Challenge
A major power company needed to replace two existing GK feeders that had been in use for over 35 years. During that time, the space had become very crowded and hard to maneuver within. Only small pieces could be moved into place, one at a time, to replace the existing units. Once in place, the units would need to easily be assembled due to the lack of working space and assembly machinery.
Approach
GK’s engineering team set out to create a modular feeder. The new design needed to retain the standard GK robust design attributes and utilize the PARA-MOUNT II® drive.
Solution
General Kinematics was able to design a replaceable feeder to meet these needs. The exciter and drive bracket were designed to be one bolted component. This eliminated the need to individually torque each reactor spring in the plant. The cross members, side stringers and the trough liner also used bolted connections with security locknuts.
Results
With GK’s innovative design, the units were easy to assemble in the field and able to perform as their preceding feeders. The bolted connections required no field welding or rivets, which drastically sped up and simplified assembly. The customer is confident these feeders are capable of lasting for the next 35 years to come.
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