Auxiliary machinery

Types of Auxiliary Machinery

Auxiliary machinery refers to the support equipment of the main factory machines. Although they are not the central production units, auxiliary industrial machines perform essential functions that help improve the efficiency and productivity of the primary machinery.

• Support Machines:

  Support machines carry out the primary work or manufacturing processes of the auxiliary machines. For example, this category includes drying machines, which are essential to support and complete the auxiliary work of other primary machines.

• Feeding Devices:

  Feed devices are crucial for moving products or raw materials into the primary machines. This category comprises conveyors, hoppers, and chutes. For example, an industrial conveyor system can be used to transfer raw materials into a processing plant's main machinery. Conveyors can be automated to use belts that physically move items through a production facility.

• Cutting Devices:

  Cutting devices are used to trim, slice, or cut raw materials into smaller pieces to make them suitable for the primary machines to work with. Examples of cutting devices include industrial saws, scissors, and blades. For example, an industrial saw machine can cut large wood planks into smaller pieces that are easier for a woodworking plant's main machines to process.

• Assembly Devices:

  Assembly devices help combine, join, or fix different parts and materials together to create components that the main machines will further process. This equipment may include jigs, fixtures, and fasteners. For example, jigs and fixtures can be used to precisely assemble unit parts in a woodworking workshop. The final products will then be processed further with other woodworking machinery.

• Transport Devices:

  Transport devices move parts, materials, and components between different workshop areas, production lines, and workstations. This equipment often includes conveyors, elevators, and hoists. For example, an elevator can be used to transport wood planks from the cutting area to the assembly area. The assembled units will then be processed using other woodworking equipment.

Specification and maintenance of auxiliary machineries

The specifications of the auxiliary machinery vary depending on the type and usage, commonly including the model, size, weight, and power.

• Models

  There are several models of auxiliary machineries, such as the ship air compressor model, which are different in their way of working or the function.

• Size and Weight

  The size and weight of an auxiliary will impact the carrying capacity of the main engine. Usually, the bigger and heavier an auxiliary machine is, the more engine energy propulsion it will suck up.

• Power

  The power of an auxiliary machinery is key to determining its functioning. Generally, the higher an auxiliary machine's power is, the more prominent and smooth its working will be.

Maintenance of auxiliary machinery is essential to ensure proper functioning and enhance lifespan. Different types of machines have varying maintenance requirements. According to research, 28% of people say preventive maintenance will reduce breakdowns while extending the life of the equipment, especially the auxiliaries. Here are some typical maintenance tips for some auxiliary machines:

• Safety first:

  Before starting the maintenance work, ensure the area is safe and has enough lighting. Power off the machine and follow the lockout/tag-out rules to prevent accidental restart during maintenance. Also, make sure to use the proper safety equipment and tools for the job. Finally, make a plan and gather the materials and supplies needed for the auxiliary machine's maintenance to avoid unnecessary delays or interruptions during the process.

• Preventive maintenance

  Try to develop a regular maintenance schedule for the auxiliary equipment based on its usage, working environment, and manufacturer guidelines. Stick to the planned routine inspections and maintenance tasks while recording the completed activities, any issues found during the process, and the auxiliary machine's performance. This way, it's easier to track the schedule, identify trends, and spot any deviations from normal behavior so that later on, you can quickly analyze the data, detect the root causes of potential problems, and take appropriate actions to address them in a timely manner.

• Lubrication

  Lubrication is a critical maintenance task for ensuring proper functioning of moving parts of auxiliary machines and prolonging their service lives. Select high-quality lubricants that meet or exceed equipment specifications, and consider factors like working temperatures, load capacities, and environmental situations when choosing the right ones for different applications. Additionally, establish a regular lubrication schedule based on usage conditions, machine working performance, and the auxiliary machine's lubrication points. Make sure to monitor lubricant conditions frequently so as to notice any abnormal wear, contamination, or degradation. Be proactive in analyzing the used lubricants to detect early signs of potential issues, and promptly adjust maintenance strategies if necessary.

• Cooling systems

  Cooling systems play a vital role in maintaining proper functioning of an auxiliary machine and prolonging its service life. Make sure to check cooling system components regularly, such as pumps, radiators, fans, hoses, and thermostats, among others, for any signs of abnormal wear, leakage, blockages, or damage. Pay attention to coolant condition and monitor its level frequently so as to avoid overheating and ensure effective heat dissipation. Develop a cooling system maintenance schedule based on the auxiliary machine's working environment and usage conditions. Stick to the routine inspections and cleaning tasks while promptly addressing any problems found during the process.

