In industrial water and wastewater treatment applications, efficient power transmission technology is critical in ensuring optimal control of water flow and pressure. This facilitates the effective management of scarce water resources as well as effluents and sludge.
“Customers in plants, mines and other Australian industries are increasingly seeking out gearmotors that not only deliver on effective performance, but also bolster productivity and energy efficiency, while reducing operating costs,” comments Alan Young, Manager for Bonfiglioli Queensland & N.T.
Energy efficiency is essential
Globally, plants are under immense pressure to reduce energy consumption, in line with the United Nation’s sustainable development goals (SDGs) and to satisfy environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria.
“Certainly, mining companies and manufacturing plants are under significant pressure to demonstrate a commitment to combatting climate change, and to adopt more sustainable operations, in order to retain investors and operating licences,” comments Alan. “The good news is that gearmotor technology has advanced substantially, with modern equipment offering energy efficient operation, without compromising on power or torque range.”
Enabling automation
The automation of water and wastewater treatment processes has been identified as a means to achieve multiple benefits, among these are reduced labour requirements (and costs), enhanced efficiency, data-driven operations and improved maintenance.
“Bonfiglioli’s ongoing investment in innovation has yielded solutions that enable the automation of power transmission systems. Our easy-to-use human machine interfaces (HMIs) are easily integrated into existing plant operations, giving plant owners and operators greater control and improved visibility,” notes Alan.
Optimising plant space
The optimisation of a plant or mining footprint is a challenge for companies seeking to maximise productivity - without incurring the costs associated with expansion. This is driving demand for equipment that is compact, easily installed and offers flexible configuration.
“Bonfiglioli’s portfolio of gearmotors for water and wastewater treatment applications is modular and customisable, enabling space saving,” says Alan. “This, in turn, means that our solutions can be quickly and easily adapted to any changes in the water treatment requirements, such as changes in flow rates or pressure”.
Complex processes require comprehensive solutions
Water and wastewater treatment are complex activities, demanding specialist expertise and equipment. “In the selection and installation of power transmission equipment, we recommend that plant owners partner with a specialist who can provide a comprehensive service. This includes pre-sales support which facilitates the co-engineering of equipment, to allow for seamless selection, configuration and installation of the right gearmotor,” explains Alan. “You want to work with a supplier who also has a good understanding of the required standards and best practices”.
He points to Bonfiglioli’s pre-sales support and consultation, as well as tailored service and maintenance plans. “Our goal is to ensure customers achieve maximum uptime and productivity. This is best achieved when we reduce the maintenance requirements, and promote the long operating life of customer equipment. This is what yields a low total cost of ownership,” he concludes.