Investigation of backlash phenomena appearing in a twin AC cement kiln drive

The existence of severe mechanical malfunctions and the appearance of mechanical vibrations due to these malfunctions is very critical especially for a high power electromechanical system working in an industrial environment. The reliable diagnosis and the early fixing of these malfunctions is authoritative concerning the demands of the industry. Such a critical electromechanical system for the cement industry is the rotary kiln. In this paper, the mechanical model of the rotary kiln drive as well as the development of an appropriate laboratory simulating system in order to examine the effects of gear backlash phenomena appearing in a cement kiln rotated by a dual ac drive are presented.