MORE POWER TO DOOSAN WITH HEPCOMOTION® LINEAR MOTION SYSTEM
13/01/2014 HepcoMotion
The Renfrew, UK facility of Doosan Babcock is benefiting from the use of HepcoMotion®'s Profile Driven Unit (PDU2) technology on a machine designed to deliver automated NDT (non-destructive testing) capability. Devised as an enhancement to existing manipulators, the PDU2 and PDU2M belt-driven linear motion systems are providing movement in three axes along with precise positioning."The main aim was to enhance our existing NDT capability by creating a multi-purpose, thee-axis manipulator," says Robin Hague, Project Engineer NDT. "This enables us to quickly develop ultrasonic techniques without having to spend time creating an experimental mechanical set-up."
These techniques are typically employed in the inspection and health monitoring of critical hardware in power stations and oil & gas installations.
"The manipulator can precisely position and translate an ultrasonic probe anywhere within a one metre inspection volume," says Mr Hague. "We have successfully used HepcoMotion® products many times over the years and knew they offered the PDU2s."
Among the main requirements for the drive units was rigidity and stiffness in each axis as this would help deliver the all-important positional repeatability. Although the components being inspected are relatively light, they can measure up to 1 metre in size and vary tremendously in shape.
Fortunately for Doosan Babcock, there are many advantages to specifying HepcoMotion® PDU2s. For instance, not only is a complete solution available from a single source (including motor connecting kits and connecting plates, for example), but the units are well suited to the versatility required in this particular application. The PDU2s are also entirely maintenance free and supplied factory set, making them ideal for a plethora of multi-axis machine applications.
The recently released PDU2M in fact delivers a 200% increase in moment load capacity and 1000% uplift in moment load stiffness compared with a standard PDU2. What's more, direct load capacity is 50% greater. Key to this ability is the ultra-high performance HepcoMotion® Herculane® wheels, which run virtually friction-free on the inside of the profile providing stable support for the carriage plate.
The unit is available with a number of carriage designs to allow the rapid and straightforward build of multi-axis systems with minimal requirements for brackets or other hardware. It is rated for operation at speeds of up to 6m/s and available with a choice of motors providing driving forces up to 280N.
The automated NDT machine is now in full operation at the Renfrew site of Doosan Babcock.
Doosan Babcock is a specialist in the delivery of construction, aftermarket and upgrade services to the thermal power, nuclear, oil and gas, petrochemical and process sectors. Using the latest technologies, best-in-class engineering expertise and an industry-leading project management capability, the company builds, maintains and extends the life of customer assets worldwide.
Doosan Babcock is part of a powerful combination of companies united under the Doosan Group to deliver complementary technologies, skills and value to customers the world over.
For more information, please contact:
HepcoMotion
Lower Moor Business Park
Tiverton Way
Tiverton
Devon
EX16 6TG
Tel: +44 (0)1884 243400
Fax: +44 (0)1884 243399
Email: sales@hepcomotion.com
Web: www.hepcomotion.com
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