New Inpro/Seal shaft grounding solutions for EDM protection

Inpro/Seal, a US-based bearing protection and shaft seal solutions provider, has updated and expanded its portfolio of shaft grounding solutions to meet the growing need for protection against electrical discharge machining (EDM).

Smart shaft grounding (SSG) from Inpro/Seal combines proven current diverter ring (CDR) technology with new features to increase reliability and decrease maintenance costs. 

The use of variable frequency drives (VFDs) continues to expand due to their ability to reduce energy consumption and generate significant cost savings, but VFDs also induce high frequency voltages on the shaft that can damage bearings as they seek a path to ground.

The SSG solutions increase motor reliability by providing voltages a low impedance path to ground away from the bearings while monitoring grounding effectiveness.

The SSG product portfolio, consisting of the Smart CDR, Smart MGS and Smart Ground Monitor, addresses key limitations of existing shaft grounding technologies, most notably providing permanent protection from conduction-inhibiting shaft oxidation and offering continuous monitoring and feedback of shaft grounding performance.

With proprietary conductive filaments and a new bearing-bronze sleeve design, the Smart CDR outperforms and outlasts other grounding rings, Inpro/Seal says.

The Smart MGS integrates CDR technology and the patented VBXX bearing isolator to protect against contamination ingress and lubrication loss as well as stray currents.

Isolated conductive filaments and a zero-maintenance conductive bronze rotor provide high connectivity in harsh conditions. 

The Smart Ground Monitor alerts users in real time of non-optimal contact between the filaments and shaft, with contact measured through the Smart Terminal that comes standard on every Smart CDR and Smart MGS.

Smart shaft grounding solutions meet NEMA MG1 31.4.4.3 and CSI 23 05 13 specifications and are available in standard sizes or custom-engineered solutions.