BI 1 - 7

Area of application

CAST

CAST is the central system, which collects, analyses, and monitors the data and all parameters. It supports 16 analogue measuring channels, for example, for speed, shaft vibration, vacuum, temperature. Furthermore, CAST enables the automatic operation control of over-speed tests and test cycles. CASTView offers the comfortable visualisation of all values in on and off operation.

Mechanical Structure

The test stand contains a vacuum-sealed container with integrated burst protection. It is so dimensioned that it absorbs the expected fragment energy while the during the burst of a rotor. Up to size 4, the container stands on a base in a room. As of size 5, the container is partially embedded in the floor, so as to enable a better handling with the test specimen. The covering lid of the container is designed for very high internal pressures and provided with an automatic locking device. It thus is secured against axially acting fracture energy or dust explosion.  

The complete mechanical drive is mounted on the container cover. The three-phase servomotor with frequency inverter and planetary gear or a precision roller-bearing spindle, which is driven via a low-swing, flat belt. If, due to an extensive rotary spectrum a large weight/speed range must be covered, there is the possibility of using several mechanical drives. A simple, timesaving replacement of individual drive units can be ensured by using speed plug connections.

Safety

The test system of the overspeed test stand always is provided with an extensive safety concept in order to provide maximum safety in all situations. In addition to an extensive mechanical safety component such as burst protection, an effective cover lock protection or the clamping protection, all systems are equipped with a comprehensive electronic monitoring and error diagnostics system. During the test run, this system monitors permanently all relevant data such as speed, pressure, vibrations and temperature and compares it with preset values. If theses values exceed the thresholds, the brake procedure is instantly initiated. Generally, the shock sensor monitors the test run in order to initiate a breakage with maximum torque in the case of a burst.

Energy efficiency

With extensive creep tests, the energy consumption for the drive of the test body is very high – especially when ventilation losses occur. When using AC servomotors in the drive, during the brake operation, the energy can be re-fed into the network so that in comparison to other types of drives considerable advantages result from the costs of operation. The reduction normally is approx. 85%, with favourable conditions, they may be as high as 95%.