TLT-Turbo GmbH, global ventilation fans and systems manufacturer, today announced its success in winning a contract for the supply of Sinter fans, including complete drive system, to Baosteel for the Wuhan Sinter Project. The announcement comes amid the COVID-19 global health crisis and further indicates improving business conditions in Wuhan.
TLT-Turbo has secured a contract together with consortium partner, TMEIC (Toshiba Mitsubishi-Electric Industrial Systems Corporation) for the supply of two complete fan systems to Baosteel. Headquartered in Shanghai, China, Baosteel is globally recognised as one of the most competitive iron and steel companies with the highest level of modernization in China.
TLT-Turbo’s delivery on the project will include the supply of two sinter waste gas fans as well as the accompanying drive motors, frequency converters, transformers, switch gears and control panels. TLT-Turbo will also fulfil the role of consortium leader for the project and will take the lead on commissioning and final installation of the fan systems.
“This newly secured contract adds to the growing list of projects that TLT-Turbo has been a part of in China recently – each of which reflects our excellent teamwork and long-term success,” says Ma Le, TLT-Turbo Sales Representative based in the region.
Ma Le adds that this is the fourth contract that TLT-Turbo has won since establishing a working relationship with Baosteel in 2013. Since 2013, TLT-Turbo has delivered a total of eight sinter fans to Baosteel – one of which is the largest operational sinter fan in the world.
“The success of this relationship is built completely on teamwork. The fact that Bao Steel always returns to TLT-Turbo to order our fans also speaks highly of our commitment of quality. The resilience shown by the TLT-Turbo global team is evident in their continued success in securing contracts in this region,” adds Ralph Mansius, TLT-Turbo GmbH Sales Liaison.
A Growing Presence in China
In total, TLT-Turbo has won contracts for 18 Sinter Fans since entering the Sinter market in China in 2012. Aside from their continued success with Baosteel, TLT-Turbo also signed an additional two contracts in China’s sinter market this year.
Another notable success coming out of the region is the continued business in the CDQ (Coke Dry Quenching) market. In 2020, TLT-Turbo has won contracts for a total of 10 CDQ Fans. Says Mansius: “This proves that we are a market leader in our field – and that we are committed to working together as a global team to keep up momentum throughout the COVID-19 crisis.”
Enduring Through the COVID-19 Crisis
Ma Le acknowledges that with the COVID-19 crisis still evolving in all parts of the world, it is to be expected that some orders might be coming in slower than usual. “Businesses across the world will all be bracing for its long-term effects. However, we strongly believe that through the combined efforts of the regional TLT-Turbo teams across the world, we will be able to endure through this crisis and for long after it has passed. We are sincerely thankful to every member of the TLT-Turbo global team for the part they have played in our continued success and resilience. We have all risen to the challenge of temporarily changing how we do things – but this is just another example of Ventilation Redefined.”
TLT-Turbo GmbH is closely
monitoring developments around the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), and our
priority remains the safety of our employees and our clients. Importantly, our
employees remain dedicated to ensuring we deliver on our commitment to our
clients amid these challenging times.
TLT-Turbo, Global Co-Managing Director, Rainer Redinger: “TLT-Turbo
is closely monitoring developments around the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).
As a company with a global footprint, our priority remains the safety of our
employees and our clients. Importantly, we remain dedicated to ensuring that we
deliver on our commitment to our clients amid these challenging times. TLT-Turbo
is taking our response to the developing Coronavirus outbreak seriously and we
have put measures in place to ensure ongoing production and remote assistance
for clients. Ensuring that TLT-Turbo is operationally resilient is of paramount
importance to our clients and organization. As the number of Coronavirus cases
continues to climb, we are taking steps to ensure that we are, in fact,
resilient.”
Specific arrangements for each of
TLT-Turbo’s 15 offices located worldwide will be based on local legislation and
government responses but plans are in place to ensure our operational
continuity.
Thanks to intensive and
coordinated efforts, the COVID-19 situation in China is improving with the
number of confirmed cases decreasing from last month. TLT-Turbo has received
reports from our office in Sichuan stating that as of 25 March 2020 no
TLT-Turbo employees in the region have been infected with the Coronavirus and
that they are now once again operational. Stringent hygiene and prevention
protocols are in place for all employees and while sales discussions are still
limited to electronic platforms, these developments are encouraging.
