander range signals our confidence in the product and gives drive users added security. We are particularly proud to be in a position where we can offer this.”

The new offer relates to the Commander C200 and C300 – general purpose drives designed for ease of setup and installation. The firm states the move to extend the warranty from two to five years is testimony to the products’ exceptional track record for reliability and durability. Users can now buy with confidence, safe in the knowledge that their purchase comes with the security a five-year warranty offers.

Due to an on-board PLC, both devices have embedded intelligence – removing the need for an external controller – and a 0.25kW to 132kW power range makes the products suitable for lower and high-power applications. Noted for its robust design and resilience to harsh environments, the Commander range has the smallest footprint in its class, making it is ideal for machine and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). For more complex applications, both models are compatible with Control Techniques’ plug-in option modules.

The Commander family of drives was reintroduced to the company’s portfolio at the end of 2018.

#PAuto @CT_Drives @mepaxIntPR

Drives with free 5-year warranty.

Control Techniques has launched a free, five-year warranty for its Commander range of general-purpose drives. Anyone who purchases a drive from the Commander range will now be able to register to extend the products’ warranty from two years to five, at no extra cost.

Anthony Pickering, president of Control Techniques said: “To increase the warranty period for our Commander range signals our confidence in the product and gives drive users added security. We are particularly proud to be in a position where we can offer this.”

The new offer relates to the Commander C200 and C300 – general purpose drives designed for ease of setup and installation. The firm states the move to extend the warranty from two to five years is testimony to the products’ exceptional track record for reliability and durability. Users can now buy with confidence, safe in the knowledge that their purchase comes with the security a five-year warranty offers.

Due to an on-board PLC, both devices have embedded intelligence – removing the need for an external controller – and a 0.25kW to 132kW power range makes the products suitable for lower and high-power applications. Noted for its robust design and resilience to harsh environments, the Commander range has the smallest footprint in its class, making it is ideal for machine and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). For more complex applications, both models are compatible with Control Techniques’ plug-in option modules.

The Commander family of drives was reintroduced to the company’s portfolio at the end of 2018.

#PAuto @CT_Drives @mepaxIntPR

Solving common drive errors.

Control Techniques has launched a brand new mobile application to help drive users analyse and find solutions for common drive errors.

Its new Diagnostic Tool application, available on Apple, Android and Windows mobile devices, is a quick and simple way for users of Control Techniques’ drives to solve any error codes which the drive may show.

Built within the app are easy-to-use wiring diagrams for first time setup, plus links to the relevant manuals which provide the most comprehensive drive data and information.

The app also has full contact details of the technical support teams around the world to aid you with any technical problems.

Currently, the app has full information for all drives within the Unidrive M, Powerdrive F300, Elevator drives, Unidrive SP, Commander SK, Digitax ST and Mentor MP ranges.

Users simply download the app, select their drive variant and enter the error code. The app will then display a full description of how to resolve the issue.

Jon Atkinson, engineering manager at Control Techniques, said; “It is often concluded that the cause of a drive trip is directly related to the drive hardware since it is the drive which indicates there is a problem. The reality is that 90% of the trips are caused by issues outside of the product which have triggered the drive protection.

“Using the Diagnostic Tool application, users can quickly and easily access further diagnostics information to determine the most likely cause of the problem and how to resolve it to make the system operational again.”

@Emerson_News #PAuto 

Chief visits new acquisitions.

The founder and CEO of Nidec has visited Control Techniques and Leroy-Somer to outline his vision for the future of the businesses.

Nagamori san, Nidec with
Carwyn Jones, Prif Weinidog Cymru.

Shigenobu Nagamori, who launched Nidec in Kyoto, Japan in 1973, presented to Control Techniques and Leroy-Somer staff at their respective headquarters in Newtown (GB), and Angouleme (F) on February 2 and 3. The events were simultaneously broadcast to Control Techniques and Leroy-Somer staff across the world. (see our report Acquisition Completed 3/2/12017)

Mr Nagamori spoke about the opportunities presented to both businesses, and was positive about the impact Nidec could have in the future. Questions were invited from existing staff members regarding investment, job security and proposals for future growth. The First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones AM, attended the event and met with Mr Nagamori to discuss the future of Control Techniques in Wales.

Mr Nagamori said: “We are pleased to welcome Control Techniques and Leroy-Somer into the Nidec family. We have strong ambitions for both companies to grow, and Nidec is committed to providing the necessary support and investment to make that happen.

