Project description
New transmission system for sensitive environments
The gearbox is an important part of motors since it augments torque when speed is reduced. Gearboxes are used in the equipment of the pharmaceutical and food industries as well, sectors that require sterile and hygienic conditions. However, existing gearbox systems use lubricants to limit friction, thus affecting sterilised conditions. In addition, those systems are expensive and costly in manpower and maintenance. The EU-funded P-Gear project proposes a new innovative transmission system that is silent, entirely clean and rarely in need of maintenance. It consists of two rotors provided with a permanent magnet that secures speed transmission without lubrication. The system is adaptable to every power transmission system and targets the pharmaceutical and food and beverage sectors.
Objective
The gearbox is a mechanical method of transferring energy from one device to another and used to increase torque while reducing speed. In some sectors, e.g. pharmaceutical and food & beverage, sensitive and sterile environment conditions apply, as such gearboxes used must comply with very strict sanitary rules. Currently, state-of-the-art gearbox systems work with lubrification to reduce friction, wear & transfer heat to avoid local high temperature areas. Yet, proper lubrification is associated with high costs of labour, downtime, maintenance, disposal and purchase, as well as high risk of atmosphere/product contamination. The latter being extremely damaging in sterile and controlled environment (e.g. pharmaceutical product manufacture).
To address these challenges, We, Poggi Trasmissioni Meccaniche, a top EU leader in manufacturing transmission system, has developed P-Gear: our new range of innovative transmission, 100% clean, silent and virtually maintenance-free. It consists of two rotors – the driven one and the driving one – both elements being equipped with a permanent magnet. Thanks to our specific distribution of the magnets, it is possible to obtain speed transmission and speed decrease without contact between the rotors, thus eliminating the need for lubrication.
Adaptable in all power transmissions applications by replacing traditional “contact” systems, our technology is set to revolutionize the world of mechanical gear drives. The targeted field is promising: the global industrial gearbox market is expected to grow from €23.6 billion in 2017 to €38.8 billion by 2026, at a 5.9% CAGR. Focusing on the stringent pharmaceutical and food & beverage market niches, using P-Gear will ensure safety by eliminating the lubricant, while providing also a higher efficiency and low wear & tear due to the reduced heat generated. Within 5 years of P-Gear exploitation, we expect to reach revenues of €15M while creating 16 new jobs.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
SME-1 - SME instrument phase 1Coordinator
40050 CASTENASO
Italy
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.