• Cleaning

  It is important to keep an auxiliary machine properly cleaned and maintained, so as to prevent dust, debris, and other contaminants from building up and clogging its moving parts, heat exchangers, radiators, intake ports, exhaust systems, and cooling fans. Use proper cleaning methods and tools for different equipment while paying attention to the areas that are easy to ignore, such as crevices, and corners. Additionally, develop a regular cleaning schedule based on the working environment and usage conditions so as to extend the equipment's service life and maintain its good performance.

Scenarios of auxiliary machinery

Auxiliary machinery for the marine industry has a wide range of applications and plays a crucial role in the operation, safety, and efficiency of different kinds of ships and vessels.

• Energy management: Auxiliary engines are responsible for generating electrical power on board ships. This power operates critical systems like navigation, communication, lighting, and cargo handling equipment. These systems must function continuously, regardless of the primary engine's status.
• Auxiliary machinery systems: In addition to power generation, auxiliary engines supply mechanical energy through different means. Some use direct drive, where the engine directly spins a shaft connected to machinery. Others are more complex, using gear drives or hydraulic systems. Gear drives involve gears transferring energy to drive different components, while hydraulic systems use pressurized fluid to power hydraulic motors and cylinders.
• Fuel and lubrication processing: An onboard ship's fuel and lubrication systems are vital for smooth operation. Auxiliary machinery assists with this. Fuel oil purifiers clean the fuel by removing water and impurities, while fuel oil transfer pumps help move fuel through the system. Lubrication is ensured by oil transfer pumps, which circulate oil to machinery parts, while lube oil purifiers filter and purify oil for reuse.
• Cooling and heating: Proper temperature maintenance is also facilitated by auxiliary equipment. Cooling water pumps circulate seawater or freshwater used for cooling, while freshwater generators produce freshwater through processes like reverse osmosis. Chillers can be used for cooling by removing heat from air or water, while air conditioning units regulate indoor air temperature and quality.
• Anchoring and mooring: During anchoring and mooring operations on a ship, auxiliary machinery like windlass and capstans assist in handling ropes, chains, and anchors. Windlasses are responsible for the quick and secure stowing of anchor chains. At the same time, capstans offer flexibility in sheave configurations for rope handling, providing an effective solution for ship mooring operations. The combined use of windlass and capstan machinery ensures stability for vessels during anchorage or berthing.
• Safety and maintenance: Auxiliary machinery also contributes to a ship's safety and maintenance. For example, bilge pumps continually remove any water that accumulates in the vessel's hold or bilge areas. Similarly, ballast water treatment systems help ensure the ship's stability by treating water taken on board to prevent the spread of invasive species.

How to choose an auxiliary machinery

Choosing suitable machinery auxiliaries is critical to improving production efficiency and cutting operational costs. Business buyers are advised to pay attention to the following factors.

• Process requirements

  Business buyers need to determine the types of machinery and specific models of machinery auxiliary that best meet their process needs. They need to think about their parameters, capacity requirements, and quality needs, among others.

• Integration

  Business buyers need to choose machinery auxiliaries that can integrate seamlessly with their existing production lines. Ideally, the new machinery auxiliary can minimize disruptions and streamline operations.

• Scalability

  Business buyers need to consider the scalability of the machinery auxiliary. Ideally, the machinery can adapt to changing production demands.

• Supplier support

  Business buyers need to choose equipment that is backed by a strong supplier support network. They should ensure that the supplier is able to provide technical support, spare parts, and maintenance services.

FAQ

Q1: How essential are the auxiliary machines in a power plant?

A1: The auxiliary machines are critical for a primary machine's proper functioning, efficiency, maintenance, and safety in a power plant.

Q2: What distinguishes primary and auxiliary power generation machines?

A2: Primary power generation machines directly produce energy from fuel or primary resources, while auxiliary machines support the primary generators' functioning by managing fuel, lubricants, cooling agents, and more.

Q3: What are some trends in the auxiliary machinery market?

A3: Some trends include energy-efficient designs, digital monitoring systems, and environmentally friendly lubricants and fuels.

Q4: What types of main engines and auxiliary engines for ships are there?

A4: The main engines for ships include two-stroke, four-stroke, and direct injection engines. The auxiliary engines include low-speed engines, high-speed diesel engines, and medium-speed diesel engines.