New blast wheel technology from W. Granowski
New generation of blast wheel
has incorporated into its product range a new generation of blast wheel capable of high output and increased wear resistance.
Rutten wheel lowers abrasive consumption and running costs, increases cleaning rate, provides shorter blasting time, increases wear resistance and provides less maintenance down time, designed to meet customer’s application.
The benefits of the Rutten wheel compared to existing conventional blast wheels
Increase in abrasive velocity = increase in cleaning rate and shorter blast time
The profile of the Rutten blade generates an increased wheel tip speed resulting in an increase of cleaning rate by approx. 30%, when compared with conventional wheels.
In addition, because the wheel components wear uniformly the wheel can rotate at very high speeds, decreasing required blast time. Conventional blast wheels are limited by their design and the material they are made from.
The usual wheel tip speed is about 80m/s and the average loss of abrasive speed between wheel and work-piece is around 10% per metre. Although the abrasive velocity can be increased by a high blast wheel speed, the outlet speed is restricted to between 60 and 90m/s (depending on the wheel dia.) due to the shape of the blades and wear of the wheel components.
Wear of these components will cause the wheel to become unbalanced, resulting in further wear, changed blast pattern and damage to the bearings, the motor and/or the spindle.
Lower abrasive consumption = lower running costs
The Rutten wheel decreases abrasive consumption substantially: by up to 25%. The increased wheel tip speed means that fewer abrasive particles need to be thrown to achieve the same clean.
The blades of conventional wheels hit the abrasive with a speed of 15m/s. The Rutten wheel has been designed to increase control over the abrasive flow. The blades are positioned to make the abrasive entry more fluid.
In fact, the abrasive particles are taken onto the foot of each blade without shock, making the Rutten wheel capable of throwing fragile abrasives such as glass beads, ceramic and plastic.
Increased wear resistance = less maintenance down time
The main objective of the Rutten design has been to enhance the wheel's resistance to wear. The wear rate of wheel components is dependent upon the material from which they are manufactured.
Years of research have resulted in the development of wear resistant alloy steels. Incorporating this material into the patented design of the Rutten wheel has increased the lifespan of wheel components up to 30 times those of other conventional wheel type.
Blast pattern designed to meet the customer's application = less waste and better clean
With increased control of the abrasive flow, the abrasive stream can be calibrated to suit specific applications. Optimum spread of abrasive media can be achieved over a large area for the purpose of blasting plates, profiles or constructions.
A concentrated abrasive stream can also be achieved for applications such as roll edging or shot peening.
High throughput blast wheels and their fitment
Several blast wheels can be provided; as specified below according to their diameter and motor capacity. 240mm - model RTN 240 - max 5.5kW 300mm - model RTN 300 - max 25kW 320mm - model RTN 320 - max 30kW 380mm - model RTN 380 - max 50kW 506mm - model RTN 506 - max 90kW
Wheels can be direct-driven with/without frequency control or vee belt drive.
27-Mar-2008