Atlas takes on field machining challenge
When a major Midwestern cement company contacted Atlas Machine and Supply about repairing troublesome surface irregularities on a machinery part, our skilled employees quickly went to work to solve the problem.
The job involved field machining a massive “ring like” part that stabilizes a 40-foot, rotating cylinder “ball mill” used to make cement at the facility.
To perform the re-surfacing work, Atlas designed and built a new piece of equipment that could be operated in the challenging environment of a cement plant. Creating the new grinding apparatus was a team effort involving collaboration by Atlas’ engineers, machinists and welders.
According to the project’s lead engineer, Patrick Kinsella, Atlas’ successful grinding of the ring—also known within the industry as a “tire”—will significantly increase the life of the part’s supporting bearings. 
“We hope to have at least doubled the life of the tire’s bearings from two to four years,” says Patrick.
Another plus is that the specially-created device—nicknamed the “Praying Mantis”--can be used for other similar on-site work for the cement industry. It will also open up new job opportunities in coal-fired power plants and the scrap sorting industry.
“There are definitely a lot of applications available for Atlas’ new grinding apparatus,” says Patrick. “It’s creation is also another example of Atlas’ ability to solve complex problems for our customers.”
Atlas Capabilities : 2011-03-30