Currently, TLT-Turbo
manufacturing facilities in the USA, Korea and Germany are also operational. The
staff present at these sites have been provided with personal protective
equipment (PPE) as advised by global health organizations and all recommended
hygiene measures are in place. The number of staff on site has been reduced
where required along with the number of suppliers and external persons allowed
on site. All suppliers are required to comply with TLT-Turbo’s prevention protocols
on arrival.
The closures affecting manufacturing
and delivery currently include TLT-Turbo Africa and TLT-Turbo India who are
subject to government mandated national shutdowns – although this only for a
period of 21 days. For sales offices and smaller branches, TLT-Turbo has implemented
remote working arrangements to ensure that administrational, sales and
consulting processes continue as normal.
Additional measures taken by
TLT-Turbo to protect the health and safety of our staff include cancelling all work-related
travel, restricting client and internal meetings to electronic platforms, and
complying with client hygiene and prevention protocols if and where field
services are conducted.
TLT-Turbo Global Co-Managing
Director, Minggang Wan: “As your trusted ventilation partner, we are taking
every necessary step to continue to provide the high-quality service and
stability you rely on, while safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our
employees and our clients. We have and will continue to take prudent,
precautionary actions that allow us to provide the excellent support you have
come to expect from us – including a focus on leveraging electronic platforms
as far as possible, and flexibility to accommodate client needs and ensuring we
proactively engage with you to gather real-time feedback. Importantly, TLT-Turbo
remains as fully functional as this global crisis allows and we are prepared to
provide continuity of service as the environment around us evolves. We take tremendous
pride in being trusted suppliers to your business and will do everything in our
power to deliver on that promise. Accordingly, we encourage you to contact your
client service teams who are ready to offer assistance in any meaningful way
possible and answer any further questions.”
TLT-Turbo will continue to
monitor this evolving situation in each of our regions of operation and will
ensure swift and decisive responses as the situation changes.
Mr. Wan extends his gratitude to
the agencies, organizations and professionals who have provided guidance to the
company during this challenging period. “In our 145-year history TLT-Turbo has
overcome numerous challenges to our business and survived global events that
have threatened the livelihood of our employees. We have overcome these and
emerged stronger. In the crisis we face today we will take every possible
measure to ensure our continuity and to safeguard the wellbeing of our team
along with our clients’ operations. Although this may be a time of business as
‘un-usual’ we remain agile in our delivery of ventilation solutions.”
We encourage concerned clients and suppliers to reach out their TLT-Turbo representatives in the various regions. Locate your nearest point of contact here.
Global ventilation fans
and systems manufacturer, TLT-Turbo GmbH, has announced the redesign of its
Auxiliary and Booster fan range. Developed in close collaboration with clients,
the new designs address both efficiency and cost effectiveness, in a versatile
product range that meets the specific ventilation requirements of the mining
industry.
Development of the new fan range concept began in early
2015. Following a lengthy global market study to gain an understanding of the
market requirements, the range was defined in mid-2017, with fabrication of the
first units taking place shortly thereafter. “The development of the Auxiliary
and Booster fan range would not have been possible without the input of
clients. This ensured that we focused on key market driven requirements
including energy efficiency, noise reduction, cost effectiveness and turnaround
time,” says Michael Minges, Technical Director at TLT-Turbo Africa, who headed
up the fans’ designs.
“To sell these products we needed to ensure close customer
relationships and visibility. We are striving to change the industry’s mindset
on the use of such fans to ensure proper fan selection for the ventilation
required. In optimizing mine ventilation, efficient, high quality Auxiliary and
Booster fans can add as much value as surface fan installations.”
(Above) The new TLT-Turbo Auxiliary and Booster fan range addresses both efficiency and cost effectiveness
TLT-Turbo started commissioning of the first iterations of
the fan range towards the end of 2017 within the Sub-Saharan market through its
Africa office. From there, they based the development of the various fan sizes of
the new range on market interest. The fan designs and their performance
validation was completed at the end of July 2019. They aim to complete product
roll out, with all supporting documents and certification, by the end of
September 2019.
