Mining Applications rely on Geislinger Shafting Systems to Power Critical Systems

Mining Ventilation Systems are typically driven by a variable frequency electric motor that drives a fan through a driveshaft. These fan systems are typically installed in enclosures and are subject to ambient conditions that can reach extreme temperature changes. Thus, it is critical that the performance of the shaftline system is constant for all temperature ranges. In addition to the temperature requirements the operator also requires the use of the complete operating range without a barred speed range. The need for this requirement is driven by the operation of the mine and conditions below ground which require different volumes of air. Below is an overhead view of a typical ventilation fan system layout.

Due to the critical requirements of the application, Geislinger was requested to review an arrangement due to a torsional resonance in the operating range causing barred speed ranges and limitations of the operating profile. The system that Geislinger reviewed needed a torsional coupling with certain stiffness and damping that would optimize the system and remove the barred speed range. In addition to the torsional coupling, Geislinger also provided a lightweight composite shaftline to span the distance and a composite misalignment coupling to offer additional misalignment in the system. The low weight and minimal maintenance requirements were driving factors in why the Geislinger solution was chosen by the end customer. Below you will see a layout of the Geislinger system engineered specifically for this system.

The Geislinger Torsional Coupling (left side of Figure 2) mates with the flange hub on the electric motor. The Geislinger Torsional Coupling utilizes radially arranged spring packs that transfer the torque of the system and are tailored to a torsional stiffness as specified by the in-house Torsional Vibration Analysis. Next, we have the Geislinger Composite Shaftline and Gesilco® Composite Misalignment Coupling. The Gesilco® Coupling on the right side of the drawing provides axial and angular misalignment for the system. In addition, the weight of the composite components provides additional advantages for the installation along with very low reaction forces during the operation. The Shaftline and Gesilco® Coupling are manufactured in-house at Geislinger with state-of-the-art machines and they are torque tested in-house to validate production and assembly quality. Geislinger has been producing carbon fiber components for over 25 years and producing torsional couplings for over 60 years! With that experience, Geislinger is the chosen partner to design reliable and tailored powertrain systems for critical applications.

The Geislinger system for Mining Ventilation Systems offers the ability for customers to utilize the entire speed range, increased operational periods, and provides their workers with the peace of mind knowing their systems are going to operate as expected when needed. Geislinger’s Shaftline Solutions for Ventilation System are not only built to perform in critical applications, but they are BUILT TO LAST!