As machines are getting older, it is more and more difficult to find replacement parts. However, it might be easier than you think. Richmond Engineering Works’ in-house engineering personnel will review the part in question and either find a replacement or redesign a replacement using the latest technology. Either way, REW provides replacement parts of the highest quality for extended machine life and reliability for bulk material handling machines.
With summer approaching and demand increasing, equipment is going to be used more so don’t be caught without a good parts inventory. It could be costly! Let us review your machine and provide you with spare parts recommendations to avoid costly downtime. The next time you need parts, give REW a call at 412-787-9640.
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Continuous barge unloaders play a vital role in bulk material handling, which makes it all the more important that these components are operating as efficiently as possible. Fortunately, new Continuous Barge Unloader buckets and chains can provide a significant increase in the volume of material you can handle. A simple upgrade can translate into the ability to move more material faster and with less waste. Modern bucket and chains are specially designed and manufactured to provide lasting performance that will stand up to the toughest materials and work environments. Today's buckets feature sprockets and chain rollers that have been flame hardened and outfitted with dual seals. These extras are designed to prevent contamination and seizing for smooth and continuous operation. In addition, high alloy steel buckets are designed with specific mechanical properties in mind. Instead of simply providing a certain ratio of alloy, Continuous Barge Unloader buckets are manufactured to provide unbeatable strength. This same approach to alloy is used in creating abrasion resistant cutting lips and wear bars. With the right accessories, your equipment will continue to easily cut into rough materials and grab more with each pass. Here are just a few of the advantages that come with adding new continuous barge unloader buckets and chains to your existing system:
If you have been looking for practical ways to increase the volume of your Continuous Barge Unloader, the answer may be as simple as upgrading to stronger buckets and less contaminant prone dual sealed roller chains. At Richmond Engineering Works, we specialize in helping bulk material handling companies from all over the country design and implement cutting-edge solutions that increase efficiency and revenue. We can do the same for you. Contact us today to get started. If you have been putting up with old coaling handling material equipment, 2018 might be the perfect year to finally update your facility. For those who are hesitant to make the leap, here are five signs that now is the time to upgrade: 1. You are spending more manpower than ever on monitoring and troubleshooting equipment. Often times, companies put off replacing bulk material handling equipment because they don't want to spend the money. However, outdated and faulty equipment comes with its own expenses. If you are consistently paying employees overtime to keep coal handling equipment functional, then it may be time to upgrade.
2. You have trouble finding replacement parts. When something does go wrong, you don't want to have to waste time hunting down outdated parts. While you can always search for parts online or hoard obsolete parts from other plants, this can cause serious delays in production and put you in a precarious position. New equipment will be easier to repair and maintain so that you don't lose revenue to unnecessary downtime. 3. Frequent and unexplained trips in the equipment have become a part of your daily routine. Has it gotten to the point where everyone on the team is just used to encountering problems and temporary shutdowns? Don't settle for under-performing equipment. 4. A lack of operational equipment status. Most bulk material handling operations involve several integrated systems. Coordinating systems relies on manpower and mechanical functionality, but modern systems also require powerful computing. Staying competitive means creating a centralized operating system that can be accessed and controlled from one computer. This lets operators know exactly where problems are located so that they can fix issues without having to drive to a specific location in the plant to troubleshoot a shutdown. 5. You don't rely on a equipment that is connected to a plant SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) system. Bulk material handling can be a complex operation. If you are relying on a fragmented computing system, then you are wasting time and money. Upgrade your system with a DCS (Distributive Controls System) tie in so that you can review and run the entire facility more efficiently. If you are ready to make your bulk material handling facility more efficient and profitable than ever, 2018 is the perfect time to get started. Contact the experts at Richmond Engineering Works to begin upgrading your equipment and your facility. A Guide to keep your bulk material handling variable frequency drives (VFDs) operating efficiently12/14/2017 Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) play a vital role in the bulk material handling industry. By adjusting the frequency and voltage supplied to electric motors based on the specific needs of each application, VFDs allow businesses to work more efficiently and prolong the life of their equipment. Don't underestimate the importance of simple preventative maintenance. Monitoring your equipment and taking a few simple steps can provide years of trouble-free service. Here is a simple quick guide that can help:
