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Advanced drive solutions help cut costs, boost chemical plant security

Home Manufacturing & Processing Chemicals Advanced drive solutions help cut costs, boost chemical plant security

BMG’s range of Danfoss electronic, mechanical and intelligent ‘mechatronic’ devices are designed to optimise automation processes and reduce energy consumption in many sectors, including the chemical industry.

That’s according to Mick Baugh, the company’s Electronics Business Unit Manager, Electromechanical division, who said the Danfoss VLT drive system – which encompasses specific power sizes, features, enclosure classes and fieldbus protocols – allows each plant can determine what parameters are essential to meet specific industry requirements.

“Danfoss VLT AutomationDrive units effectively reduce operational costs and increase efficiency in any motor driven chemical plant application, ensuring optimum drive solutions in the commissioning of a new plant, or the conversion of an existing factory,” he said.

“This versatile system – available up to a power range of 1,4 MW – is built on a modular design concept and is available as a single module, control cabinet, or a complete drive system, to meet exact requirements. Typical applications include pumps, condenser fans, compressors and extruders, mixers, dosers and centrifuges.”

He added that the newly launched 690 V units, BMG was now able offer its customers a wider range of compact drives for the power range from 1,1 kW up to 75 kW.

“The new Danfoss D frame VLT AutomationDrive units, which are significantly smaller than previous series, feature a 250 kW frequency converter regarded as amongst the smallest in class and features an impressive IP 54 enclosure rating. These compact units are equipped with integrated DC link chokes and EMC filters to minimise mains interference.”

VLT AutomationDrive frequency converters can be individually configured with specially coated circuit boards for safe use in harsh ambient conditions and with additional safety functions required in the chemical sector. Safety solutions include the VLT Safe Option MCB 140/MCB 150 and a VLT PTC Thermistor Card to monitor Ex d and Ex e motors.

VLT AutomationDrive FC 302 frequency converters can also be used to control ATEX-certified, frequency converter-compatible motors, for safe operation in zones 1 and 2 (gas) as well as zones 21 and 22 (dust). With the Danfoss MCB 112 PTC option, users can now implement the required ATEX-certified temperature monitoring directly in the frequency converter.

This system also offers universal residual current monitoring. The external fault current monitoring module reliably detects sudden insulation faults in equipment and also enhances preventative maintenance by detecting gradual insulation deterioration. The pre-configured connection kit enables quick and easy commissioning, with no need to configure monitoring parameters.

The Danfoss chemical module is a specially designed package that provides all the protective devices necessary for the operation of EEx d motors used in this sector. Features include the PTC option that ensures a safe shutdown in the event of motor faults or a forced mains disconnect facility as an alternative.

Standard DC link chokes and filters enable the VLT AutomationDrive FC 302 to be used with long motor cables, allowing the frequency converter to be located outside an explosion hazard area. A relay option, with eight floating contacts and additional analogue outputs, can also be mounted on the side if necessary.

This system offers two options to ensure electromagnetic compatibility – either to suppress interference at the source, by minimising or eliminating interference emissions, or to increase the interference immunity of the device or system, in order to eliminate or reduce susceptibility to interference.

BMG has been appointed as a Danfoss DrivePro Service Partner. Through this agreement, BMG provides a support service for VLT and VACON drives that encompasses troubleshooting, maintenance, repairs and replacements. As a Danfoss DrivePro Service Partner, BMG also offers specialised training and technical support to improve productivity, performance and uptime for the entire life cycle of Danfoss drives.

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