“Industries which require the use of electric motors, and therefore drives, will form the backbone of the world’s economy in the future. Look at the expansion in the use of robots, electric vehicles and drones. All these items need motors, and all those motors need drives. There are clear opportunities for Control Techniques, Leroy-Somer and ultimately Nidec to prosper here.

“Our policy is to put the systems in place which will encourage growth. We will hire and train high calibre people, and encourage those already working for the businesses to enhance their abilities.

“We will put great emphasis on research and development. As an R&D engineer myself, I know that it is technology which will ensure our businesses succeed.

“Control Techniques, Leroy-Somer and Nidec offer each other great synergy, and working together we can improve and make our goals a reality.”

Nidec boasts a strong track record of facilitating growth among its business, through investment in engineering, design and resources. It has also demonstrated a clear strategy to drive growth in both companies, as well as providing considerable benefits to customers through a far wider range of available products and services.

Both Control Techniques’ and Leroy-Somer’s product ranges offer a complementary fit with the Nidec line-up, bringing significant benefits for all parties and, importantly, their respective customer bases. The combination will now allow Nidec to sell the entire range of products as a package into all key market spaces, while also allowing Control Techniques and Leroy-Somer access to new markets.

Nidec manufactures electric motors and related components, including small precision motors, motors for automotive, commercial and industrial applications, and medium voltage motors and generators. It employs around 140,000 people worldwide and has operations in over 40 countries. It has been actively developing a new growth platform with particular focus on appliance, industrial and commercial business.

Xavier Trenchant, President of Leroy-Somer said: “We are proud to integrate a business striving to become the world's No.1 comprehensive motor manufacturer and to join forces to meet the needs and expectations of our worldwide customers. With such a dynamic and trustworthy company, we look towards the future with confidence”

Scott Anderson, president of Control Techniques, said; “We believe this is a tremendous opportunity for us to join, work with and contribute to an industry-leading brand which believes in our products and will enable us to grow as businesses.”

#Nidec #PAuto @Leroy_Somer @ConTechniques

Acquisition Completed.

Nidec completes acquisition of Emerson Electric's motors, drives and electric power generation Businesses

Nidec Corporation has announced that the Company has completed the pre-announced acquisition of the motors, drives and electric power generation businesses (the “Acquired Business”) of Emerson Electric Co. (“Emerson”) (the “Transaction”) on February 1, 2017, Japan time, except for acquisitions in certain jurisdictions.

As a result of the Transaction the Acquired Business, consisting of the companies listed below, became Nidec’s subsidiaries. The remaining acquisitions, including Leroy Somer Electro-Technique (Fuzhou) Co., Ltd., are scheduled to be completed by September 30, 2017.

#Nidec #PAuto @Leroy_Somer

Drives for power station cooling towers!

This Power Station is now using Control Techniques Unidrive M700 variable speed drives from Emerson to control 22 cooling tower fans across two towers. Replacing a system that was first installed in 1975, the advanced new drive brought many benefits. It means that the fan speeds can be varied to minimize power usage at low unit loads, eliminate wind milling due to a lack of a braking system, minimize freezing potential in winter, mitigate fan vibration without removing from service, and eliminate seasonal blade pitch adjustments required to prevent motor overloads in the winter and low air delivery in the summer. Just the blade pitch adjustment itself resulted in a significant saving in man hours, which the power station estimates to be worth $38,000 per year.

Located in the mid-Atlantic region of the USA,the power station has multiple units firing gas and oil. The power station was keen to implement an automated control system for its cooling fans, which were served by a system that was more than 40 years old. The retrofit addressed these issues directly:

Energy and cost reduction without impacting tower efficiency

• To manage energy usage and cooling capacity meant turning the 200 HP fan starters on and off since they always ran full speed. The capability to vary fan speed and therefore cooling rate for different loads allows all fans to run (best tower efficiency) with much lower energy requirements. The system only moves as much air as is needed to extract heat and results in much less energy consumption.
• To manage vibration on individual fans they had to be shutdown, even when load demand and therefore cooling demand were high. The capability to maintain all fans in operation, with some at reduced speed to manage vibration, provides optimum cooling when needed for unit generation.
• Another issue was the need for manual seasonal fan blade pitch changes, due to differences in air density associated with summer and winter months. That alone demanded close to 480 man hours a year, a significant diversion of maintenance resources from more pressing needs around the plant plus crane rental and safety management required for blade pitch adjustments.

