Plant & Works Engineering November 2022

Focus on: Drives, Motors & Controls Process, Controls & Plant November 2022 www.pwemag.co.uk Plant & Works Engineering | 21 halting the equipment. In fact, the associated VSD prevents the cart from sharp braking, ensuring that the machinery comes to a smooth two second stop, and doesn’t damage any seedlings or peripheral equipment in the process. Gary Kernaghan, automation manager at Technidrive, explained: “Technidrive has been working with WEG for years, so as soon as we knew the equipment requirements of the John Gabbie & Sons project, it was a case of getting in touch and sourcing the motors and variable speed drive. “Phase one is now complete and the plant propagator is reaping the rewards of a more automated process. The next phase is to ensure we implement this application to all the glasshouses at John Gabbie & Sons. However, the glasshouses are not all built parallel, and the ground isn’t level either, so each phase will require a slightly different process. We’ve already started to look at phase two in which we will need to drop the cart almost two metres, while also adjusting the angle to put it on another set of rails. “The phase after that is to make this a fully automated system, meaning the operator selects the stock and the cart fetches it automatically. We will require the expertise of WEG before it’s all commissioned.” Reflecting on the importance of WEG’s involvement in the project, Trevor Gabbie, farmer at John Gabbie & Sons commented: “Technidrive and WEG couldn’t be more helpful. WEG even rang me up to talk through the specifications of the motors, they’re dedicated in what they do, and we trust them to provide quality products. “Automating this process is highly valuable, because we sell over 52 million seeds a year to farmers. I’ve seen a similar application at other propagators but wanted to build it my own way to ensure it’s perfect for our glasshouses. From January to June, we sell seeds every single week in a demand driven market — and Technidrive and WEG’s solution will allow us to keep this momentum for years to come.” Through the help of WEG and Technidrive, plant propagator firm John Gabbie & Sons can meet demand by germinating seeds into seedlings — be it for leeks, sprouts or, everyone’s favourite, the humble potato. 7 th | 8 th | 9 th FEBRUARY FARNBOROUGH | Hants | GU14 6TQ 9.30am-4.30pm (3.30pm close Thurs) FREE SEMINARS FREE PARKING Over 600 national and international suppliers come together to exhibit at Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre this February for Southern Manufacturing and Electronics (inc AutoAero) 2023. Meet the power behind UK manufacturing industry and see live demonstrations and new product launches of machine tools & tooling, electronics, factory & process automation, packaging & handling, labelling & marking, 3D print technology, test & measurement, materials, composites & adhesives, rapid prototyping, ICT, drives & controls and laboratory equipment. Free industry seminar programme online @ www.industrysouth.co.uk The exhibition is free to attend, free to park and easy to get to. Doors open at 9.30am on Tuesday 7th February. Where Industry and Innovation converge PRE-REGISTER TODAY for your Fast Track Entry Badge, Preview Magazine and Event Catalogue at www.industrysouth.co.uk SOUTHERN MANUFACTURING & ELECTRONICS is an ETES event organised by European Trade & Exhibition Services Ltd Tel 01784 880890 · email philv@etes.co.uk AUTOMATION • DEFENCE ELECTRONICS • AUTOSPORT MARINE • AEROSPACE TRANSPORTATION • PACKAGING ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING R&D • ENERGY • LOGISTICS • FOOD & DRINK SMART MANUFACTURING • SPACE ENGINEERING ELECTRICAL & MECHANICAL ENGINEERING MEDICAL • COMPOSITES • CONSTRUCTION