Caster Segment Clamping Cylinder Repair / Upgrade
Upgrade of hydraulic cylinders that were failing every 3-8 weeks for arc furnace steel processor.
Customer:
Electric Arc Furnace Steel ProcessorIndustry:
Steel IndustryEquipment:
Caster Segment Clamping CylindersServices Provided:
Hydraulic Troubleshooting, Maintenance, Redesign, and InstallationResults:
Enhanced cylinder duty cycle and downtime reduction
Summary (Problem)
An electric arc furnace steel processor was experiencing hydraulic cylinder failure on the segment clamp circuit. New cylinders were failing in 3-8 weeks, resulting in downtime and lost production.
IRG observed the equipment in operation and production, and provided troubleshooting of the operation, and application, revealing two inherent design flaws.
Process and Outcome
Maintenance personnel were consulted as correct operation sequence functions were determined and a course of action was determined which included:
- Identification of failed components
- Redesign of the rod-bearing gland
- Increase load bearing area
- Material change
- Redesigned seal cavity dimensions and configuration
- Change of the seal material
- Installation of hi-temp Kevlar rod boot
Results:
The cylinder duty cycle now exceeds the castor segment duty cycle!