Three-phase Asynchronous Motor Users Now Have Global Resources

Phil Black - PII Editor 22/01/2015

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In a landmark agreement, operators of three-phase asynchronous motors manufactured by Franz Wölfer Elektromaschinenfabrik can now call upon the global resources of Sulzer to help ensure their assets remain in peak operating condition.

Working in harsh outdoor operating conditions both inland and out at sea, Wölfer motors are manufactured to meet demanding quality and performance standards. Many are designed specifically to fit custom applications where the motor forms part of a larger machine or structure. Used widely in hoists and marine power applications, motor performance specifications are extremely precise while windings can also be highly specialised; all of which requires specialist expertise to service.

Klaus Sprekelmeyer, Head of Sales of Franz Wölfer Elektromaschinenfabrik GmbH comments, ‘We design and manufacture premium products that customers rely upon for use in critical applications. The challenge for us was to find a service partner that not only had the global reach and capacity, but the electro-mechanical knowledge and experience to provide a service standard that matched the quality of our original motors. I am pleased to announce that we have achieved exactly that in signing an agreement with Sulzer.’

Franz Wölfer Elektromaschinenfabrik has been developing and manufacturing electric motors for use in hoisting equipment, on ships and in general mechanical engineering for over 60 years. As a specialist in manufacturing large bespoke motors the company has a huge installed base around the globe. Looking after this legacy equipment is extremely important to both the company and its customers.

President of Rotating Equipment Services at Sulzer, Peter Alexander adds, ‘‘We have worked hard to establish a network of service centres at strategic locations around the globe where we can service any large motor or generator. These specialist manufacturing, engineering and test facilities are supported by highly trained installation and commissioning teams that can provide service onsite anywhere around the globe, including during active service out at sea. This agreement with Wölfer is a great opportunity to benefit all their customers.”

When quality motors reach the outer limits of their design life, while still reliable, they can benefit from timely maintenance and overhaul in order to extend operating life. Unforeseen circumstances can also cause damage and premature failure, especially in unpredictable environments such as being out at sea; these emergency repair situations are the real test of a service supplier. Sulzer is able to respond extremely quickly to both routine and emergency repair situations and because the organisation is focused on response time, as well as guaranteeing quality, it makes an ideal service partner for an OEM manufacturer such as Franz Wölfer.

Sulzer operates one of the most comprehensive maintenance, repair and technical support services for large capacity motors and generators worldwide, providing everything from testing to complete re-builds. Owners and operators can now call Sulzer from anywhere in the world to assist with the repair and maintenance of their Wölfer motors, safe in the knowledge that the service is fully supported by the manufacturer. From providing access to original drawings and specification sheets, to the latest technical updates, Sulzer has essential access to Wölfer job information and technical support.