Asset management and protection

• The fans have a 16 foot long fibreglass/metal drive shaft connecting the fan gearbox and motor. With no braking system free wind milling of idle fans was a constant problem that sometimes resulted in bad starting scenarios that caused motor overloads, severe torsion forces on the drive shaft and sometimes gearbox problems. With the new system soft start and prestart braking are inherent in the M700 VSD capabilities. The addition of soft start and fan braking minimized torque peaks that the drive shaft experiences during fan starts and eliminated the wind milling concerns. The motors never see the high current applied by an across the line starter.
• Freezing and thawing are a problem on cooling towers. The existing system required fans to be put in reverse if ice was forming on the sides of the towers in an attempt to thaw the heavy load on the tower intakes. These can have very damaging effects up to and including tower collapse. Properly managed air flow in cold weather using the variable speed capability can eliminate sub-cooling that, in turn, causes ice formation. This eliminates the need to reverse fans except in the most adverse weather conditions.

“We decided to look at variable frequency drive (VFD) solutions and three manufacturers were initially considered,” says Mark Leigh, technical consultant for the power company. “However, Control Techniques [an Emerson company] was the only organisation that could meet the very short project delivery times we required. They were also very competent technically in terms of recommending an optimised solution.”

Control Techniques Unidrive M700 AC drives with real-time Ethernet capability were installed in a motor control room at the power station, where it is now used to control 22 cooling tower fans. The drives deliver high performance and flexible control of induction and permanent magnet motors. Most importantly for the station, the new Unidrive M700 has more control of the process.

“In a standard across-the-line starter fan motor, the variables are fan blade pitch and air density with a fixed maximum HP at a fixed speed, which was 1750 rpm in this case,” explains Mr Leigh. “In contrast, the variables in a VFD-controlled fan motor are speed and air density with a fixed maximum HP at a fixed fan blade pitch. It therefore costs nothing in man hours to adjust the speed, as this is done automatically by the VFD based on a 200 HP limit, which is the maximum rating of the motor and starter. We estimate a saving of around four men for three weeks, or about 480 man hours, which equates to approximately $38,000 per annum.”

@EmersonIndAuto #PAuto #POwer @EmersonNews

Drives aid Dutch innovative fishing craft.

Control Techniques & Leroy-Somer have recently helped complete a landmark fishing industry project by contributing to the construction of a brand new type of marine vessel, the MDV-1 “Immanuel”.

The solution comprises a number of Unidrive M variable speed drives, along with motors, transformers, brake resistors, rectifier units and generators.

The MDV-1 “Immanuel” is a Dutch-built 30.2 x 8.6m twin-rig fishing vessel devised for the Masterplan Sustainable Fishing Foundation (shortened to ‘MDV’). The boat offers a number of key innovations over traditional craft including, notably, savings of up to 80% in both fuel consumption and emissions (CO2/NOx).

The remit of the MDV, which was established in 2012 to drive innovation in the Dutch fishing sector, is to seek efficiency improvements in every area, including the propulsion system, which on the MDV-1 “Immanuel” is diesel-electric with a variable-speed generator and DC-bus.

This design presents the opportunity to run the generator extremely efficiently, at speeds ranging from 800 to 1,200 rpm, and means the boat can be equipped with two generators (one running) instead of three in the case of AC (where normally two would be in operation). The larger generator (500kW) is used during transit and fishing, while the smaller one (117kW) is mainly an emergency generator, capable of bringing the boat back to shore at a lower speed.

The system benefits from the use of a 400kW water-cooled permanent magnet motor (120 rpm) for the main propeller in place of a conventional diesel engine. Along with higher efficiency, further benefits include its small size, with no need for an in-line gearbox with transmission.

Moreover, the fact that impact loads can be absorbed electrically by the engine controller makes the generator more stable and energy-efficient, with less engine noise, less vibration and virtually no need for maintenance.

Four Control Techniques Unidrive M variable speed drives work in tandem with the propulsion engine, with another such unit deployed for the drive of the rotary transformer, along with others for the hydraulic pump, flushing pump, engine room ventilation, fish hold cooling system, and two for the pulse fishing windlasses. The windlasses have to pay an electric cable in and out with a stable tensile force (without breaking), but with a variable swell.

Further products supplied include a Leroy-Somer motor/generator transformer for the on-board electrical system, a brake resistor for the power generation system, rectifier units for the common DC bus, a 12-pulse transformer suitable for variable frequencies, and Leroy-Somer main and auxiliary generators.

Besides the drive components, Control Techniques & Leroy-Somer also took care of the engineering, documentation, testing, set-up, training and drives operating software – not just for control from the PLC, but the application software for managing the frequency controllers of the propulsion engine and rotary transformer.

