In heavy industry transmission systems, the installation quality and maintenance level of gearboxes directly determine the operational reliability and service life of the equipment. The Bonfiglioli 300/300M series modular planetary gearboxes are widely used in mining, port, metallurgy and other fields due to their high power density and flexible configuration. However, even the highest quality equipment can still lead to early failure if installed improperly or maintained improperly. This article is based on Bonfiglioli's official "Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Manual for 300/300M Series", providing on-site engineers with full process technical guidance from unboxing inspection to daily maintenance, with a focus on special operating requirements in ATEX explosion-proof environments.
Open box inspection and safe handling
1. Arrival inspection
After receiving the goods, first check whether the shipping list matches the order information, and inspect the gearbox for any transportation damage. If any discrepancies or damages are found, the Bonfiglioli distributor should be contacted immediately. Packaging materials must be disposed of in accordance with local environmental regulations.
2. Lifting and handling
The weight and external dimensions of the gearbox may make manual handling impractical, and appropriate mechanical lifting equipment must be used.
Selection of lifting points: The manual provides detailed lifting diagrams for different series and configurations. For gearboxes that have already been assembled with motors, it is strictly prohibited to use the eyebolts on the motor housing for lifting unless explicitly marked as allowed.
Maximum tilt angle: During the lifting process, the swing of the load in any direction shall not exceed 15 °. If the angle exceeds this, the lifting device should be stopped and readjusted.
Requirements for lifting equipment: Use certified lifting eye bolts, shackles, steel cables, slings, etc., and their rated load must be greater than the weight of the lifted object (see product catalog for weight data).
Installation specifications and key processes
1. Preparation before installation
Confirm that the nameplate data is consistent with the order, including the mounting position. Changing the mounting position without authorization will invalidate ATEX certification.
The installation base must have sufficient rigidity and flatness (flatness error ≤ 0.2mm/100mm during foot base installation).
All mating surfaces should be cleaned and coated with anti micro corrosion protective paste (such as Kl ü berpaste 46 MR 401 or equivalent).
2. Flange installation
Flange installation is the most common configuration. There are clear regulations on the strength grade and tightening torque of installation bolts (see Table 2 in the manual), for example, M10 × 8 bolts are used for the 300 machine base, and the tightening torque is 85 Nm (12.9 level). Torque wrenches must be used to tighten in the prescribed cross sequence, and cannot be estimated based on experience.
3. Shaft mounted installation (shrink disk)
For the hollow shaft installation method using a shrink disc, the installation quality directly affects the torque transmission capacity and disassembly convenience:
Cleaning and lubrication: Clean and degrease the holes inside the gearbox and the outer surface of the customer shaft. The outer surface of the shrink disc can be lightly lubricated, but the use of molybdenum disulfide or other lubricating grease is strictly prohibited to avoid reducing the friction coefficient and affecting the torque transmission performance.
Installation steps (size 300-313): First, pre tighten 3 bolts in triangular order (position 1-5-9), insert the gearbox into the shaft, and then tighten them in a circular manner until all bolts reach the specified torque.
Installation steps (size 314-325): First, tighten 4 bolts in a cross pattern with 50% torque, then tighten the other 4 bolts in a cross pattern with 100% torque, and finally tighten all bolts continuously until there is no looseness.
Disassembly Tip: If disassembly is difficult, you can use the oil pressure injection hole (1/8 "or 1/4" BSP) on the gearbox to inject pressurized oil to assist in disassembly.
4. Replacement of transport plugs and installation of breathable plugs
The gearbox is equipped with a closed transport plug when it leaves the factory. Before formal operation, it must be replaced with the breathable plug that comes with the box, otherwise the internal pressure will increase during operation, which will cause damage to the oil seal and oil leakage.
Special requirements for ATEX explosion-proof environment
For gearboxes designated for use in potentially explosive environments, the following requirements must be strictly followed:
Only synthetic lubricants (PAG or PAO) are allowed, mineral oils are not suitable.
Surface temperature monitoring: The nameplate of ATEX certified models indicates the highest surface temperature (135 ° C for T4 level and 135 ° C for 2D level). During operation, the surface temperature of the casing must be regularly measured (especially at the connection between the motor and gearbox and the least ventilated area), and must not exceed the allowable value.