Continued problems of inverter failure were plaguing a biscuit factory in Yorkshire with lost production time. The problems were investigated and solved by Lenze partner Westin Drives. By changing to the IP65 enclosed SMV inverter, full production was regained together with extra operational benefits.

The failing inverters, typically 0.75kW, were driving conveyors on biscuit production lines. Any stoppage means lost production, and stoppages were frequent with burnt out inverters. Replacements were sourced from a national catalogue house but, perhaps unwisely in view of the IP20 enclosure, they were not mounted in a sealed panel. The Huddersfield based solution provider Westin Drives were called in to investigate and found the inverters were suffering from ingress of dust. Failures were a result of overheating or, as Westin termed it, the inverters were “overeating” the biscuit dust.

The solution was to change to the IP65 enclosed SMV inverters manufactured by Lenze. These are ideal for mounting without a panel and the watertight enclosure totally eliminated dust problems. There was a further advantage. The SMV inverters solved another previous problem where operators would upset the settings of the drive. The SMV has password protection, meaning that the operators have access to the integrated display and keyboard but cannot upset the parameters. SMV inverters are available for single phase supplies 0.37 to 2.2kW and 3phase from 0.37 to 7.5kW. An option is an integrated isolator switch which allows safe maintenance working on the machine. In the unlikely event of one needing to be changed, an integrated memory chip allows the stored parameters to be transferred to a new drive in seconds.

Westin are a drive solution partner for Lenze offering a fast responsive customer service for motors, geared motors and drives. They have extensive facilities for motor and machine repairs, but can also offer design, panel building and installation services with 24/365 availability.