WYKO unveil energy saving gearboxes
At a time when everyone is talking about energy efficiency, WYKO have recently launched the Fenner Series K right-angle bevel helical gearbox, which is said to deliver up to 20% energy savings each year over older style boxes.
Designed to replace worm and wheel gearboxes, the energy-efficient gearbox is typically employed to drive conveyors, cranes, crushers, screens and mixers through power outputs ranging from 0.18kW to 90kW.
What makes the Fenner Series K gearbox stand out from traditional worm and wheel driven gearboxes is that it benefits from a highly efficient helical reduction input stage in front of the main bevel helical gear. The result is a smoother drive with less friction and greatly reduced wear.
John Woodcock explained: ‘In traditional right-angle worm gear reducers, a hard steel worm gear is used to drive a softer wheel, this is usually phosphor bronze. A softer material is slightly sacrificial and the sliding action of the gears as they mesh usually generates friction and heat. As a result, up to 30% of the power input into the gearbox is consumed, which means the unit will wear faster.’
The Fenner Series K bevel helical gearboxes, however, contain high-quality low-friction bearings and are manufactured with improved gear materials, providing significantly higher torque capacity. All units meet the various European mounting dimensions and are available in foot-, face- or flange-mounted configurations. They can also come as a shaft-mounted gearbox.
Although there has been some resistance towards fitting replacement bevel helical units from plant managers around the UK, Mr Woodcock believes the recent rise in energy costs will start to change their attitudes.
‘With energy efficiency high on everyone’s agenda, bevel helical units will become far more acceptable than before,’ he said. ‘Yes, they are more expensive to produce and require more advanced machinery techniques, but in the long-term they will significantly save energy and reduce running costs.’
