Cane Unloader

• The systems has 3 axis motion of the grabbing unit plus grab control mechanism, different motors are used for different functions, and however the most challenging motion is hoist. Most sugar plant faces problem of frequent motor burning and contactor contact welding due to the high demanding duty of operation of around 600 times per hour. It means that 600 times per hour the motor takes more than 8 times of rated current for each of duration of 2-3 seconds, which generates the excessive heat across the internal winding of motor. The motor doesn’t get the time for cooling and the winding gets damaged. To replace the motor is a big task as it takes 5-6 hours and such phenomenon are observed 4-5 times in a season. The same is the case with the contactors; the arcing takes place between the contactor’s contacts and frequently the contacts get welded which requires maintenance and replacement. Also the mechanical brake often require frequent maintenance, as it has to stop and hold the grab mechanism with full load.
• The motor, contactor or mechanical failure not only interrupts the unloading process but many times interrupt all subsequent processes including sugar production. It also consumes the major portion of maintenance schedule and cost; increases the stress on maintenance / production team.
• The frequency of operation cannot be reduced else it would affect the delivery of cane, hence to protect the motor keeping all performance parameter same is another challenge.
• The location is in open air and the vibration is extremely high hence any solution must be able to give the performance in such adverse condition of harsh environment.

• Any solutions has to be a reliable, proven for the challenging operating conditions and cost competitive. At Amtech, we have vast experience of vertical transportation application like passenger lift / crane / hoist where precise position control is required. Amtech offers complete solution through its high performance Next Generation Industrial Grade Axpert-Eazy+ Series VFD system – specifically engineered for cane unloader application.

The system offers many unique functions which make it robust and superior compare to the other solutions.

• Smooth start/stop of motor
• Advance current limit function ensures starting current less than rated current
• Crane control function for precise and smooth operation
• Close-loop brake control for low wear and tear of mechanical brake
• Electronic braking system to handle regenerative energy
• Robust design suitable for 50 °C ambient
• State-of-the-art conformal coating on all printed wiring boards complying to 3C3 environment
• Factory built solution meeting global safety and quality standards
• Low loss, High efficiency Industrial Grade product
• Full motor protection including single phasing
• Optional DOL bypass to run the equipment in emergency
• Proven solutions performing globally since 2005

Using Amtech system, customer gets below benefits.

• Energy saving up to 15 % and direct payback of 2 crushing season
• Almost zero motor failure – added advantage in saving the cost of re-winding and replacement
• 99.9% uptime of the system
• Less wear and tear of mechanical brake due, so maintenance is very little
• Very smooth operation - almost no mechanical jerks