Repair vs. Replace Your Clarifier Drive

Five reasons to consider rebuilding your Clarifier Drive unit

1. Save Money: To rebuild a clarifier drive, the price is approximately 50- 60% less than if you were to purchase a new one. Rebuild-it ensures that each used clarifier is inspected and tested to ensure operations will run correctly and safely.

2. Drive Upgrade: Having an old drive does not mean it is non-functional; it may just need an upgrade. Every drive rebuild includes the newest technology and will be upgraded for easy maintenance and operation. These upgrades include:

1. 1. Stainless-steel fasteners
   2. Stainless-steel piping and site glasses
   3. Latched chain guards for easy removal and installation
   4. Inspection ports in the chain guard for easier maintenance
   5. Premium UV final coat paint system
   6. New gear motors, sprockets, and chains
   7. A calibrated rebuild or a new torque control device

3. Full Warranty: Every drive rebuild comes with a 2-year full warranty on the equipment.

4. Fast Turnaround: Sentry’s team of experts with over 100 years of experience can create quick turnarounds to get your equipment to you as fast as possible.

5. Expert Quality: Rebuild-it goes above and beyond to ensure the best quality possible by standardizing inspections throughout the rebuild process. These standards include:

1. 1. Superior painting system inside and out
   2. Re-matching all shafts and pinions
   3. Testing and quality checks before shipment

Five key indicators it is time to replace your Clarifier Drive

1. Age: The OEM recommends that all clarifier drives be rebuilt around 20–25 years old. It is crucial to rebuild the drive when it is in good or fair operation instead of when it stops operating or breaks. This will increase the chances of having less downtime.

2. Oil Leaks: Over time, the drive's oil seals become brittle and worn out and require replacement around the 20-year mark. These oil seals will be replaced during the drive rebuild process.
3. Vibration: Have you experienced unusual vibrations in your drive? This is a sign you should have your drive rebuilt. Any inconsistent vibrations or movements are an indicator that a bearing has failed and needs to be replaced.

4. Noise: If your drive or gearmotor is making noise, that is an indication that a bearing may have failed. When a bearing fails, it is not uncommon for the increase of friction to be present, causing the bearing to start making noise and rubbing against the gearing or shafts.

5. Non-operation of the drive: If a drive is operating longer than the life of the bearings and seals without being rebuilt, many complications can occur. The drive will experience over-torquing and will stop operating due to broken and failed internal components.