Motor and gearbox foundation inspection and repair on kiln drive system

In Spring 2024, our team was commissioned by a leading cement manufacturer in the United Kingdom to upgrade and secure the foundation for a critical kiln drive system.

The project focused on providing a durable base for heavy machinery by combining precision foundation repair with a new motor installation. This detailed approach ensured long-term stability and reliability for the cement plantโ€™s operations.

Features

Client

Ketton Cement

Project

Motor and gearbox foundation inspection and repair on kiln drive system

Equipment

Motor skid regrout and new installation

Work period

Spring 2024

Location

United Kingdom

01

Key Project Elements

Motor and gearbox foundation inspection
Conducted a thorough assessment of the existing motor and gearbox foundation to identify and address any signs of wear or deterioration.

Kiln drive system repair
Coordinated repair works on the kiln drive system, which involved removing old grout and installing new, high-performance epoxy grout to reinforce the structure.

Motor skid regretting and new installation
Executed precise re-grouting of the motor skid along with the installation of a new motor, ensuring proper alignment with the existing gearbox to maintain optimal performance.

02

Project Challenges

Tight work area coordination
The repair and installation had to be performed simultaneously within a confined space. This required efficient scheduling and close collaboration among multiple stakeholders to avoid delays.

Maintaining gearbox alignment
With the existing gearbox remaining in place, it was imperative to remove deteriorated grout without disturbing its alignmentโ€”a critical step for long-term machinery reliability.

Upgrading outdated anchor bolts
Replacing sub-standard anchor bolts was essential to support the increased load demands of the new motor, which demanded precision and compliance with modern safety standards.

03

Our Technical Solution

Our approach combined meticulous site preparation with innovative repair techniques:

Comprehensive site preparation
The process began with thorough cleaning and controlled demolition to remove all degraded grout and debris, exposing a solid base for repair.

Upgraded bolting system
We installed new M30 (grade 8.8) anchor bolts using advanced epoxy or mechanical fixings. This ensured a secure and load-bearing foundation capable of supporting heavy machinery.

Precise grout application
Using high-performance, non-shrink epoxy grout, we erected custom formwork and allowed proper curing time as per manufacturer guidelines. This process provided a robust and reliable foundation for the new motor and existing gearbox.

Accurate motor positioning and alignment
The new motor was carefully lowered onto the skid plate and realigned in real time using precision tools. Incremental torque testing of the anchor bolts confirmed that the final alignment met stringent performance specifications.

04

Conclusion

By executing a coordinated repair and installation process, we delivered a resilient foundation that combines upgraded anchor bolts, re-grouted surfaces, and precise alignment for heavy machinery. This project not only minimised downtime but also reinforced the kiln drive systemโ€™s long-term stability and efficiency.

For a trusted partner with over 50 years of expertise and thousands of successful projects worldwide, choose our professional epoxy grout solutions and heavy machinery services to ensure superior performance and safety in your industrial operations.