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ABB Drives Control saves 20% Energy, managing on/off load press control automatically

Industry: Plastics Injection Moulding

Application: Air Handling Fans

Site Challenge:

Atlantic Plastics logoAtlantic Plastics of Bridgend, South Wales, makes fittings for water utilities and the distribution market. The company wanted to cut energy use and had identified its two 400 tonne injection moulding machines as energy intensive. Client has a goal of two years payback for all investments. APDS in Bristol were asked for help and to look at the potential for using low voltage AC drives on the installation.

An investigation by APDS drive engineers, showed that the existing direct-on-line installation was a two stage On load/Off load process allowing for the introduction of ABB drive control.

Atlantic plastics ABB driveAPDS Solution:

An 11 kW ABB variable speed drive, installed by APDS, switches the machine’s motor to a lower speed during the off-load part of the pressurising cycle saving energy and wear and tear.

Benefits:

  • Instant automatic control
  • 20% Reduction in energy costs
  • avoided alterations to hydraulic system
  • Payback time of 12 months

Conclusion:

“APDS beat our goal of two years Payback, we are very pleased with the results of the project. We intend to put similar solutions on our remaining 35 injection moulding machines.”

Engineering manager, Atlantic Plastic

 

Footnote:

Please note these customer-approved stories are collected since 2000. While some company names may have changed during this time, the principles and methods described to save energy or improve productivity are applicable today. Contact APDS Ltd Bristol: 01179 822 049 

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