Money-saving washdown drives for common applications
May 28th 2008

A new frequency inverter drive range from Baldor includes a full washdown duty (IP66/NEMA 4X) version — even for lower-power applications. A very simple user interface provides 'out of the box' solutions for most common variable speed motor control applications such as pumps, fans and conveyors. Many potential applications still use direct-online motor configurations, running at full speed. With energy costs spiralling, variable control can payback the investment very quickly.

The VS1MX drive range includes both single-phase and three-phase versions, for motor control power requirements from 0.37 to 7.5 kW. A Modbus RTU communications port is provided as standard.

A choice of environmental protection is available, from a standard industrial housing to a dust- and splash-proof version (IP55 or NEMA 12), and even a full washdown duty (IP66 or NEMA 4X) variant.

VS1MX drives have been designed to be as simple as possible to apply. Every version can be supplied ready to use, with an integral EMC filter. Simple front panel mounted user interfaces allow any of the drives to be made operational in minutes. Although the drives come with a control language of 45 parameters — supporting complex applications — the first menu level presents a subset that allows common tasks to be set up in minutes.

Despite a focus on economy, VS1MX drives offer an advanced new-generation V/Hz control algorithm that provides much tighter regulation of speed, and greatly improves torque at low speeds — making the drives capable of starting up even high inertia loads.

All drives also incorporate built-in I/O and a NOC relay output, providing facilities to create custom remote control panels, and integrate the drive into a process. A remote keypad may also be fitted, to simplify the layout and construction of automation. More information.

More articles from Baldor UK Limited: