New Morgan Gearbox Speeds up Moldovan Mill

NEW MORGAN GEARBOX SPEEDS UP MOLDOVAN MILL A rod mill at Moldova Steel Works (MMZ) in Rybnitsa, the Republic of Moldova, is running faster thanks to an improvement to the No-Twist Mill gear increaser implemented by Morgan Construction Company. Since the mill¡¯s installation in 2000 by SMS-Meer, the mill had run at lower than design speed due to vibration issues and bearing failures. The V No-Twist Mill gear increaser was being rebuilt every six to 12 months due to frequent bearing failures. The Morgan gear increaser was designed for 120 meters per second operation, with an improved bearing design, as well as a better lubrication system. This improvement resulted in an immediate increase of mill speed from 95 m/s to 105 m/s. The mill is not yet rolling at even higher speeds due to other restrictions in the rod outlet. The faster speed has helped MMZ realize an increase in rod production of nearly 10 percent, allowing them to meet all their production budget targets. With additional upgrades, speeds should rise to at least 110 m/s. ¡°Because of the problems the mill is facing with the existing equipment, MMZ intends to install a new Morgan high speed inclined laying head,¡± notes Alexander Savyuk, Technical Director for MMZ. ¡°We are pleased to help MMZ improve their productivity by implementing Morgan¡¯s superior technology,¡± says Gabriel F. Royo, Vice President and General Manager of Rolling Mill Spares, Installations and Services Division and MORGOIL Bearing Division. ¡°We look forward to supporting MMZ with future technological upgrades to maximize their mill utilization.¡±