The largest balancing machine in Zambia was recently successfully commissioned at Marthinusen & Coutts’ Zambian operation in Kitwe. The fully upgraded 12 ton Schenck machine is capable of balancing rotors up to 12 tons at operating speeds up to 3300 r/min, 5.5 metre in length and with diameters of up to 2.2 metres.
Careful planning and execution by Marthinusen & Coutts, a division of ACTOM, ensured that the machine was successfully installed, calibrated and commissioned. The local M&C team received training to ensure optimum operation of the machine.
The in-house ability to precision balance rotors to very high accuracy is a valuable service to customers in the region, and it will no longer be necessary to transport large components across border to South Africa for this work to be done. This local dynamic balancing service also expedites the repair process, reducing delivery time, and avoiding the risks associated with long distance transportation. All this translates into a bottom line cost reduction for customers because of the quicker turnaround times.
The service will prove to be invaluable to customers and OEM’s operating in the Copperbelt region, and underpins Marthinusen & Coutts Zambia’s position as the leading electro-mechanical repair facility in the region.
Over a period of four years Marthinusen & Coutts Zambia has successfully upgraded its test facilities which can now accommodate both AC and DC motors. The facility also boasts a temperature-controlled burnout oven, curing ovens and vacuum pressure impregnation (VPI) tank. Furthermore, winding verification ensures that stators and rotors are wound to international and OEM specifications. Further upgrades have also been implemented to the mechanical repair shop, which also offers machining, milling and submerged arc welding.