New Industrial Gearboxes for Applications in Cooling Technologies

Sumitomo Drive Technologies introduces the Hansen M5CT series of industrial gearboxes for wet cooling towers (WCT) and air-cooled condensers (ACC). These gearboxes feature an extremely rigid housing that makes them resistant to peak loads in heavy duty applications and are also designed for use in corrosive and extremely humid environments.

The new Hansen M5CT industrial gearbox from Sumitomo Drive Technologies has been recently introduced into the market. With this right-angled industrial gearbox series, which was specially developed for applications in cooling technology, Sumitomo is responding to the changing demands on the design of air-cooled condensers. The Hansen M5CT is a customer and future-oriented development, based on the experience of three existing product lines; Hansen P4, Hansen M4ACC and PARAMAX SFC and now combines their proven performance/assets in one product. The focus here is on large systems. The new gearbox is used in wet cooling towers (WCT) and in air cooled condensers (ACC). The need for further development is mainly due to the design of the air-cooled condensers. Until now, the so-called Forced Draft, in which the fan, driven downwards by a helical gear with a low-speed shaft, blows the air through the condenser roof, has been the classic design. The latest design is the air-cooled condenser of the so-called Induced Draft. In this design, a right-angle gearbox with a low-speed shaft upwards drives the fan (the arrangement is like the wet cooling tower). The fan sucks the air through the condenser while the gearbox is in the “hot” area of the air condenser. The Hansen M5CT right-angle gearbox has been specially designed for this latest design and built in accordance with the specifications of the Cooling Technology Institute (CTI).

Resistant to peak loads in heavy-duty applications

The Hansen M5CT is packed into a rigid housing design to withstand peak loads from the heavy-duty applications. The housing is equipped with cooling fins, allowing high thermal ratings to be achieved. Optional a fan can be added, or other cooling systems can be integrated in high temperature environments. The basis of the Hansen M5CT is the Hansen P4 series of gearboxes with one of the highest torque densities for maximum load, minimum efficiency losses, low weight, and quiet operation. Its design and the special micro-geometry of the gearing ensure optimum tooth engagement and can therefore withstand high shock loads, for example when starting the fan.

Ideal for corrosive and humid environments

Special sealing systems ‘Oil Seal Hood’ and ‘Oil Lock’ significantly reduce maintenance work. The self-developed lubrication system is available without pump or external piping and does not require any additional monitoring. An optional pump is also available, which is located above the gearbox feet so that the gearbox can be positioned on a simple base plate. This also allows for easy maintenance. The materials and instruments are especially selected for corrosive and extremely humid environments. The standard paint used is according to ISO 12944-C5 corrosion category and offers high resistance for these heavy-duty applications. The inspection cover is mounted above the oil level and is therefore easily accessible without oil drain. Additional instruments and accessory options are available, e.g.: Condition monitoring of temperature or vibration.