Wind tower manufacturers benefit from steel plate rust and descaling removal
September 2009- When wind towers are constructed, the steel used for their manufacturing must be clean and free of rust or scale for secondary processes, such as welding and painting.
The U.S. Department of Energy announced its goal to generate 20 percent of the nation's electricity using wind energy by 2030. And with a ramp-up in their manufacture, more and more fabricators need this capability.
One way to do this is by using a horizontal, shot-blast plate machine that is fully automated to descale and remove rust from plate. Wheelabrator, LaGrange, Ga., specializes in equipment that can do just that.
Power play
Pre-cleaning large plates for wind tower sections and components, or for any industry that relies on structures that use steel plate, reduces the high labor costs related to manual air blasting.
Blast compartments for the plate system are designed for heavy-duty, continuous operation, even when steel shot media is used for descaling operations.
They're constructed of Wheelabrator's replaceable Long-Lyfe liners made of manganese steel that are cast and overlapped. Blast compartments are built in line, so a number of them can be linked together to process large parts.
Roll conveyors are internally powered and are available for the shot-blast plate machine to clean plate and rolled structural shapes prior to fabrication.
Versatility causes them to be useful for a variety of customers. They can be ordered for varying part load and length requirements.
On the shop floor
Wheelabrator plate and structural steel systems have a reduced overall height and can be used in facilities that require low-profile equipment. With a lower height, the equipment enables easy inspection and maintenance procedures by personnel at floor level.
Available for plate sizes up to 15 ft. wide, Wheelabrator plate machines can be integrated into Wheelabrator Preservation Lines for automatic painting. There are three models available, each offering a pass height range of 20 in. to 48 in. Nonstandard heights are also available. Plate machines use Ezefit Blast Wheels, offering performance and reliability. FFJ
