PROJECTS
Over the past 20 years we have solved numerous engineering problems, below is a selection of some of the recent sucesses.
Bucket Elevators
Altec were invited to design a set of chains that would overcome problems a customer was having on two of their elevators. We discovered that the problems were being caused because of the loads on the conveyor and the corrosive and acidic nature of the product. Altec's solution was to remove all welded joints thus eliminate intergranualr corrosion. Specify specialist stainless steels and prevent component rotation and wear.
In addition because we we modeled the solution using FEA analysis, we were also able to find other potential problems and eliminate those as well.
Offshore Pipe Laying - Carousel Chains
With our 20 years expeience in designing and developing offshore carousel chains to operate with loads in excess of 7,000 Tonnes, were are considered by customers as the leader in developing bespoke solutions.
Again using out experience and the latest FEA analysis software we are able to produce unique solutions that are then manufactured in our Blackburn factory to the highest quality standards.
All our Carousel chains come with a comprehensive document package covering all aspects of design and development and included all heat treatment, material and coating processes.
Tata Steel - Scunthorpe Plant
Working with Steelmaking Operations Engineer and the Supplies Senior Sourcing Lead on the billet Casting Machine we are able to provide various solutions to improve the reliability of the Pull on chains from 18 months to over 3 years. In addition we also reduced the down time and cost of replacing the chain pusher dog, from 2-3 hours to under 30 minutes and reduced the cost of parts from £750.00 to £69.00 per dog.
Read Corus/Tata Steels Artical
We are happy to report that the plant has been operating for over 4 years, since the modified chain was installed....Sucess!!
Oven Jacks
When asked by our customers to replace 38 jacking units fitted to the roof of their special insulation slab oven, this seamed a straight forward task.
However we didnt realise was that they wanted it doing during the Christmas shutdown period which was 6 weeks away, they wanted us to not just repalce the units but set up a refurbishment cell on site, as they only had 4 spare units. The re-furbishment ment that we would have to manufacture 34 worm wheels, made from a material that was only available in Sweeden.
Finally we were informed that since the machines installation over 20 years previous, they jacking units had been boxed in by various platforms, stairs and mezzanine structures.
The plant was back up and running by the 2nd of January and by re-furbishing the units the customer saved over £400.00 per unit
Conveyor Modifications
The customer wanted to increase the output of the conveyor by increasing the speed, this was only made possible because we modified the tail end of the conveyor and fitted a tensioning system that ensured that the chain was under tesion at all times and that the load applied to the system were distributed equally between the chains.
The conveyor now runs at higher speeds with a greater increase in output.