NorStone is Norway’s largest producer of gravel products. Despite delivering almost three million tons of product per year and operating seven days per week, 24/7, the Tau, Norway division was struggling to meet production demands.

NorStone supplies aggregates for concrete and asphalt, pipe cover gravel for coastal regions, and other special products. Each year its production facilities produce nearly seven million tons of gravel products.

NorStone, like other gravel plants, used to operate belt-driven equipment because spare parts were quickly available while manufacturers and suppliers of gear motors were unable to offer parts with the same availability. However, times have changed. “We found that service and spare parts for gear motors are now available very quickly,” said Ivar Ullestad, NorStone Maintenance Manager. He added that changing from a belt-driven system to a NORD Drivesystems direct drive system increased equipment reliability, reduced downtime and maintenance, decreased energy consumption, and improved safety. In addition, the company eliminated belt wear problems that were a major maintenance issue in the past. 

Because of severe and dusty conditions, a 20 hp (15 kW) drive with a SK 9052, 1-160L/4 geared motor is fitted below the crushers.

The company’s equipment operates in harsh environments such as rain, snow, wind, and dust. Keeping components protected from the elements was another problem with belt-driven machinery. Conversely, the gear motor-based units are configured such that no water or dust can enter the drive mechanism.

NORD Gear Corp.
www.nord.com

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Filed Under: Machine tool industry + subtractive manufacturing, Gears • gearheads • speed reducers, Mechanical, Motion control • motor controls, Motors (gearmotors)

 

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