In power generation, every application is different, varying greatly as the result of power requirements, load demands and even climate conditions. Aring Equipment Co. specializes in supplying generators for one of the tougher power applications in the off-highway market--rock crushing. In this application, crushers pulverize rocks into fine materials producing dust, dirt and debris that can clog air cleaners, radiators and engines.

Aring's new 125, 320 and 500 kW gen-sets are designed specifically to handle these conditions by integrating heavy-duty components that combat aggregate demands. Used in both pit and quarry sites, Aring's gen-sets are set up as a power source to supply a series of crushers, screens and conveyors through small electric motors that in turn belt-drive the equipment.

"Because there are several small motors in a crushing plant, a generator of some size is required for all of the relatively small motors," said Brek Zortman, aggregate specialist at Aring. "Conveyors and vibrating screens, for example, each have a small electric motor, and depending on the equipment size these motors range from 5 to 50 hp.

"So it is much easier to run an electric cord and power 15 conveyor/ screen motors off of one generator." And, he added, because "the operation is going to need at least one generator anyway, why not run as much off of it as they can."

The gen-set line offered by Aring is powered by six-cylinder Volvo diesel engines rated 187, 461 and 705 hp at 1800 rpm with 7, 12 and 16 L displacements. Aring assembles the units at its Butler, Wis., headquarters facility with a Volvo radiator and Donaldson heavy-duty two-stage STB air cleaner. This air cleaner is key to the performance of the generator, said Zortman, as it uses a heavy particle exhaust ejector that is able to trap the dust and debris produced during crushing, optimizing the engine's performance.