applying additional torque to shaft 1

[sheppard]

I am looking for a way to apply torque to a shaft to assist the existing motor turn the shaft.

We have a 100 ton water control gate that is lowered and raised by a 50 hp motor and gear boxes. We want to lower the gate completely and raise it again but we are concerned that it may get slightly jammed in the lowered position. We cannot afford to have the gate stuck in the lower position.

Is there some device that we could attach to the shaft to apply a little extra torque just to help get the gate moving.

The existing machinery appears to be in good condition.

Someone mentioned a "hi-torque" tool. Any ideas?

 

[Barry1961]

You could add a creep drive maybe a 5 hp 200:1 gear motor and attach it with a regular clutch or one way clutch.

I am guessing you already have a motor that is wound for a high starting torque.

Be carefull not to exceed the rating on the gearbox. You could probably break the input pinion fairly easily.

Barry1961

 

[Cockroach]

Be careful! You will need to watch the torsional values along the shaft. Contact the manufacturer and ask for the maximum allowable torque specification.

Kenneth J Hueston, PEng
Principal
Sturni-Hueston Engineering Inc
Edmonton, Alberta Canada

 

[DAVIDSTECKER]

I have a couple of questions.
How is the drive train configured?
I have a couple of questions.
How is the drive train configured?
Is the motor directly mounted to the gearbox or is there something like a belt drive or shaft coupling?
Is the any room on the lifting screw to attach the assisting device?
What is the HP rating of the gearbox?
Then the big question is how much to you have to spend in order to get this done?
One option if the gear box can take the extra torque is to change the motor to a 50hp @1,200 or 900 rpm motor. If travel time is an issue you could get a two speed constant HP motor, not a constant torque. This would also require a new motor control package.
If you have room on a shaft some were you might look into a bi-directional over-running clutch and a hydraulic cylinder or electric ball screw actuator.
You might also consider increasing the efficiency of the drive it's self.
Clean and use a synthetic lub on the screw.
Replace the mineral oil in the gear box with synthetic. This is particularly helpful in worm gear boxes.