Shaft Machining and Sleeving at a Cement Works
Overview
A cement works required on‑site machining of four heavily worn shafts located in a restricted operational space, confined between large machine bulkheads. Each shaft measured 375 mm in diameter and had experienced significant wear, requiring precise machining to prepare them to accept precision sleeves to restore their sealing performance.
Challenge
The shafts were positioned in an extremely restricted area, limiting access and preventing the removal of surrounding equipment. Up to 20 mm of material needed to be removed from each shaft, all while maintaining alignment, geometry, and surface finish without disturbing adjacent components.
Our Approach
Benroc Engineering mobilised our specialist orbital shaft‑machining equipment, capable of delivering accurate in‑situ machining even under tight spatial constraints. Our team: –
- Navigated the restricted workspace safely and efficiently.
- Removed up to 20 mm of worn material from each 375mm shaft.
- Ensured correct tolerances, surface finish and geometry for sleeve installation.
The machining strategy and tooling setup were designed specifically to overcome the restricted space, ensuring both precision and safety.
Results
All four shafts were successfully machined to accept new sleeves, restoring their sealing capability. The entire on‑site operation was completed within seven days, keeping the overall project fully on schedule and preventing unnecessary downtime for the client.
What this Demonstrates
This project highlights Benroc Engineering’s expertise in precision onsite machining, particularly in environments where space, access, and accuracy are critical. Our combination of specialist orbital machining equipment, skilled engineers, and tailored problem‑solving ensured a fast, safe, and reliable solution—keeping the client’s operation running smoothly and on schedule.
