Engineering components supplier Bearing Man Group (BMG) was appointed as an official Danfoss DrivePro service partner for South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa in May.

BMG subsequently sought to highlight the suitability of Danfoss’ VLT AutomationDrive FC 300 series to the African mining sector to ensure that clients save on capital and operational expenditure.

Applications for this series include the mining and minerals processing, marine and offshore, chemicals, oil and gas, cranes and hoists, elevators and escalators, food and beverage, and textile sectors.

“The VLT AutomationDrive – which has received global awards for innovation and user-friendly features – reduces project costs, ensuring the lowest possible cost of ownership while maintaining high-efficiency processes,” says BMG electromechanical division electronics manager Mick Baugh.

The series includes the VLT AutomationDrive FC 300 system, which is a mechanical and intelligent ‘mechatronic’ device, designed for variable-speed control of all asynchronous and permanent magnet motors – on most industrial machines or production lines – even in demanding applications and challenging environments.

The system is based on a flexible and modular design to optimise energy savings, and system versatility, efficiency and maintenance.

This drive system, with reduced harmonic impact and a spark-free design, is protected against the negative effects of vibration, moisture and dust. The system’s flexibility enables it to operate pumps, conveyors, palletisers and material treatment equipment, ensuring optimum control and dependable operation for extended periods.

The adaptable drive system is suitable for installation in any environment – close to the motor, in electrical panels and switch rooms or outdoors and as standalone units in the production area.

“The robust and intelligent system has been designed to simplify every step in the installation process, including wiring, programming and operation,” comments Baugh.

As with all Danfoss drives, this system is motor independent, which allows for flexibility when selecting the correct motor for specific applications, Baugh adds.

Further, the energy efficient design of the series ensures compliance with the strictest requirements as stipulated by EN 50598-2 that defines efficiency classes for power drive systems and motor starters.

He also highlights Danfoss’ ongoing investment in advanced technologies, which ensures that all its systems comply with current and future demands in the drives space.

Additionally, BMG notes that incorporating the VLT AutomationDrive into a plant will allow for a seamless transition to Industry 4.0.

The company states that Industry 4.0 is already thriving within the group – “a daily companion which drives its operations” – and that it is ready to implement multilevel integration of Industry 4.0 systems for all client installations.

The hardware and software enhancements of the VLT AutomationDrive FC 300 series maximise performance, while a new Ethernet platform improves communication. The range also encompasses new-generation E-frames and lower temperature ratings, Baugh explains.

“Through a continual host of software and hardware upgrades, Danfoss has kept its product current and cutting edge, and continues to redefine standards that others try to follow.”

Its advanced thermal design and back-channel cooling make it one of the most compact and cost-efficient air-cooled drives in the 90 kW to 800 kW at 500 V range.

The VLT AutomationDrive, which is compatible with leading motor and fieldbus technologies, offers Web-based configuration, electronic data interchange and access to drawing and engineering diagrams.

The system also provides tools for harmonic and motor-drive system efficiency calculations. There is a flexible interface to the drive data from multiple access points, including directly at the drive, through mobile applications or through an integrated Web server and cloud connectivity.

The VLT AutomationDrive can withstand operation in all industrial environments and low-voltage grids, including production facilities operating from 690 V mains networks. Alternate current drives are available in various enclosure sizes and protection ratings, from IP20 to IP66.

Integrated direct current chokes and radio-frequency interference filters in all units protect installations by minimising harmonic distortion and electromagnetic interference.

BMG remains the only company in Southern Africa to achieve DrivePro service partner recognition from Danfoss, and was one of the first 30 companies appointed globally as part of this programme.