MechChem Africa May 2017

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May 2017 • MechChem Africa ¦ 45
Optical encoder for
speed regulation
The newHengstler Acuro® AX73 is
a class-leading optical encoder that
offers smooth speed regulationwith
high levels of precision. Its compact
dimensions make it suitable for installation in areas where there
are space constraints.
Available from the official Hengstler distributor for Southern
Africa, CountapulseControls, this absolute rotaryencoder is ideal
for ATEX-rated applications. The Acuro AX73 encoder carries
ATEX and IEC Ex certification for gas and dust explosion proof
requirements.
This advanced optical encoder offers benefits for a myriad of
applications including winches, cranes, drills and other oil and
gas industry equipment, as well as in paint plants, petrochemical
facilities, bottling plants and grain mills.
⎪ Products and industry news ⎪
BMG’s heavy industrial Rexnord
Falk Steelflex® couplings are
known globally for highly effi-
cient and reliable performance,
even in arduous applications.
“FalkSteelflexcouplingshave
also been proven to minimise
downtime – an important factor
in determining the total cost of
ownership,” says Carlo Beukes,
general manager, power trans-
mission, BMG. “Couplings are put under enormous pressure fromhigh
impact loads on conveyors, shredders and mixers in harsh operating
environments. Also, vibratory loads on high speed applications, such
as pumps or compressors can cause the breakdown of couplings.”
BMG’s Falk Steelflex grid couplings reduce the impact of high
impact loads on equipment by up to 30%. These couplings have a
unique ‘replace in place’ design that eliminates the need to remove
or reposition hubs or re-align shafts, which would be required with
gear couplings andmany elastomer designs. This feature significantly
reduces element change-out time.
These couplings also offer equipment protection against shaft
misalignment. The grid, which is quench and tempered, is free to rock,
pivot andfloatwithin thehub teeth. Thismeansmisalignment capacity
is provided, without producing detrimental bearing side loads created
by conventional couplings.
Whensubjectedtonormalshockorvibratoryloads,thegridcoupling
torsionallydeflects. These couplings offer enhancedvibrationdamping
andreducepeaktorquebyabout30%,alsoreducingwearonconnected
equipment components. The couplings act as a shock absorber for
rotarymotion, relying on the predictable resilience of the steel grid for
torsional flexibility.
The Falk grid range is available in 25 sizes with various bore, speed
and torque capacities. There are 11 models available, including high
speed, spacer, flywheel, brakeandcontrolled torque. Theyhaveamaxi-
mumbore of 508mm, amaximumtorque capacity of 932 000Nmand
speeds of up to10000 rpm, depending on the couplingmodel and size.
Falk grid couplings for reliable
performance
BMG’s heavy industrial Rexnord Falk
Steelflex couplings are known globally
for highly efficient and reliable perfor-
mance, even in arduous applications.