Product category:
Electrical systems
News Release from: David Brown Engineering | Subject: M1020 helical gearbox
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 15 January 2003
Geared up water enlightens school
A school in Zambia has quite literally seen the light after an up-to-date helical gearbox replaced an aging belt drive off a water wheel to power a generator.
A school in Zambia has quite literally seen the light thanks to efforts of David Brown gearbox distributor Texam Ltd in Lisburn, County Antrim Texam design engineer David Allen was approached by a friend who had heard about power supply problems at the Sakeji School at Mwilunga in North West Province, Zambia
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 30 Apr 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Gearbox prevents GBP 10,000/h production losses
A heavy duty gearbox critical to performance for a leading UK pigments producer was delivered in less than 24 hours, preventing production losses of up to GBP 10,000 per hour.
50% more power to drive conveyors
Designed to power bulk handling equipment and conveyors, the maximum output torque of medium/heavy duty helical gearboxes has been increased by over 50%.
The school was using an antiquated belt and pulley arrangement incorporating a water wheel to drive a generator, but it produced a poor power output and required extensive and regular maintenance.
David was challenged to suggest a better solution, and Texam supplied a David Brown M1020 helical gearbox which was used as a speed increasing solution to raise the water wheel's 15rpm to 1500rpm.
It enables a more modern generator to create power which is then stored in battery cells to provide reliable electric lighting in the school.
Further reading
Giant hammers out testimony to reliability
The continuous action of a 48ft high 'Hammering Man' sculpture in Seattle has demonstrated that the odds of a David Brown gearbox failing are at least 12 million to 1.
Power ousts gravity to convey generator sets
The UK's largest provider of power generation solutions used worldwide, has boosted production by replacing a gravity roller system with a powered roller transport conveyor.
David explains: "Our solution is far more energy efficient and has now been in continuous operation for almost six months, delivering a power output that is, according to the Sakeji School's Gordon McKillop, far better than they had ever anticipated.
Pupils are now able to take lessons and study during the evenings." Chris Morrell, UK sales director for David Brown Engineering adds: "The solution at Sakeji School is unusual because the Series M gearbox is used to increase rpm from a motive power source - in this case the water wheel.
Whilst this solution addresses a Third World problem, similar principles can be applied in many plant installations to eliminate belt and pulley or chain drive systems, providing real benefits in terms of energy efficiency and plant reliability.
David Brown's Series M range of helical inline geared motors and reducers is designed to provide versatile, cost effective and extremely efficient compact drive solutions.
It is typically used by original equipment manufacturers, handling and conveyor manufacturers, and in the packaging, food and drink, pulp and paper and textiles industries Series M geared motors can meet most requirements up to 90kW or 120HP with maximum output torque capacity of 11,000Nm (97,350 lb-in).
12 unit sizes give a ratio coverage of 1.2:1 to 12,000:1 in single, double, triple and combined reduction formats, and the unique David Brown motor adapter system offers the option of fitting any standard electric motor.
All units are dimensionally interchangeable with major European manufacturers.
• David Brown Engineering: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Manufacturingtalk email newsletter
• Manufacturingtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
