Process equipment gear drives

The operating speed characteristics of the process equipment dictate the type of motor and control to be applied. Most drives operate at a speed lower than that of the motor, thus requiring some form of speed reduction. The gearing may be via direct-cpnnected coupled motor or a speed reducer may be used. Variable or adjustable speed performance must be definitely established as to speed range, degree of speed adjustment, and load requirements at all speeds. Constant-torque or constant-horsepower drives both require variable-speed or multispeed motors with suitable control equipment. 

Most leveler builders drive each work roll through individual universal drive shafts connected to a distribution gear drive box, which, in turn, is driven by an electric or hydraulic motor. This allows the flexibility for the rolls to bend during the leveling process and also for separate vertical top and bottom roll bank adjustment, entry to exit. Some smaller units employ a single electric or hydraulic motor to drive the top bank and a separate one to drive the bottom bank. Inexpensive press-feed flatteners are sometimes chain driven, but this is not practical for a precision piece of equipment. 

You may need to inspect your gear several times during the course of a shift if working in a hazardous location or with dangerous materials. The consequences of having your fall protection fail should be the driving force behind your equipment inspection process. 

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