Setting aside time to inspect and maintain your VFDs can significantly extend the life of your equipment and prevent serious failures that disrupt productivity. Fortunately, most models are manufactured with easy to read equipment status displays and other tools that make it easy to monitor the vital signs of your VFD and motor combination. Take advantage of these tools and employ your own inspection process for optimal efficiency. Richmond Engineering serves companies along the countries major transportation routes and provides cutting-edge solutions that are designed to improve operations. From engineering, unique solutions to upgrading existing equipment and making repairs, their experts can do it all. To learn more about their services and how they can help, contact Richmond Engineering today. The holiday season tends to put extra stress on power providers. People across the country are using more electricity and if utility companies don't plan appropriately for this surge in use, supply could be affected. At Richmond Engineering Works, we partner with companies up and down the Mississippi and throughout the country to prepare for the holiday season so that everyone can enjoy uninterrupted service and a warm home. Here are just a few of our recommendations for keep coal handling systems working at an optimal level throughout this time of year:
Richmond Engineering Works provides a variety of services that include custom designs and installation, inspection and repair, turnkey solutions and system upgrades. We help coal handling systems across the country operate more reliably and efficiently so that families can enjoy a safe and warm holiday season. Please contact us if we can assist in maintaining your equipment needs. We wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a joyful and prosperous New Year! Richmond Engineering Works is constantly working with clients, across the country, to improve the safety and efficiency of their machines and processes. Often, this includes providing a combination of engineering, fabrication and installation services that provide fully customized turnkey solutions. It also includes looking at old problems with new eyes and offering innovative solutions. For example, we help companies move their dumper drives from the pit, up to ground level. This has provided a long list of benefits for clients and could be the right move for your company and your machinery. Here are just a few of the advantages that come with moving your dumper drives from the pit to ground level:
Better Working Environment The pit represents a harsh working environment that can add stress to both maintenance and machinery. Moving the dumper drive up to ground level provides more hospitable surroundings that will help increase the longevity of equipment and help avoid any malfunctions. Easy Access for Maintenance Placing the dumper drives on ground level provides safe and easy access. Whether workers need to address an immediate problem or simply need to service the drive for regular maintenance, they can enjoy easy access. This makes it more likely that maintenance issues will actually be addressed on a regular schedule, which will ultimately reduce wear and tear and prolong the life of the equipment. Improved Worker Safety Placing dumper drives on ground level means that workers do not have to go into the pit and they can have plenty of room to work and maintain the equipment. Simply moving the dumper drives can drastically improve overall safety. Less Wear Traditionally, stationing the dumper drives in the pit has increased the potential for tooth crowding, which is a natural result of the trunnion wheel and dumper rail wearing down over time. By reducing wear, this problem can be avoided and the equipment will continue to operate safely and efficiently. If you would like to learn whether your dumper drives could be safely and effectively moved to ground level, contact the experts at Richmond Engineering Works. We can conduct a full inspection and make recommendations based on your existing equipment and needs. It might be easier than you think to experience the many benefits of relocating the dumper drives at ground level. Richmond Engineering Works has a long history of serving businesses throughout and across the country that provide the bulk materials that keep important industries up and running. We play a vital role in ensuring that businesses are able to safely and efficiently operate in a way that reduces costs while increasing revenue. Our team of experts provide a one-stop shop for all your bulk material handling engineering needs. It all begins with an impressive knowledge base that represents decades of experience working in the bulk material handling industry. At Richmond Engineering Works, our team members have deep knowledge of all aspects of the machinery and processes involved in transporting bulk materials. This allows us to provide cutting-edge solutions that improve efficiency and directly address challenges.
Whether your company is in the design phase or needs help with fabrication or installation, we jump in at any point during a project or partner with you from start to finish. We are equipped to handle every aspect of the bulk material handling industry. In fact, our services continue long after equipment has been installed by providing aftermarket services that keep machinery running smoothly. When you need help with maintenance and repairs, our experts are available 24/7 so that you never have to worry about a halt in production. For companies with existing equipment in place, we also offer thorough inspection and reviews that can identify weak points in the machinery and processes and provide suggestions for improvements. We can improve the efficiency and performance of virtually any business in order to increase productivity and reduce waste. Our services and expertise allow businesses to take advantage of the best technology and problem solving methods to enjoy increased revenue. If you work in an industry that relies on bulk materials, then be sure to partner with the experts at Richmond Engineering works. We have the skills, experience and track record for success that will allow you to improve your business and keep your equipment running smoothly. To learn more about their services and how they can help, contact Richmond Engineering today. The bulk material handling industry relies heavily on locomotives to help transport and load essential materials across the United States. Adding an indexing positioner can further expedite the unloading process and provide a wide range of benefits that save both time and money. Here are just a few of the benefits companies can expect when using an indexing positioner: #1 Ability to position railcars without the locomotive Traditionally, the locomotive has been used to position railcars into the dumper. However, it can take time to perfectly position the car. A railcar positioner has the ability to quickly and accurately place the railcar for faster and more efficient unloading. #2 An increase in throughput
