VFD

The coolant pump is the largest energy consumer on a deep hole drilling machine, typically using 60 to 70 percent of the total machine power. I have spent considerable effort optimizing pump energy consumption because the savings add up quickly on machines that run multiple shifts. The key is reducing energy use without affecting the coolant pressure and flow that the drilling process requires. Energy Consumption Baseline Before optimizing, I measure the baseline energy consumption of the coolant pump under different operating conditions. The baseline measurement identifies the largest opportunities for savings. ...

Coolant pump motors on deep hole drilling machines need properly sized starters and drives to operate reliably. A pump that starts and stops frequently under high pressure draws significant current during startup, and the starter must handle this without tripping or welding its contacts. I have seen coolant pump motors fail prematurely because the electrical system was undersized or improperly configured. Motor and Starter Sizing Guidelines The motor full-load current is listed on the motor nameplate, and this is the starting point for sizing the starter and protective devices. I follow standard electrical engineering practice with some specific adjustments for coolant pump applications. ...