Motor upgrade improves fume extraction

OK International has enhanced its BVX-200 fume extraction system with brushless motor technology, which eliminates wear out of motor parts and significantly increases system lifetime in normal operation.

The system also delivers enhanced reliability, improved extraction performance and a wider range of operating modes allowing optimal equipment management.

"Brushless motor characteristics closely match the ideal for fume extraction applications, delivering benefits such as high torque and power for improved extraction performance and the elimination of dust produced by brush friction", explains Graham Ross, Product Manager, Americas at OK International.

"Recent advances in the design of motor controllers now allow our customers to take advantage of brushless operation, including long life and no cost increase".

Other major advantages of brushless motor operation in manufacturing environments include enhanced reliability, zero dust generation and increased motor efficiency, due to the elimination of brush friction.

Electrical noise and RF interference are also reduced, and sparking between brushes and commutator rings is eliminated.

Also, since brush ratings limit the maximum power and torque of a conventional brushed DC motor, brushless operation allows higher torque and power in motors of comparable size.

The BVX-200 with brushless motor technology is now available in all systems and will not affect part numbers.

OK International is also offering a field-upgrade package for BVX-200 units currently in service, to convert from the standard brushed motor to brushless specification.

From July 2007, BVX-200 Systems will also include two new features.

First, an audible filter condition indicator will inform users when it is time to change a filter.

Second, a remote on/off switch will be included with the BVX-200, for systems that will be located in hard to reach areas of the workbench.

These will be rolling product changes and will not affect the price or part numbers.