In order to reduce harmonic current distortion, engineers also advised the use of an electrical system in which a 12-pulse isolating transformer was employed. Switching controllers and generators guarantees a broad-based redundant system without any on-board electrical system interference compromising the instrumentation.

Construction ran to plan and the MDV1 was launched on time. Furthermore, after eight months of fishing the figures look good – the vessel is designed for the efficient fishing of both plaice and sole with a capacity to carry 850 boxes. Importantly, the systems that control and monitor energy consumption are doing their job so well that the MDV 1 can make money even when the price of oil is high.

@Emerson_News #Marine #Netherlands

Variable speed drive helps tissue manufacturer.

A leading manufacturer of tissue and paper-based consumer products has upgraded to Control Techniques Unidrive M variable speed drives.

UNIDrive M700 Family

Soffass SpA, based in Porcari (I), is part of the Sofidel group of companies. It produces a range of products including Regina, as well as a wide selection of other products aimed at the global consumer tissue paper market. These include toilet paper, kitchen towel, napkins, paper tablecloths, handkerchiefs, facial tissues and sheets for medical and industrial use.

The company is a long-term user of Control Techniques variable speed drives. However, with mature products such as Commander SK and Unidrive SP moving into the next stage of their lifecycle, the benefits of upgrading to the latest industrial AC drive technology, Unidrive M, were clear.

Unidrive M is capable of fully replacing and enhancing Commander SK and Unidrive SP installations. It offers full mechanical compatibility in terms of dimensions and weights, and when retrofitting surface mount drives existing mounting holes can be reused, negating the need for additional drilling. Furthermore, Unidrive M offers the same power and control wiring philosophy and the same menu and parameter structure. Indeed, parameters can be transferred from Unidrive SP and Commander SK using Unidrive M Connect software, or via a smartcard (Unidrive SP only).

The maintenance team management at Soffass, lead by Giuliano Dinelli (Maintenance Manager) and Luca Manfredini (Electrical Engineer), was keen to tap into the extra benefits offered by Unidrive M, and were able to do this quickly and easily thanks to a number of key design features.

“Previously we used Commander SK and Unidrive SP drives with the SM-Applications and SM-Safety modules, and even though we knew these products would continue to be supported for the next 10 years at least, we thought it provided a good opportunity to take advantage of Unidrive M,”  he  said. “As a result of the upgrade we now use Unidrive M200 drives for asynchronous motor control in the conveyors, and Unidrive M700 drives in the remainder of the applications.”

Among the principal uses for Unidrive M at Soffass is the embosser, where paper veils are matched together to make the final product thicker and softer. The drives also control the print units, as well as the winder/unwinder, which delivers materials to further stages of the process.

“We have complete trust in the Unidrive M platform and wanted to upgrade for many reasons, not least the ease of programming, set-up, commissioning and cabling,” says Mr Dinelli. “Furthermore, we liked technical features such as synchronous Ethernet, on-board AMC and the multi-protocol encoder connector. This multi-axis system with multiple controls is the perfect fit for our converting machinery at Porcari. In total, we have now purchased around 100 Unidrive M drives from Emerson.”

Such has been the success of the upgrade programme that Soffass is now considering the use of additional products from Control Techniques and its sister company, Leroy-Somer, in future projects. Specifically, the company has earmarked the adoption of permanent magnet (PM) motors as they can offer energy savings in equipment such as paper mills, where power requirements are typically high.

“We like Control Techniques because its products are reliable and easy to use,” concludes Mr Dinelli. “In addition, Control Techniques has supported us in the design and development of the machines, and responded positively to our demands in terms of throughput and budget.”

@CTandLS #PAuto @Emerson_News #Italy @sofidelsharing

AC/DC Drives for oil rig cranes!

A US-based specialist in the supply of complete electrical packages for oil rig cranes is using Control Techniques AC and DC drives as part of a landmark $500,000+ order involving the upgrade of 10 LeTourneau cranes. Three cranes have already been completed with no reported down-time in the first 18 months of operation, whereas prior to the upgrade, maintenance would be required on a weekly or even daily basis in some instances. The financial benefits for the oil rig operator are proving substantial.

Headquartered in League City, Texas, JC’s Marine Oilfield Services was established in 1992. The company’s Power & Distribution Division specialises in a variety of motor control solutions that are customised to match the needs of oil rig cranes, as well as drilling barges, supply vessels and land rigs.

