Tire Grinding

As rotary drum experts since 1951, the FEECO Customer Service Team offers the industry’s most reputable tire and trunnion wheel grinding services to recondition the load-bearing surfaces of your rotary drum.

WHY TIRE & TRUNNION GRINDING IS IMPORTANT

Tire and trunnion grinding is an integral component in any long-term maintenance plan for your rotary dryer, cooler, kiln, or otherwise, helping to ensure that your rotary drum is running efficiently, as well as prolonging equipment service life. 

SIGNS THAT TIRE & TRUNNION GRINDING IS NEEDED

While load-bearing surfaces become worn through regular use, reconditioning them can return them to like-new condition. Problems that begin at the drum base must be addressed as quickly as possible; while they may seem insignificant, if left untreated, they can quickly make their way to the rest of the drum, causing significant damage, and in some cases, even premature equipment failure.

Routinely inspecting tires and trunnion wheels can go a long way in preventing any potential problems from developing into more serious issues. The following signs exhibited on any of the load-bearing surfaces are indications that grinding is likely needed.

For those uncertain of whether or not grinding is necessary, FEECO Customer Service Engineers are available to evaluate the mechanical condition of your unit(s) and assess the need for grinding.

The Tire Grinding Process

The tire grinding process varies depending on several factors, including the size of the drum, tire and trunnion face widths and diameters, drum accessibility, extent of wear, and more. 

The process, which utilizes a specialized machine to grind away surface wear and reveal the like-new surface below, can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Depending on the specific setting and requirements, the drum may remain in operation or may require a shutdown. 

In many cases, the drum’s rotational speed may need to be reduced to accommodate grinding. This may be carried out through the use of a variable frequency drive (VFD) or other means of slowing the drum.

Tire & Trunnion Replacement

In the event that wear begins to significantly diminish the original diameter of trunnions or thickness of tires, replacement of the worn component(s) will be required. Reducing the original diameter or thickness beyond what is acceptable changes the base conditions and slope of the unit, which can impact process conditions. 

Requirements for Tire & Trunnion Grinding

The FEECO Customer Service Team aims to make the grinding process as quick and seamless as possible. To ensure we are able to carry out the job quickly and efficiently, we require the following in preparation of a grinding visit:

• 460 volt, 30 amp, 3 phase power, electrician and hardware for connections.
• 120 volt, 20 amp power within 50’ of drum.
• 40 feet of 2” x 2″ x 1/4” angle iron.
• 20 feet of 1″ x 1″ x 1/8″ angle iron.
• Crane or lifting capabilities for up to 2000 lbs.
• Adequate restroom facilities and telephone for supervisor company calls.
• Removal of any supports, brackets, guards, etc. which prohibit the placement of the grinding equipment.
• Adequate lighting and ventilation as needed.
• A clean, safe, and accessible work environment at the job site.
• Solid surface free from vibrations and dust-free environment for laser alignment system
• Shim material by customer as necessary.

Realignment After Grinding

Because tire and trunnion wear is often a result of misalignment, and because grinding can change the base conditions of the drum, FEECO recommends all grinding jobs are followed by a realignment of the unit during the same visit. 

Realignment after grinding ensures that the drum is structurally aligned to minimize loads on all load-bearing surfaces, maximizing service life of mechanical and structural components. It also prevents a misaligned drum from resuming wear on newly reconditioned tires and trunnions.  

FEECO offers state-of-the-art laser alignment to quickly and accurately realign trunnion bases after grinding. 

Need a Quote?

Contact us today to find out more about getting your load-bearing surfaces reconditioned. We require the following information to prepare an estimate: 

• Rotary dryer diameter and length
• Tire face width and diameter
• Trunnion wheels diameter and face width (outside diameter for grinding must be 48” minimum)
• Quantity of tires (or number of concrete support piers)
• Pictures showing contact between the face of the tire and trunnion.
• Pictures showing the drum and available work area around the drum
• Does this drum have a VFD or just on/off switch?

For additional information, see Tire & Trunnion Wheel Grinding Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).