Around 25 per cent of the electrical energy consumed by the process industry are used for powering pumps and fans. By optimizing flow control, the consumption of electricity and operating costs can be reduced substantially, as can the environmental loading. This is the claim of Control Drive Sweden AB in Karlstad, Sweden. The Swedish company has developed a variable speed drive for equipment such as pumps and fans that reduces the energy requirement by 30-60 per cent, according to the manufacturer. The pay-off time for the investment is estimated to be 6-24 months.

The variable speed drive takes up little room thanks to its compact size, and is reported to be very reliable. It can be used for speed control in most industrial applications using AC-powered systems such as pumps, fans, blowers and worm conveyors. The drive can also be installed in explosive environments such as the petrochemical industry. Its hygienic construction means it is also suitable for the food industry, according to the manufacturer.
"The drive is patented in 16 countries, including the USA and most European countries, and is used by large paper and pulp manufacturers all over the world," says Bo Södergren, head of marketing at Control Drive Sweden AB.
Many industries still control pumps with distributing valves, which have high-energy consumption and heavy maintenance costs. There is therefore great market potential. The European market is estimated to be about 280,000 drives, with a global market of about 800,000 units. The investment cost is reported to be lower than that for mechanical and electrical control systems (frequency invertors).

Easy to install
"The drive is installed directly onto the pump's motor shaft," says Bo Södergren. Installation takes about four hours and requires no conversions or complicated wiring.
The simple, robust construction is said to give high reliability, and the low wear on the motor, pump and tube system reduces maintenance costs. The sound level is low and start/stop are soft, which reduces wear. Stepless speed control is achieved with the help of a viscous hydraulic disk clutch.
The product range includes drives in the 45-160 kW power classes. Control Drive takes responsibility for assembly, installation and servicing.
The Swedish investment companies Plena AB and AB Västergyllen own the company, which is certified to ISO 9001.
Demand is growing rapidly and the company is therefore seeking distributors in several European countries.

Picture caption:
The variable speed drive is said to reduce energy requirements substantially, and can be used in most industries with AC-powered systems.

For further information please contact:
Control Drive Sweden AB
Bo Södergren, head of marketing
Box 2190, S-650 02 Karlstad, Sweden
Tel: +46 (0)54 56 30 70. Fax: +46 (0)54 56 21 24
E-mail: bo.sodergren@control-drive.se
Home page: http://www.control-drive.se

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