Minges explains that meeting identified market demands was
the main focus of the improved designs. “As energy efficiency is one of the
main drivers of industrial equipment usage, and minimum efficiency requirements
on certain equipment are often legislated, TLT-Turbo identified the need and
opportunity in the market for more efficient mining fans compared to what is
currently in use.”
The new designs include several innovative additions to
enhance performance in order to provide exceptional underground ventilation. The
fan range was developed using the latest in engineering flow technology which
allowed TLT-Turbo to improve the aerodynamics, and thus efficiency of the fans.
A unique stator design and aerodynamic fairings, all manufactured from wear
resistant composite materials, result in improved efficiencies and reduced
noise levels. The modularity of the fan casings allow for quick and easy
assembly with interchangeable ancillary fan parts. The motor mounting in coherence with a
machined impeller track ensures low and controllable blade tip clearances for
improved performance and efficiencies. Pad mount motors are used for all fan
sizes and help reduce vibration levels in the axial direction of the motor
significantly which leads to longer motor bearing life and lower maintenance
requirements.
(Above) The first orders for the new range were received at the end of 2017
Minges says that all possible measures are taken to ensure
the highest quality and best possible performance of every fan supplied by
TLT-Turbo. “All fans are ISO 5801 tested, unless the client agrees to type
testing on higher volume orders. We ensure the client quoted performance is met
before the fans leave the factory. Test certificates on both raw data and
calculated performance can be provided on request. Fan efficiency is determined
with the performance test and this quality check ensures we deliver on what we
promised the client. Clients are regularly invited to witness the performance
tests to sign off on acceptance. The fans also come with pressure ports that
can be hooked up to a calibrated handheld measuring device to measure
performance in-situ.”
In addition to performance and efficiency, ease of
maintenance was also a major consideration in developing the new Auxiliary and
Booster range. The modularity of the product design and the interchangeable standardized
parts allows for quick turnaround time on parts supply. “For example, we only
have two blade types for the full product range and generally only one motor
barrel per fan size accommodating various motor sizes and types. Standardization
on the product is the key to successfully managing maintenance and repair as it
allows ample supply of spares for companies certified to do the repair work.
The design track record has indicated a longer mean time between failure (MTBF)
than previous products,” Minges explains.
(Above) The new TLT-Turbo Auxiliary and Booster fan range is available to clients worldwide
The fan range is being rolled out in phases. The preliminary
testing at sites located in Sub-Saharan Africa has been launched successfully.
The next phase is globalization as the new range will be rolled out in the USA,
Canada, Europe, Russia and Australia. Following this, product supply and
support will be extended to TLT-Turbo offices in South America and India. In
the interim though, Minges says that these fans can be supplied to clients
worldwide from TLT-Turbo Africa.
TLT-Turbo Africa has received a number of orders for these
fans since the end of 2017. These orders include South African clients seeking
a solution for deepening a gold mine, and for Kamoa Copper in the DRC as an
exclusive supplier. “The feedback that we have received thus far has been that
the fans are meeting our and client expectations. I am proud to say that one
EPC consultant used the phrase ‘super fan’ to describe the new range and
indicated that he has not heard a fan of this size so quiet before,” says
Minges commenting on the reception of the new range.
“The Auxiliary and Booster fan range was developed to
enhance TLT-Turbo’s mining ventilation product portfolio. The product is based
on historic innovative designs by the TLT-Turbo Africa R&D team. Continual
product development and keeping up to date with the latest technologies is
ingrained within the engineering teams of TLT-Turbo. Ensuring that innovations
are market and client driven with the end result being a benefit to the
industry, puts us in the forefront of advancement in ventilation solutions,”
Minges concludes.
TLT-Turbo GmbH builds
radial and axial flow fans for virtually any application. First-rate
engineering, tradition and progress in air handling technology and a worldwide support
network have been the cornerstones of their excellent global renown as a fan
and systems manufacturer for more than 140 years. TLT-Turbo GmbH fans and the
associated system components are deployed successfully all over the globe. To
date over 10,000 fans have already been installed. Their subsidiaries, branches
and agencies span the globe including TLT-Turbo offices in Germany, China,
Austria, Russia, South Korea, USA, Chile, Hungary, Australia, India and South
Africa.
