ROPE COUPLING FOR SUGAR MILL DRIVES

摘要

A Multi Misalignment Flexible Coupling (MMFC) was first installed on the zero mill of our factory in 2001 for torque transmission from the final speed reduction gear to the mill top roller. The MMFC completely replaced the conventional tail bar and coupling box assembly. In spite of the numerous shortcomings of the tail bar system, it continues to be in universal use simply because so far there was no better alternative. Since our factory is also having cogeneration of surplus power for sale to the State Utility, the increase in power consumption of the mills due to losses in the tail bar system is a loss of exportable power and is thus a major revenue loss. Besides, we were experiencing faster wear of the bearings of the driving gear and mill top roller. The liners of the gear bearings had to be replaced during the season because of substantial thrust loads imposed on the bearings by the tail bar. After installation of the MMFC in the 2001-02 campaign, we observed no wear whatsoeve of the gear bearing, power consumption of the mill reduced by 25-kW, mill top roller started floating more freely thereby improving extraction performance of the mill and vibrations on the driving gear Plummer blocks were completely eliminated. This only encouraged to install two more during 2002-2003 campaign.