When a Texas/Louisiana-based customer was seeking an electrical contractor to help upgrade the drive systems on 10 LeTourneau oilfield cranes, JC’s Marine Power & Distribution was in prime position to secure the order thanks to its technical support and AC/DC capabilities. As a long-standing advocate and user of drive technologies from Control Techniques, the company proposed the use of a Unidrive SP AC variable speed drive for the boom, and two Control Techniques Mentor MP series DC regenerative drives for the swing and hoist.

“The technical advice offered by Control Techniques is one their best selling points,” stated John Costanza, President at ‎ JC's Marine Oilfield Services. “Their technicians always address problems quickly and comprehensively, which means a lot to a business such as ours, and is certainly better than we have experienced elsewhere. We exclusively use Control Techniques drives on our projects, ranging from 75 to 750kW, both AC and DC.”

Around 1600 LeTourneau cranes are currently in service on oil and gas rigs around the world. Although they were originally fitted with large motor-generator sets, these do not offer variable speed, meaning there is total reliance on the skill of the boom operator to lower heavy loads.

“By changing to a Control Techniques variable speed drive for the boom we can ensure complete control over the speed and rate at which the boom moves, so that loads up to 50 tons are ‘feathered’ rather than ‘banged’ to the ground,” said Mr Costanza.

The boom motor drive system comprises an SP5402 Unidrive variable speed AC drive rated at 210 Amps continuous, while the hook motor drive system features a Mentor MP420A4R DC drive rated at 420 Amps continuous. A Mentor MP210A4R, rated at 210 Amps continuous, is fitted to the swing motor drive system. All of the drives are purposely sized for twice the normal power required, which means the system never runs at its maximum capacity.

“I’ve been operating with the new system for 12 months and have not had one issue,” said Justin Hillard, LeTourneau crane operator on Atlantic 7 rig. “The controls are user friendly, very smooth and have a wide variable speed in hook, swing and boom. In my opinion the boom is the biggest operating improvement. With its variable speed you can ease into boom and keep the load stable and personnel safe on deck.”

Jason also praised the increased safety afforded as a result of the new system: “The crane is also much quieter without the motor-generator sets running; you can hear what the crane is doing and what’s going on around you. I’ve also noticed that if you’re in a position where you cannot see the hook, you can actually hear the hook motor running and know how fast the hook is travelling. I highly recommend this system, it’s safer, smoother, quieter and virtually maintenance-free.”

David Powers, fellow LeTourneau crane operator on Atlantic 7 rig, also likes the new control system, which carries a Certificate of Design Conformance from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS): “The new system gives the crane a better parameter of operation and is more responsive. Most importantly, these changes have made a much safer work environment.”

“Braking is automated, which promotes safety and takes responsibility away from the operator,” added Mr Costanza. “Also, there is better reliability as the load is not being ‘snatched’.”

Further benefits delivered to the end user as a result of AC and DC drive technologies from Control Techniques include conformal coating on the PCBs, which helps impart protection in marine environments, while the large working temperature range is also advantageous.

The project to complete the upgrade of the 10 LeTourneau cranes will continue through to the end of 2017.

@EmersonIndAuto #PAuto #ControlTechniques #Oil

AC drive solution.

It is a continuous challenge for manufacturing companies to deliver greater efficiencies in production at ever-lower costs. Businesses strive to work leaner and push their manufacturing processes harder, meaning reliability, efficiency and performance are constantly under strain.

Freudenberg Performance Materials understands these issues. The business, a global leader providing innovative solutions for a large number of markets and applications such as for the building sector, car interior, hygiene, medical as well as industrial technical textile applications and shoe components needed to replace an AC drive within their nonwoven production facility in Kaiserslautern, Germany.

They began the search for a product that was, above all, reliable. In the past Control Techniques, an Emerson business, provided Freudenberg with a 1.4 MW drive solution. It is also the sole supplier of parallel inverter modules which provide the resilience needed in the production of nonwoven textiles.

However, the challenge was more demanding; Freudenberg was seeking the most efficient solution possible with the ability to physically fit the drive in an extremely limited space.

Also, as the incumbent solution was now out of production, parts for were becoming hard to find. It was also of concern that, from an energy consumption perspective, the existing solution was expensive to run.

Having bought from Emerson before, Freudenberg had a high level of confidence in the products and engineering support.

As part of their multi-source policy and to ensure that they got the best solution at the best price, Freudenberg evaluated the AC Drive offerings of a number of suppliers. Ultimately, the need for a small footprint drove them to the only viable solution – a free standing Unidrive SP AC drive from Emerson.