Global ventilation fans
and systems manufacturer, TLT-Turbo GmbH, has spent the past five years
investing in and equipping its on-site test lab. The test lab now provides
streamlined processes for research, advancing product quality and expanded
capabilities for material testing. With a focus on particle impact wear
testing, the test lab is driving innovation forward at TLT-Turbo as the results
help improve product reliability, quality and performance in their final
operating environment.
Patrick Baumgärtner a Research and Development Engineer – and
expert in wear and corrosion protection – at TLT-Turbo, has played an
instrumental role in building up the test lab – located at the TLT-Turbo
Development Centre in Zweibruecken, Germany – to its current capabilities.
Together with Sabine Groh, Industrial Fans Product Manager at TLT-Turbo, they have
been spearheading the current research.
Currently, the core field of research at the test lab is the
testing of new wear-resistant materials and coatings for fan components.
Baumgärtner says that the testing takes place in the lab’s solid particle impact
wear test bench. There, various types of dust or abrasive particles are blasted
onto the test material, varying the angle and speed of the blasting to observe
the resulting wear. “We also carry out caking tests in which we select, for
example, anti-adhesive layers for our fans, in order to find suitable solutions
for customer applications. A further main focus is the analysis of process
residues that can have an abrasive or corrosive effect. Here the composition,
size distributions, pH value and conductivity in the eluate are determined,”
Baumgärtner explains.
(Above) Part of the materials testing laboratory in Zweibrücken
TLT-Turbo’s approach is to continuously test materials,
coatings and components in order to produce fan components that are designed
for performance excellence in any operating environment – no matter how
abrasive. This testing is applied to current and new products in development
but also to samples that are brought in from client sites in order to establish
the wear patterns caused by their specific environment. In this way, TLT-Turbo
is able to provide each client with a customized solution that will last longer
and require less maintenance.
The test lab now offers facilities for metallography, a
stereomicroscope, a pycnometer for determining the density of materials and
coatings, and an automated solid particle impact wear test bench. “The
capabilities of the test lab open a lot of doors for advanced research that
will make a positive contribution to the engineering community at large as
well,” says Baumgärtner. “Under my supervision, studies and thesis research
takes place in the laboratory in cooperation with local colleges and
universities. For me, this is the basis for successfully researching and
developing new solutions in our field.”
According to Groh, the test lab has almost endless
possibilities for the improvement of product delivery to clients. “Our
customers are often operating TLT-Turbo fans in abrasive and/or corrosive
environments. To develop suitable solutions that match the wear resistance
against particle impact we use our automated solid particle impact test bench.
Compressed air accelerates a defined mass flow of abrasive particles to
velocities up to 300 m/s and propels them onto a piece of sample material. This
leads to material loss and wear that we can examine. It is even possible to use original dust from
a customer’s plant to evaluate the most suitable solution for them. By varying
the impact angle we can observe system characteristic wear curves. With this
knowledge we can provide customized solutions for many processes.”
(Above) Exchangeable impeller blade exposed to massive wear
These customized solutions can be best illustrated in the
selection of coatings. This, says Groh, has an immensely positive impact for
TLT-Turbo clients. “If we were to propose a new coating for a customer, the
wear rate of the coating would be determined first. That is the main
scientific-based decision criteria for wear resistant coatings. If the coating
has a superior wear rate compared to other coatings or at least a wear rate
that is on par with other coatings and another beneficial quality such as
anti-stick effect, corrosive resistance or a cost advantage it will be
implemented into TLT´s coating portfolio.”
Groh says that they have also conducted tests that have led
to the development of completely new proprietary coatings. “During the manufacturing
process, coatings were tested to see the influence of welding heat on coating
qualities – such as the development of cracks – to ascertain how to avoid
damage caused by heat or weld splashes. We conducted research and testing on
combining welded coatings and thin layer coating into a Hybrid Coating which
can dramatically increase the operational lifespan of TLT-Turbo fans at their
clients’ plants.”
This is one of numerous examples of how TLT-Turbo’s testing
capability can positively impact ventilation systems across all applications.
“Due to the broad database of wear tests on various materials and coatings, we
are able to offer tailor-made wear protection solutions for various processes
of our customers,” Baumgärtner acknowledges.
