March 2014

Forward March!

We're pleased to present the first-ever March issue of Power Transmission Engineering.

Gears for Hydraulic Pumps: Development and Results

After a brief introduction to the importance of gear pumps in internal combustion engines, as well as in the most diverse hydraulic applications, a calculation method was applied that allows for sizing with considerably higher delivery rates. Upon identifying and analyzing a traditional pump, along with two construction solutions of asymmetric gear pumps, we then compared their related performances.

Best Practices for Gearbox Assembly and Disassembly

In most applications, gearbox reliability is critical to the productivity of the overall plant operation. So it follows that when industry is looking at the best ways to increase efficiency, reduce downtime, and increase profitability, gearbox performance and reliability are key factors. Designing for repair, and writing effective repair procedures, can speed the service time, and provide a quality refurbishment. The best practices listed in this article are proven, effective methods used to install and remove bearings, seals, gears, couplings and shafts within a gearbox.

Investigations of Bearing Failures Associated with White Etching Areas (WEAs) in Wind Turbine Gearboxes

A critical problem for wind turbine gearboxes is failure of rolling element bearings where axial cracks form on the inner rings. This article presents field experience from operating wind turbines that compares the performance of through-hardened and carburized materials. It reveals that through-hardened bearings develop WEA/WECs and fail with axial cracks, whereas carburized bearings do not. The field experience further shows that a carburized bearing with a core having low carbon content, high nickel content, greater compressive residual stresses, and a higher amount of retained austenite provides higher fracture resistance and makes carburized bearings more durable than through-hardened bearings in the wind turbine environment.

The Sights and Sounds of IFPE

If you attended IFPE 2014 in Las Vegas (colocated with ConExpo and Con/AGG), chances are you saw plenty of products and technologies set to redefine the construction and off-highway markets. It's a safe bet, however, that you didn't see everything. Between the outdoor maze of cranes and construction equipment and the eye-opening, innovative booths at IFPE, it's okay to admit that you may have suffered from a case of information overload. Here are a few points of interest for those that didn't attend IFPE this year or didn't see everything they wanted to see.

Bosch Rexroth Powers Coal-Handling Equipment with Hydraulic Direct Drive

EECV in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, keeps on expanding and improving. In 2013 their transhipment of coal increased and they installed a new bucket wheel reclaimer with a capacity of 3,500 tons per hour. They chose a direct-drive system from Bosch Rexroth for this big bucket wheel. The drive system consists of a Hägglunds MB 1600 motor and a DUe drive unit.

Good Purchasing Personnel Are a Priceless Investment

Seems simple enough doesn't it? It is most decidedly not. Indeed, one can make the case that--aside from uppermost management (or ownership)-- no one else in a heavy/high-tech manufacturing concern has more ownership of the company's everyday needs and necessities than the purchasing department.

Engineering Showcase 2014

We are pleased to present our first annual Engineering Showcase, a celebration of some of the leading products and companies in mechanical power transmission. In the pages that follow, you’ll find examples of engineering excellence and technological know-how in the field of gears, drives, couplings, machine parts and other mechanical components.

Kids Dont Have to Become President to Become Deciders

Finding picture books for kids old enough to appreciate them can be a daunting task. There are, of course, the usual suspects--celebs, athletes, boy bands, girl bands, and so on, but not much of substance. That's where David Janosz Jr. enters the picture.

Product News

The complete Product News section from the March 2014 issue of Power Transmission Engineering.

Industry News

The complete Industry News section from the March 2014 issue of Power Transmission Engineering.

Calendar

The complete technical calendar from the March 2014 issue of Power Transmission Engineering.