The Unidrive SP free standing drives are up to 50% smaller and are significantly lighter than other compact drive enclosures, making it an excellent choice in applications like Freudenberg’s where space is at a premium.

The Unidrive SP8434 is the most powerful drive in the size 8 enclosure. With an input range of 380-480 V, the SP8434 provides a maximum current of 620 A, with a typical output power of 355 kW – all in a compact footprint of just 800mm x 600mm.

To save further space, Freudenberg selected the incomer option where the circuit breaker is built-in at the factory. This meant that the drive was delivered to site ready to be connected, thus reducing engineering effort and installation time. The circuit breaker was fitted into a 400mm wide enclosure within the small footprint, 2209mm high unit. Even with the addition of the incomer option the SP8434 weighed only 751lbs (340.6kg) allowing the unit to be moved into the available space with ease.

In parallel with upgrading the AC drive, Freudenberg also installed a new motor with greater capacity. As a result of the new solution, a significantly higher process performance can be delivered and less energy is used, meaning Freudenberg achieves greater production capacity and significantly lower running costs.

Even though size, reliability and efficiency were the primary criteria in selecting the Unidrive SP8434, there were a number of other features that were important to the engineering team at Freudenberg. Modularity was one such feature, along with the ease of implementation and starting-up of the drive.

The CTSoft drive configuration PC tool allowed Freudenberg to commission the drive using configuration wizards. Settings can be read, saved and loaded using the Smartcard and the learning curve was simple, thanks to the ability to visualize and modify the configuration using live animated diagrams.

Alongside the CTSoft configuration package, Emerson also provided its CTScope package. CTScope is a fully featured software oscilloscope used for viewing and analyzing live values within the drive. The user interface is based on a traditional oscilloscope, so Freudenberg’s engineering team found it very intuitive to use in Kaiserslautern, helping them commission the drive more quickly.

Freudenberg found Emerson’s technical support highly knowledgeable but, more importantly, accessible; whenever the engineers had a question, high quality support was available to guide them through the commissioning process.

As a result of this successful retrofit, Control Techniques drives are now the leading choice for future retrofits at Freudenberg Performance Materials in Kaiserslautern. The business is also considering the introduction of LSRPM permanent magnet synchronous motors from Leroy-Somer to create even greater energy savings.

Commenting on the experience with Emerson, Hans Schneider, electrical machine builder at Freudenberg, Kaiserslautern said “Reliability, performance and efficiency are critical for us at Freudenberg. With the Unidrive SP8434 we found all three of these things in a product that would fit in the limited space available to us.

The installed software and support made installation easy for our team and we can move forward with greater production capacity at a lower cost, safe in the knowledge that spares are readily available. I am confident in Emerson and I expect we will use them for future projects of this type.”

@EmersonIndAuto #PAuto 

High power modular drives.

Control Techniques has extended its range of high power modular drives. Both its Unidrive M and Powerdrive F300 variable speed drive ranges are now available in the larger frame size 11, providing a flexible method of building compact, reliable high-power solutions.

Paralleled together, Unidrive M can control asynchronous and permanent magnet motors in systems up to 2.8 MW (4,200 hp). The new frame 11 is a 250 kW (400 hp) module that allows system builders to create high power solutions with the smallest number of components, keeping both footprint and costs to a minimum.

Unidrive M differentiates itself on performance with extremely fast current control algorithms and high switching frequencies. Active Front End (AFE) solutions deliver unparalleled torque precision and power quality.

The Unidrive M modules can be paralleled into a wide range of flexible solutions to solve all system needs including Active Front End and multi-pulse rectifier configurations. They can be controlled by Control Techniques’ Unidrive M600, M700, M701 and M702 controllers.

Control Techniques also offers a full range of high powered drive products tailor-made for fan, pump and compressor applications from 90 kW to 2.8 MW. The Powerdrive F300 series also features a modular design and can control permanent magnet or standard AC induction motors. This modular approach to building high power systems also provides the flow industry with flexibility while keeping complexity low.

@EmersonIndAuto  #PAuto #ControlTechniques

Drives designed for high speeds

The Control Techniques variable speed drive range has been expanded by Emerson with the addition of two new models designed specifically for applications which demand high speeds.The Unidrive HS30 and HS70 variable speed drives, capable of output frequencies of 3,000Hz, are perfectly suited to high speed applications frequently required for automotive & aeronautical engine and transmission line test equipment, machine tool manufacture and centrifuges for the food & beverage and oil industries.