(Above) Blasting nozzle and sample holder of test bench
Groh agrees, adding that the wide variety of chemical
compositions and coating conditions such as acceleration of coating powder and
heat development make it extremely difficult to objectively find the best coating
by carrying out testing at a customer plant. “The process of reaching just
initial findings in these conditions is very time consuming. In addition to
this, there is a broad variety of conditions to contend with at different
customer plants that hinder an accurate comparison of different coatings at
different plants. If you test different coatings on one machine you might get a
rough estimation what coating is superior, however different wear rates of
coating cause imbalances in the impeller and vibrations at the fan.”
She elaborates by explaining that finding a precise
comparative measurement on different coatings is impossible without being able
to analyse how the wear rate changes at different angles. “At the test lab we
can control the conditions to find precisely what we are looking for in a
shorter timeframe. Additionally we are able to replicate the fan’s operating
environment. We can run tests using dust collected from the client site while
simulating particle speeds that match the client’s environment to precisely
simulate wear rates.”
In the laboratory environment, the TLT-Turbo team is also
able to determine additional coating properties as they have the capability to
run additional experiments, e.g. corrosive resistance, anti-stick effect,
robustness, heat resistance, suitable application methods, and combination
possibilities like hybrid coatings.
The test lab has afforded TLT-Turbo engineers a deeper
understanding of the mechanisms behind wear and the effects of specialized
solutions. This has led to new approaches in product advancement and
development that are grounded in providing solutions that meet market
requirements.
“The analysis of residues from plants has a great influence
on product development as we are making more informed decisions when choosing
materials for corrosive and abrasive environments,” says Baumgärtner.
This has also had an impact on TLT-Turbo’s aftermarket
service offering. The test lab, has allowed for new customer services can be
generated, such as the performance of specific tests for customers. “The development
of new solutions for specific customer problems is now much faster and more
accurate. Also the suitability of low cost approaches or solutions that allow
for wear induced damages to be repaired on-site integrate effortlessly into TLT-Turbo’s
existing solutions,” Groh concludes.
The test lab enables TLT to continuously improve their
solution portfolio for different customer problems with a focus on wear. The
combination of understanding the client’s exact requirements and challenges and
having a tool that allows engineers to find the best solutions from a
scientific basis are a key factor for success in the market and play an
important role for TLT-Turbo’s on-going product development and quality client
delivery.
TLT-Turbo GmbH builds
radial and axial flow fans for virtually any application. First-rate
engineering, tradition and progress in air handling technology and a worldwide
support network have been the cornerstones of their excellent global renown as
a fan and systems manufacturer for more than 140 years. TLT-Turbo GmbH fans and
the associated system components are deployed successfully all over the globe.
To date over 10,000 fans have already been installed. Their subsidiaries,
branches and agencies span the globe including TLT-Turbo offices in Germany,
China, Austria, Russia, South Korea, USA, Chile, Hungary, Australia, India and
South Africa.
TLT-Turbo GmbH, a global
ventilation fans and systems manufacturer, has launched a new range of mechanical
vapor recompression fans, with ceramic hybrid bearings that provide an
exceptionally long operational lifespan. Integrating the latest ventilation technologies,
this fan offers numerous advantages regarding performance efficiency, minimal
maintenance and high reliability.
The TLT-Turbo fan for mechanical vapor recompression (MVR)
has been in development since 2012 since the first case studies were carried
out. Following intensive discussions with clients, TLT-Turbo established that a
need existed for low maintenance MVR fans. This was followed by four years of
intensive research, product testing and consultations with clients. The first
MVR fans were rolled out in 2016 while continual product improvement has
remained a focus area for TLT-Turbo.
“MVR fans have been available on the market for some time
but instead of just following the trend, TLT-Turbo took time to ensure that we
came to the market with a completely new, state of the art MVR solution,” says
Mario Schmidt, Head of TLT-Turbo’s Vapor Fans business segment. “And we continue
to have on-going discussions and feedback exchanges with our clients worldwide
in order to continuously adapt and improve our MVR offering to their
requirements.”
According to Schmidt, the features of TLT-Turbo’s MVR fan,
such as the lower maintenance requirements and the introduction of hybrid
ceramic bearings, underscores their commitment to developing products in close
alignment to their clients and their needs, and also speaks to TLT-Turbo’s key
objective for continual innovation.
