Screw Press Load Calculator
A user-friendly Excel-based calculation tool developed for ANDRITZ AG to compute foundation loads of screw presses used in the paper and pulp industry. The tool enables both standard users and key users to input machine-specific parameters and automatically generates load calculations and schematic visualizations. It streamlines the design and validation process for international deployments by encapsulating complex mechanics into a guided user interface.
Goal
Develop a calculation tool for determining the foundation loads of screw presses used in pulp processing. It needed to be user-friendly, written in English for international use, and editable by power users.
Design and Implementation
Implemented using Microsoft Excel with extensive use of VBA macros. A clear UI was designed to accept input like screw press type, motor parameters, and gearbox configuration. Outputs include calculated load values and automatically generated schematic foundation plans. Different access levels (User/Key-User) were implemented to control editing.
Real-World Use
The tool is now in use at ANDRITZ AG for designing screw press foundations globally, reducing the need for expert presence onsite and minimizing calculation errors.
- 1Automated load calculation for various screw press models
- 2Dynamic schematic drawing generation based on user input
- 3Intuitive UI with dropdowns and macros
- 4Expandable database for new machines
- •Building an intuitive UI in Excel for international users
- •Managing macro-driven dynamic drawings
- •Ensuring extensibility for future screw press models
- •Securing backend calculations against tampering
- •Advanced use of VBA for UI and macros
- •Understanding mechanical load calculation in industrial machinery
- •Collaborating with industry partners (ANDRITZ AG)
- •Project planning and milestone tracking