Unidrive HS70 and HS30 are essentially designed with the same specifications as the standard Control Techniques Unidrive M700 and Unidrive M300 variable speed drives, however, unlike the Unidrive M models, HS30 and HS70 have been engineered specifically for high speed applications.

The new drives are controlled products under new laws in the EU and USA covering the export of ´dual use´ goods, software and technology. This refers to items normally used for civilian purposes but which may have military applications, or may contribute to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

OEMS and machine builders which incorporate high speed drives in their designs are responsible for checking and evaluating whether or not their machines comply with, or contravene, the relevant legislation. In order to assist its customers, Control Techniques has introduced the Unidrive HS range of high frequency variable speed drives.

Unidrive HS70 offers class-leading induction, permanent magnet and servo motor performance, with on-board real time Ethernet. It provides maximum control of high speed motors and incorporates an on-board Advanced Motion Controller and PLC. Different variations of Unidrive HS70 are available, including models with on-board Ethernet, RS485 and Dual Safe Torque Off (Dual STO).

Unidrive HS30 is designed for applications that require cost effective integration into safety systems and incorporates Dual STO and advanced Rotor Flux Control of open loop induction motors.

The existing Unidrive M models, which are restricted to a frequency of 550Hz, are uncontrolled products in the eyes of the new laws in the EU and USA restricting the sale of variable speed drives with an output frequency of higher than 600Hz. This means no export restrictions reply.

In order to comply with the new legislation, businesses which export goods or machines that incorporate goods classed as dual use under the terms of the EU regulation to locations outside the EU must apply for the relevant export licences from their respective governments. The changes also have an effect on the documentation required in any transaction, as well as the measures which are taken to securely store the controlled goods.

Maritime award for drives!

Earlier this year Rob de Ruiter of DNV-GL at Barendrecht (NL), presented the DNV type approval certificate to Teun van der Heiden of Emerson Industrial Automation at Sliedrecht (NL). In the maritime market, DNV-GL is known as a demanding classification society which sets high standards for products for maritime applications.

The assessment was not limited to Unidrive M's product properties, but also the quality of the production process. During an extensive audit of the Control Techniques production site in Newtown, (GB), it was confirmed that the Unidrive M production process met DNV-GL's requirements concerning control at the component level, assembly process, intermediate tests, final tests and maintaining a worldwide production standard and traceability at Emerson Industrial Automation production sites throughout the world.

The fact that Unidrive M already had many approvals and had been tested by independent bodies meant that the type approval certificate could be granted more quickly. However, given DNV-GL's specific requirements, various additional tests were undertaken to ensure effective operation under maritime conditions.

The issue of the DNV-GL maritime type approval certificate means a major step forward for the application of Emerson Industrial Automation's Unidrive M product range in the worldwide maritime and offshore markets.

Leader for AC, Servo and DC drives unit appointed!

Scott Anderson is the new president managing Emerson's Control Techniques business unit. He will lead the business from its headquarters in the United Kingdom where it employs around 650 people, along with a further 1,000 employees across 55 locations worldwide.

Scott Anderson

Scott brings 32 years of Emerson experience to Control Techniques.  His most recent leadership positions were in Emerson Process Management, where he spent 14 years as president of Rosemount Flow business unit and a further two years as president responsible for establishing the Lifecycle Services organization for Emerson Process, Flow Measurement group. Prior to that, he had worked within Emerson Industrial Automation for 17 years in sales and marketing positions.

He said: "Control Techniques has a strong, established reputation within the markets it serves and we want to continue building on that. The business can also benefit from the range of experience and expertise it gains through being part of Industrial Automation and Emerson, and it is vital we highlight the added value this brings to our customers."

He brings a clear vision on how to grow the business, including an increased focus on bolstering Control Techniques´ global presence across core markets.

He added: "Our customers value the technology and innovation created over the past 40 years and we must continue to show that desire to serve our customer´s most demanding applications.

"In the longer term, we want to establish a more balanced geographic spread for our businesses, including strengthening our presence in the Americas and Asia. By broadening our portfolio of next generation products and communicating the benefits of our solutions, we will build long term loyal customers."

Variable speed drive solutions for furniture!

A leading furniture testing specialist is now among the increasing number of industrial companies benefitting from variable speed drive solutions from Emerson.

To meet these challenges, Advanced Furniture Testing developed specialised machines for tests that include chair back durability, drop impact and load ease, multi-task furniture, dual arm durability and universal cyclic testing.

For a brand new multi-axis chair testing machine, the company is now using the Control Techniques Unidrive M range of drives. The drive’s precise control and accuracy was identified as critical for a brand new machine designed to test chair strength and rigidity.