(Above) The new TLT-Turbo fan for Mechanical Vapor Recompression
The implementation of hybrid ceramic bearings is a key
differentiator of the TLT-Turbo MVR fan. “Our clients are amazed by the
possibility of a hybrid bearing operating at high speed without circulating
oil. Conventional roller bearings do not provide the required support for
operating the fan in a broad operational speed range without running into
harmful resonance frequencies (under critical operation). Thanks to continuous
enhancement in recent years, especially through the use of ceramic materials,
more effective roller bearings are available today. The use of hybrid bearings
with steel rings combined with ceramic rollers has been established in many
industrial applications and in the case of the TLT-Turbo MVR fan, hybrid
ceramic bearings mean significantly lower maintenance requirements and better
operational performance,” Schmidt explains.
The hybrid ceramic bearings used in TLT-Turbo MVR fans are
life time greased and can be operated for up to 10 years without requiring
maintenance. To enhance this benefit for clients, TLT-Turbo introduced an
additional device to the fan’s design that allows for the bearing to be
re-greased from the outside in order to further simplify maintenance and to increase
the fans’ service life.
High motor speeds, a wide range of optimized impellers and
the allowance for high temperature and pressure increases complement the lifetime
greased hybrid ceramic bearings to ensure that clients benefit from the enhanced
performance and efficiency that they have come to expect from TLT-Turbo
products. These factors allow for operation of the fan below critical speed
which ensures both reliability and safe operation.
(Above) A high efficiency will be achieved with an optimized impeller design
“Reliability and safety are key concerns for our clients and
TLT-Turbo has addressed this in the MVR fan by using high quality components.
Thanks to the use of the hybrid bearings, no oil supply or oil pump is
necessary which means that no oil can contaminate the product. In addition to
this, the fan also features temperature and vibration monitoring and remote
monitoring of the bearing is possible as well. Our entire manufacturing process
is carried out according to all major quality standards, including DIN ISO 9001,”
says Schmidt.
The TLT-Turbo MVR fan is suited to numerous applications in
the chemical, pharmaceutical, waste water treatment, and the organic natural
product production industries as well as in the food and beverage process and
manufacturing sectors. “Since 2018, we have received 35 orders for MVR fans
across the globe with one installation completed. Thus far, the feedback from
clients has been very positive. We have received reports that the bearing temperature
is considerable lower than that of other comparable MVR fans and that our fan
runs with less vibration than other MVR fans,” Schmidt affirms.
“Overall, TLT-Turbo’s objective was to offer our clients a
mechanical vapor recompression solution that would outperform what was
currently available on the market. We have delivered a fan that requires less
maintenance while providing high efficiency and reliability. This is exactly
what clients would expect from TLT-Turbo as a world class fan manufacturer and
global service organization.”
TLT-Turbo GmbH builds
radial and axial flow fans for virtually any application. First-rate
engineering, tradition and progress in air handling technology and a worldwide
support network have been the cornerstones of their excellent global renown as
a fan and systems manufacturer for more than 140 years. TLT-Turbo GmbH fans and
the associated system components are deployed successfully all over the globe.
To date over 10,000 fans have already been installed. Their subsidiaries,
branches and agencies span the globe including TLT-Turbo offices in Germany,
China, Austria, Russia, South Korea, USA, Chile, Hungary, Australia, India and
South Africa.
At this
year’s ACHEMA 2018, we once again presented our MVR Turbo Fan for
mechanical vapor recompression. This year, we demonstrated the fan to
the audience with a sanded and highly polished impeller, as an
example of how it is applied for use in the pharmaceutical industry.
The
TLT-Turbo Mechanical Vapor Recompression (MVR) fan attracted a large
number of visitors to the booth. Our engineers presented the
energy-efficient process in detail to interested visitors
representing the process, chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
The
innovative bearing concept – a hybrid ceramic bearing that is
grease-lubricated at the factory and requires neither regular oil
changes nor an oil supply – aroused great interest. With this
concept, maintenance and thus operating costs can be reduced
significantly.
The
units are available in two different versions: the basic version
includes the fan on a base frame with monitoring sensors whereas the
complete package contains a motor and frequency converter. Depending
on the application, different stainless steel housings and impeller
types can be selected. In addition to the standard impellers made of
duplex stainless steel, and models made of super duplex or titanium
are also available.
