Fan Flows Faster

L&T Howden’s innovative solution cuts down cycle time for FDG booster fan production

Smart business is all about finding solutions at the right time. Recently, in response to customer demand for faster delivery of Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) booster fans, team L&T Howden has developed a solution that has, in turn, sped up production. It is the Combined Oil Unit (COU) for axial flow fans.

Earlier, obtaining the COU from vendors took almost a year, resulting in delayed delivery of the fans. Naturally, this gave rise to discontent among the customers, i.e., the state electricity boards and independent power producers who undertake FGD projects involving removal of sulphur dioxide from exhaust flue gases of fossil-fuel power plants – giving us power without pollution.

The COU is a vital part of an axial flow fan system, which is responsible for smooth air-flow control. These units are available in different capacities (5 KW, 10 KW and 15 KW), and have an in-built bearing lube oil circuit (which lubricates the main bearing assembly) and a control oil circuit (which helps in fan blade actuation through a hydraulic cylinder).

In the first attempt of its kind, a cross- functional team of L&T Howden – from Design & Engineering, Supply Chain, Planning, Internal Manufacturing and Field Engineering – joined hands to develop the system – right from 100% detailed engineering, procurement, production and testing through in-house resources.

The unit was assembled and tested at the A M Naik Heavy Engineering Complex at Hazira in May.

With this new development, L&T Howden will now have a stronger control on project deliverables. Moreover, it is also in talks with its JV partner for developing oil units for domestic and international markets.

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