Custom Replacement Motor with 10-Ton Rotor Enhances Steel Mill Efficiency
By planning a replacement motor in advance, plant operators can avoid costly downtimes. This is all the more important for non-standard configurations. An Argentinian steel mill operator commissioned MENZEL Elektromotoren to build a special electric motor based on an existing motor with the type of construction IM 7311.
For future proofing and considerable investment, the old, still operational motor is to be stored as backup. Therefore, the new motor must replicate it in every detail, although MENZEL also implemented a performance increase at the customer’s request. The German, family-run company counts special motors among its core business and also designed the starter in such a way that it caters for the new motor and the original one equally.
Custom-Engineered Replacement for Demanding Steel Mill Operations
The newly manufactured slip ring motor provides a nominal torque of 43,245 Nm, operating at 6600V rated voltage delivering 1345 kW rated power. It serves, as a roller drive in a steel works in the Paraná region of Argentina, approximately 230 km from Buenos Aires. The motor design needed to accommodate the hot and demanding environment of the rolling mill, where ambient temperatures can reach up to 45 °C.
Key features include:
- Pedestal Bearing Construction: The motor’s IM 7311 design is mechanically complex but ensures complete compatibility with the existing setup.
- Enhanced Performance: The motor delivers higher output compared to the original while maintaining interchangeability.
- Heavy-Duty Rotor: With a total weight of 21.9 tons, the motor includes a 10.4-ton rotor.
- Modern Accessories: Hall effect current transformers for rotor current measurement, accelerometers on bearings, and a level sensor for the starter’s electrolyte tank were installed to meet customer requirements.
Meeting Customer-Specific Requirements
Menzel Elektromotoren’s tailored solution addressed several critical project demands:
- Interchangeability: The motor had to replicate the existing one exactly to ensure seamless integration and compatibility, despite being a more powerful unit. This included maintaining the original dimensions and design.
- Performance Enhancement: The new motor increases output from 1500 HP to 1800 HP and provides greater torque to enhance rolling mill efficiency.
- Dual Compatibility Starter: A liquid starter was designed to start both the new motor and the old one, which will remain as a backup.
- Comprehensive Delivery: Menzel provided the motor, starter, and commissioning services as a complete package. The motor was shipped by sea from Hamburg to Buenos Aires, while the customer arranged transport within Argentina.
- Advanced Testing: The motor underwent complete type tests and additional customer-specified tests, such as partial discharge and dissipation factor measurement (tan δ), to ensure operational reliability.
Learn more about Menzel’s custom motor solutions here.
Tackling Technical Challenges with Precision
This custom replacement motor project involved overcoming several technical challenges:
- Unique Construction: The IM 7311 pedestal bearing design required precise engineering during manufacturing and final assembly.
- Accessory Integration: Numerous custom accessories were installed, such as Hall effect transformers and accelerometers, ensuring the motor met all operational and safety standards specified by the customer.
- Environmental Adaptations: The motor was built to withstand high ambient temperatures (up to 45 °C) and tough conditions in the rolling mill environment.
Key motor performance data:
- Motor Type: 3-phase slip ring induction motor
- Nominal Power: 1345 kW (1800 HP)
- Nominal Voltage:6600 V
- Standard Compliance: IEC / EN 60034-1
- Nominal Speed: 297 rpm
- Mounting: IM 7311
- Protection Class: IP 23
- Cooling Method: IC 01 (open-circuit ventilation)
- Weight: 22,000 kg (rotor weight: 10.4 tons)
A Reliable Partner for Comprehensive Solutions
MENZEL Elektromotoren’s reputation in Argentina, bolstered by past successful deliveries to other famous steel works, played a pivotal role in securing this project. The company’s ability to deliver a complete package - from motor design and manufacturing to testing and commissioning - distinguished it from competitors.
By providing a high-performance motor and liquid starter tailored to customer specifications, MENZEL ensured that the steel mill’s production processes remain efficient and future ready.
As industries demand more from their equipment, Menzel Elektromotoren continues to rise to the challenge, delivering innovative, high-performance motors with custom specifications that drive productivity and reliability.
Are you interested in further information or a customized motor offer for your steel mill? Send us your enquiry today!
