Drive Assemblies
The drive assembly is the key component of a thickener. The drive assembly provides:
• The force to move the rakes through the thickened pulp and move settled solids to the point
of discharge.
• The support mechanism which permits it to rotate.
• Adequate reserve capacity to withstand upsets and temporary overloads.
• A reliable control which protects the mechanism from the damage when a major overload
occurs.
The drive typically provides a torque measurement that is indicated on the mechanism and may
be transmitted to a remote indicator.
If the torque becomes excessive, it can automatically activate such safeguards against structural
damage as sounding an alarm, raising the rakes, and stopping the drive. Drives may be
mechanical or hydraulic