Benefits of Using a Variable Speed Drive (VFD) Motor

Whether outfitting your new asphalt plant with a mixing drum or planning a retrofit for an existing plant, you’ll need a drum motor drive that helps you optimize operations, maximize efficiency, and minimize wear. Will it be a direct drive or VFD? We forgot to say “spoiler alert” – the answer is VFD.

VFD Mixing Drum Motors Make a Difference

“Adjustable or variable speed drives (VFDs) are crucial for optimizing motor control in an asphalt plant mixing drum,” explains Mitch Bonnema, CWMF Master Electrician. “They’re a game-changer for improvements from efficiency and operations to equipment protection and longevity.”

Energy Savings, Efficiency & Smooth Operations

When you operate your mixing drum using a VFD, you gain essential motor control, enabling your drum to adjust in real-time to fluctuations in production rates and drum speed. That means improved energy efficiency, reduced energy consumption, and reduced product loss for smoother operations. Here’s how:

• Lower Power Demand on Start: Significantly lowers power needs during mixing drum startup, improving energy efficiency.
• Adjustable Operating Speed: Allows for precise drum speed control, optimizing the asphalt mixing process and quality. The VFD makes it easy to change the mixing drum rotational speed to maximize efficiency, mix temperature, and baghouse temperature, regardless of production rates.
• Energy Savings: Cuts energy consumption significantly, especially for high-demand components like the mixing drum.

Reduced Wear & Increased Longevity

The mixing drum is essential equipment in an asphalt plant. As with any moving component, there is an increased potential for wear and related downtime. A VFD can help protect sensitive equipment and extend its life in conjunction with proper preventative maintenance. Here’s how:

• Controlled Starting Current: Reduces wear on drum motors, extending their life by minimizing starting current.
• Reduced Power Line Disturbances: Prevents voltage sags, protecting sensitive equipment and ensuring consistent plant operations.
• Controlled Acceleration: A smooth start reduces mechanical shock and wear on the mixing drum, enhancing overall equipment longevity.
• Adjustable Torque Limit: Protects drums and related machinery from damage by precisely controlling motor torque.

Opportunities to Optimize with a CWMF Mixing Drum Retrofit

These benefits are why CWMF utilizes VFDs in our RevolutionD™ drum and mixing drum retros. Learn more about our drums and how they can benefit your operations.

Related Content

To learn more about other aspects of mixing drum and asphalt plant production, check out these other helpful articles:

• Boosting Profits and Efficiency: The Impact of a Drum Mixer Retrofit
• Counter-Flow Plant to Calculate and Reduce Carbon Footprint
• Time for Annual Maintenance

For more information on how these solutions can benefit your asphalt plant, contact us and follow us on LinkedIn today!