This variable-speed drive for compressors pays for itself
Voith Turbo
The Vorecon (photo) is a variable-speed planetary gear that is used to control the speed of compressors, fans and pumps. The Vorecon combines reliable a mechnanical design with hydrodynamic power transmission, which is wear-free. This allows the device to achieve a mean time between failures (MTBF) of 48 years, says the company. By allowing the driven machine to operate at the speed required by the process, the Vorecon is said to allow for tremendous energy savings compared to throttle or bypass-control systems, helping to amortize its cost in just a few years of service. The unit is comprised of a speed-control system, gearbox and oil supply, and this design requires roughly 68% less installation space compared to comparable electronic variable-speed-drives. This reduces infrastructure costs, particularly in offshore installations. — Voith Turbo GmbH, Crailsheim, Germany