Electric actuators are revolutionizing the coal mining industry by enhancing efficiency, safety,...
Electric Motors are the Workhorse of Industry
Electric Motors are the Prime Movers which make motion and motion control possible. They come in all types of Enclosures, Frame Sizes, Voltage ratings, 50 or 60 Hz, single and three phase design, and this is the short list of specifications and characteristics. Plants and facilities around the world, likewise, have similar standards that dictate what types of electric motors they use throughout their facility. These applications and uses of electric motors are almost endless as there are billions of motors installed around the globe. It might seem that the electricity consumed by all these motors is a concern when it comes to energy savings…… and it absolutely is. For decades, governing agencies have touted continuous means of saving energy with electric motors, their construction, and energy efficient operation.
RACO MA actuators are most often supplied with the RACO motor which has been developed specifically for Linear Actuators and optimum performance. RACO MA actuators can also utilize almost any commercially available motor type such as: Single Phase types, three phase, Explosion Proof, DC motors and Servo Motors. One important note regarding energy savings: RACO actuators only consume energy while moving their loads. Thus most of the duty cycle in an actuator application is not wasting electricity. A definite positive factor in Green Initiatives and energy efficiency!
The RACO Design Three Phase AC Motor:
The majority of AC Induction Motors used on RACO Linear Electric Actuators, especially heavy duty applications, are three phase, 230/460 VAC, 60 Hz, and will exceed a NEMA D design for Starting Torque. They come standard as 2, 4, 6, or 8 Pole for FL RPM, and are Totally Enclosed. These RACO motors are suitable for adapting mechanical brakes, handwheels, encoders for feedback, a System Packaged thrust overload protection. These RACO Designed AC Motors are an excellent choice for a complete Linear Actuator package, with extended warranty, capable of many years of service with minimal maintenance.
Single Phase Motors for Actuator Applications:
Many times a customer facility or linear actuator application does not have three phase AC power available, only single phase (115VAC). These applications typically require low starting torque and have low inertia loads. Single phase motors usually are offered in lower HP sizes, mostly under 10 HP. RACO has been supplying single phase motors on actuators for decades. Common applications include door openers and damper control systems.
DC (Direct Current) Motors – Sometimes used in Actuator Applications:
The use of DC motors has diminished over the years, with not many facilities having AC-DC rectifiers and are replacing DC motors with off-the-shelf NEMA three phase AC motors. AC Motors do not use brushes which eliminates a maintenance issue that DC motors inherently have.
Over the years, many DC motors have been added to an RACO electric actuator, at a customer’s request, with higher voltages for heavy duty loads. On smaller, lighter duty actuator systems, DC motors are 12VDC and 24VDC. RACO is still able to adapt the DC motor to an application, as starting torque of a DC motor is very good.
Three Phase Explosion Proof Motors:
RACO can supply, based on the Linear Actuator’s application and environment, and location, Explosion proof motors. These are specifically designed electric motors engineered to operate safely in hazardous environments where flammable gases, vapors, dust, or other combustible materials may be present. Their primary purpose is to prevent an internal explosion from igniting the surrounding atmosphere, thereby minimizing the risk of fire or a larger explosion, mainly accomplished with a more robust enclosure.
Industries typically needing Explosion Proof Motors are Oil, Gas, Chemical Processing, and Mining. UL is a certifying authority and the primary Classes I, II, III per NFPA70 define the hazardous Locations, while the Divisions 1 and 2, define the hazards.
Servo and Servomotor Closed Loop Motor Control:
RACO can also supply higher end closed loop motors and controls for actuator applications in the Robotics, CNC Machine, and Automation Industries. Servo is synonymous with “closed loop” motor control, thus a feedback device, typically a digital encoder, resolver, or magnetic pickup (typically built in to the servomotor) will be needed for pulses or other feedback, to directly control a servomotor’s speed, torque, and shaft position.
RACO’s LM series of belt driven linear actuators are routinely supplied with servomotors.
RACO International is the one stop shop for your Linear Actuator Motor and Control needs
We at RACO realize a linear actuator performs optimally, reliably, and lasts for years when the complete system is reviewed and implemented by all parties involved. Many times RACO has supplied Variable Frequency Drives as the AC motor control when the application needs a speed controller, or to match voltages/phasing, or to get smoother accelerations and decelerations. Please contact RACO engineers in Bethel Park to discuss your actuator and motor application needs.
