Successful retrofit upgrade of direct hydraulic drive system for apron feeder applications in a limestone quarry to improve reliability and production

This paper describes two case studies of actual retrofit upgrade conversion of failed electromechanical drive with a new direct hydraulic drive system for an apron feeder application. First we look at the concept and features of this drive then we look at each of these two case studies: 1) Installation at Lafarge Bath, Ontario for apron feeder drives for primary crusher. Previous drive had frequent maintenance problems due to many starts and stops, shock loading with fluctuating and increasing torque requirements. New hydraulic direct drive provided answers to these challenges and provided increased capacity upgrade; and 2) Installation at CEMEX, Wampum, PA., for an apron feeder drive for primary crusher. Previous drive had failed gearbox in a short time due to high shock loads and torque fluctuations, starts and stop, resulted in a sudden breakdown situation. New hydraulic direct drive was installed in a short time and has been performing trouble free