Replacing 50-Year-Old Kiln Drive Technology

Challenge: 

Obsolete Gearbox And High-Risk System Reconfiguration

Argo’s existing kiln drive system consisted of approximately eight separate drivetrain components mounted on individual foundations, including an auxiliary drive, clutch, backstop, couplings, and support structures. When the primary gearbox became obsolete, the customer faced either a costly replacement, requiring major foundation and drivetrain modifications, or a solution that modernized the system without disrupting existing infrastructure. SEW-EURODRIVE was the only supplier able to provide a true drop-in replacement without major structural changes.

• Obsolete gearbox with long replacement lead times.
• Complex drivetrain with multiple failure points.
• Multiple foundations increased alignment and replacement costs.
• Significant labor and downtime risk

Results:

Lower Total Cost, Faster Delivery, and Simplified Operation

SEW-EURODRIVE replaced a complex, multi-component kiln drivetrain with a single integrated solution, reducing installation risk while improving cost, delivery time, and long-term reliability.

• Drop-in replacement preserved the existing plant layout; no reconfiguration required.
• Simplified the drivetrain by replacing ~8 components with one integrated unit, eliminating 5,000+ lbs. of auxiliary equipment.
• Reduced lead time from 52 weeks to 25 weeks.
• Lowered project costs by eliminating external clutches, backstops, and other auxiliary components.
• Reduced installation time and downtime with minimal alignment requirements.
• Improved reliability with fewer components and failure points.

Application Summary:

SEW-EURODRIVE Product(s):

• ML-Series Integrated Gear Unit
  Motor power: 350 HP
  Output speed: 1200 rpm
  Ratio: 29.21
  Output torque: 1,165,000 lb-in