More accurate positioning will also translate to more throughput. More material can be processed faster without any spillage, which is a simple way to protect profits. #3 Automated functions that reduce labor costs Across industries, new technology is focused on automating processes. This is especially true in bulk material handling where large machines can now be pre-programmed with automated functions. Ultimately, this technology increases efficiency and requires less time and attention from personnel. #4 Solutions that are specially designed to fit the needs of each company A rail car positioner can be designed and installed according to any specifications for maximum accuracy and performance. #5 Less fuel usage Since the locomotive doesn't have to be used to move the rail car in place, a rail car positioner actually provides a more fuel-efficient solution. #6 A decrease in unnecessary demurrage charges Problems with using the locomotive to position the railcar in the dumper can cause delays that ultimately result in demurrage charges and eat away at profits. One way to stay on schedule and avoid having to pay extra fees is to rely on an indexing positioner. Richmond Engineering serves companies along the countries major transportation routes and provides cutting-edge solutions that are designed to improve operations. From engineering unique solutions to upgrading existing equipment and making repairs, their experts can do it all. To learn more about their services and how they can help, contact Richmond Engineering today. With so much heavy equipment to maintain, it can be challenging to prioritize upgrades and decide where are the best places to invest time and money. To help with this process, we have put together a list of 6 essential bucket wheel stacker reclaimer upgrades that should be at the top of any list. Complete Controls Upgrade
This should include new PLC/HMI controls. Advances in technology mean more streamlined software platforms that provide the latest in proven methods for increasing efficiency and improving all aspects of even complex processes. They also mean that operators will be able to quickly diagnose and address any problems. Monospiral Wound Cable Reel with Cable Guide Ensure that the reel and guide system are capable of meeting the dynamic demands and provide the ideal operational speed along with enough space to safely wind and store the correct size cable. Drives Upgrade This upgrade is especially important to improving efficiency and guaranteeing the right balance between power and performance. Old and/or obsolete drives can be quickly upgraded and provide immediate results. New Operators Cab & Electrical House Provide operators with the latest in cab design that will provide maximum visibility and improve safety and performance. Along with a new electrical house, this upgrade can help keep pace with the demands of a modern work environment. Ergonomic chair and control designs also reduce fatigue. Travel Truck Replacement Massive machinery requires great feats of engineering and relies on having the right parts in place. Invest in travel truck replacement and ensure that bulk materials are being quickly and efficiently moved. Bucket Wheel Gear Box Replacement Replace old bucket wheel gearboxes with new equipment that will provide smooth and controlled operation. New solutions rely on high-quality materials in order to provide unmatched reliability and durability. The right upgrades can allow these impressive machines to better handle the demands of the mining and bulk material handling industry. Richmond Engineering specializes in providing companies across the country with the right bulk material handling solutions. From upgrades to repairs and maintenance, we can meet a wide variety of needs. Contact us today to learn more. Advances in bulk material handling engineering have allowed companies, across the variety of industries, to operate more efficiently. For those that rely on barges that run up and down the Mississippi and other major waterways, being able to quickly load and unload bulk materials is essential. Whether you are moving coal, grain, lime, sand or other materials, a clamshell grab bucket unloader provides an economical and efficient means of unloading bulk materials. Grab bucket unloaders have been timeless icons along major waterways and a vital component for handling bulk materials. They are designed to unload barges or ships of varying sizes, with or without hatches. Hoisting cables allow the clamshell bucket to extend into the barge for pickup and back to the hopper for emptying. While the basic operation of the grab bucket remains the same, the mechanisms that power the system continue to evolve and may mean that it is time to upgrade your facility.
Machines naturally age through continual use and components and control systems can become outdated, thereby decreasing efficiency. To enjoy optimal performance from your grab unloader, be sure to inspect rope for wear, check all systems for proper lubrication, and verify any vibrations in the system. Keeping the electrical controls tuned reduces wear and material spillage. Maintaining and updating these features can extend the life of your machine. Updating control and drive systems such as a PLC based control system, digital DC or AC drive and an HMI, can also improve performance by allowing operators to view the status of the machine from one location. This both increases diagnostic capabilities and safety. In addition, an ergonomically designed operator’s chair, will reduce fatigue and improve visibility. Finally, barge hauls can be upgraded for more accurately positioning that will reduce handling costs. At Richmond Engineering, we work with companies to design and update grab bucket unloader systems to best fit their needs and meet their plant’s requirements. We offer electrical, mechanical, and structural repairs and upgrades on any manufacturer so that you can continue to operate as efficiently as possible. Contact us today to learn more. |
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