Drinktec
2017 held in Munich, with over 76,000 visitors, was a special
highlight for TLT-Turbo GmbH. It was TLT’s first participation at
Drinktec and at our booth we presented the TLT-Turbo fan for
mechanical vapour recompression – MVR for short.
In
a relaxed atmosphere with pretzels and TLT-Turbo wheat beer, trade
visitors were able to see the outstanding technology of the MVR fans
for themselves. The innovative storage concept in particular was met
with great interest from numerous visitors. Both plant constructors
and plant operators see the TLT-Turbo Hybrid Ceramic Bearing as a
major advantage over conventional oil-lubricated bearing
arrangements.
Come and see TLT-Turbo’s
quality and innovation for yourself. Visit us at the ACHEMA 2018 in
Frankfurt. You will find us in Hall 5.1 at Stand A90.
Repairing
up to 40 tons in four weeks! Our new service workshop enables
cost-effective and fast overhauls of industrial fans.
Sustainability
is becoming increasingly important for industrial ventilation
systems. Significantly fewer new investments are being made in this
area and old systems are used and maintained for as long as possible
instead. In order to support its customers, TLT-Turbo GmbH, one of
the world’s largest fan manufacturers, commissioned a new service
workshop in Bad Hersfeld at the beginning of November 2017. In this
workshop, all types of large industrial fans – both radial and
axial –with weights of up to 40 ton will be overhauled and repaired
in the future. In addition, the production area was expanded by
1500m² and the production and assembly areas were updated to meet
new requirements.
“With
regard to revisions, our customers increasingly make their decisions
based on price and leadtime, which can be explained by growing cost
pressure,” explains Matthias Adamy, Sales Director for After Sales
Services at TLT-Turbo GmbH. “This increases the need for
cost-effective and fast revisions. This is why we have decided to set
up a service workshop that supports our customers with fast, flexible
and uncomplicated service. Rapid processing in particular is an
essential requirement here as the rapid replacement of defective or
maintenance-needy rotors is crucial. Downtime can be shortened and
system availability increased thanks to a short throughput time. For
this reason, three types of revisions will be offered in the service
workshop in future, which are characterized by a standardized
procedure for diagnosis and repair. In addition to the standard and
findings-oriented overhauls, there is now also a so-called rapid
overhaul. This only takes four to six weeks, which means a time
saving of about six months compared to conventional maintenance and
repair. The reduction in processing time is also accompanied by a
reduction in costs.”
Despite the short duration, TLT Turbo can guarantee the highest quality with the aid of component tests, functional tests for rotors, quality and surface crack tests. For this purpose, the specialist workshop has qualified personnel, all the necessary machinery and testing equipment for disassembly, cleaning, diagnosis, repair and assembly, as well as close links to the specialist departments, such as design and quality assurance. “In contrast to a repair on site, it is more advantageous to have a diagnostic report made in the service workshop, as the equipment, workshop and personnel support at the location where the fans are used are often not ideal,” Adamy explains. “An inspection directly at the customer should therefore always be an exception due in special circumstances”.
Process
optimisation for smooth handling
In
order to ensure that orders can be processed smoothly in the workshop
even at full capacity, separate sections for dismantling and final
assembly were set up and route and transport optimisation was
implemented. “Due to the greatly reduced processing time, the
new concept requires continuous improvement of internal processes and
external communication. Through efficient cooperation and
communication with subcontractors, for example, spare parts can be
delivered and installed more quickly,” Adamy confirms.
Especially for components with comparatively long delivery times,
TLT-Turbo offers its customers consulting appointments with regard to
spare parts stocking, so that revisions can be carried out as quickly
as possible. The spatial extension also allows significantly more
flexibility and space for handling workpieces of all kinds. For this
purpose, several storage racks were installed in which up to 450
pallets can be accommodated. TLT-Turbo attaches particular importance
to the transparency and traceability of the orders: This means that
the status of the revision can be queried online at any time.
The
new service workshop was presented to selected business partners at a
Customer Day on 8 November 2017. “We want to signal to the
industry that our focus is on service. To this end, we deploy highly
qualified personnel who are familiar with diagnostic findings,
repairs and the replacement of parts,” concludes Adamy.