The machine is designed to complete multiple, repetitive cycles of pulling on the back of the item and pushing on its seat. The pull is completed using a motor that controls an electromechanical actuator, while the push on the seat again is completed using another electromechanical actuator that pushes a load on to the seat. Millions of cycles can be performed to replicate the sit, lean and recline process.

Advanced Furniture Testing ensures each test is performed to the highest level of accuracy and repeatability. The company’s machines use load cells to ‘close the loop’ between the machine and the product under test.

In practice, this means that Advanced Furniture Testing does not just trust a theoretical load applied with a pneumatic cylinder to a pre-set air pressure, for example. Nor does it apply a cyclic dead weight load that may oscillate wildly and apply more loading cycles. Instead, electromechanical actuator/servo systems are deployed similar to those used by industrial robots. This strategy helps to apply a load within two per cent accuracy, far exceeding BIFMA standards which require five per cent accuracy.

The Unidrive M700 drives used on the new machine control the motors, which in turn control the electromechanical actuators. Unidrive M700 offers comprehensive position feedback and high performance control of dynamic permanent magnet servo motors, as well as on-board Ethernet, which gives Advanced Furniture Testing more flexibility, remote programming and data logging.

The drive is paired with a Control Techniques MCi210 machine control module, which adds a powerful, second on-board microprocessor for high performance IEC 61131-3 based machine control.

Douglas Woodard, UL Furniture Division Leader at Advanced Furniture Testing, said: “M700 is just a beautiful machine that delivers everything we need. We selected the Unidrive M for its precise control and accuracy, on top of its reliability and simplicity. We haven’t been disappointed. Furthermore we now plan to use M700 drives for all future machines, and will upgrade our own in-house test machine to feature this innovative technology.”

Are drive users breaking the law?

New legislation covering the export of high frequency (HF) drives could result in hefty penalties, including potential prison sentences, for machine builders and system integrators. EU Regulation No. 428/2009 and subsequent amendments covers the export of goods, software and technology normally used for civilian purposes but which may have military applications, or may contribute to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. With this in mind, the EU controls the export, transit and brokering of these items as a key instrument contributing to international peace and security.

The amended legislation came into force in the EU in December last year and, among other things, concerns the supply of HF capable drives, e.g. drives capable of producing an output frequency of greater than 600 Hz.  Regulations controlling the export of high frequency drives are already in force in the United States, and similar regulations were introduced to China earlier this year.

In order to comply with the new legislation, businesses which export goods or machines that incorporate goods that are controlled under the terms of the EU regulation to locations outside the EU must apply for the relevant export licences from their respective governments. The changes also have an effect on the documentation required in any transaction, as well as the measures which are taken to securely store the controlled goods.

Potential sanctions for failing to comply with the legislation range from financial penalties through to trade restrictions and even prison sentences for individuals.  Exporting controlled goods without suitable authorisation is a customs offence.

High frequency drives are used in a number of applications, including automotive testing, turbine test benches, grinding, where speeds in excess of those which can be achieved by a ´standard´ variable speed drive are required. However, as well as civilian applications, drives operating at higher output frequencies can also be used in the process of refining nuclear materials, hence the stricter export controls brought in with the amended legislation.

Emerson Industrial Automation is keen to advise OEMs and machine builders which incorporate HF drives in their designs that it is they, not the drives manufacturer, who are responsible for checking and evaluating whether or not their machines comply with, or contravene, the relevant legislation. It is also important for businesses to identify whether any existing machines and systems are affected by the directive, as it could affect their ability to export their machines.

Emerson is keen to help and will inform its customers if the drives they purchase appear on the controlled list, but is still advising people to educate themselves on the changes to the export regulations and the ways in which their businesses may be impacted.

The business took the step of limiting the frequency of the majority of its drives in anticipation of the new legislation. The Control Techniques Unidrive M range was limited to 550 Hz since its introduction in 2012, and older drive models were revised to be limited to 550 Hz. Servo and DC drives are not affected.

In anticipation of the new legislation, Control Techniques has specifically developed a range of HF drives to meet the requirements of the civilian applications that are an important part of its business.

Enrique Minarro Viseras, president of Control Techniques, added: "It is crucial businesses are aware of the amendments to the dual use legislation. We pride ourselves on our ability to make things as easy and trouble-free as possible for our customers, and have worked hard to ensure our products and processes comply with the new legislation.

"We would urge other businesses to investigate the extent to which they are liable and take the appropriate steps to ensure full compliance."