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Tag Archive: predictive motor maintenance

1. Preventative vs. Predictive Motor Maintenance: Which Is Right for You?

   June 9, 2015 2:21 pm Comments Off on Preventative vs. Predictive Motor Maintenance: Which Is Right for You?

   Downtime from a faulty or burned out electric motor can create unnecessary work.

   No matter the type of equipment the motor powers, when electric motors fail productivity plummets and frustration grows. Non-efficient motors consume a great deal of daily energy demands, including:

   

   • – 78% of all electrical energy in industrial processes
   • – 43% in commercial buildings

   While some electric motors fail with no warning, the majority of failures come about due to a lack of a proper maintenance program. Unfortunately, many companies still stick by a “run to failure” maintenance strategy. That is exactly what it sounds like: run motors into the ground and just replace them.

   It is not the greatest idea in the world, because it kills productivity and can create expensive repairs. When it comes to electric motors, most experts agree that you have two real options: preventative or predictive motor maintenance.

   Preventative Motor Maintenance (PM) is either time-based or schedule-based. This forces maintenance checks regardless of the actual condition of the equipment. This type of maintenance is an effective way to guarantee the dependable and long-life operation of electric motors. The major downside has to be the set costs, which can eat into your bottom line. You will end up spending the same amount every year whether the equipment needs the maintenance or not.

   Predictive or condition based Motor Maintenance (PdM) is where machines are measured with objective machine monitored trending methods. One immediate benefit of PdM is that you end up avoiding unnecessary repair costs and downtime. These non-intrusive testing techniques rely on proven scientific methodologies to predict the condition and lifespan of your electric motors.

   Some of these high-tech methods include:

   • – Vibration Analysis
   • – Infrared Analysis
   • – Motor Drive Alignment
   • – Winding Analysis
   • – Onsite Balancing
   • – Oil Analysis

   You can combine all of these methods into one PdM that will instantly increase your ability to avoid major electric engine breakdowns and incidences. It is a perfect example of how common sense and high-tech equipment come together to save you tons of time and money.

   If you want to learn more about the ins and outs, of both preventative and predictive motor maintenance, we suggest that you download Renown Electric’s free eBook, Preventative vs. Predictive Motor Maintenance, from our website today.

   Of course, if you want to talk directly with an electric motor maintenance expert, feel free to email us or call us toll-free at 877-742-3665.

2. Predictive Maintenance Techniques

   April 15, 2014 3:37 pm Comments Off on Predictive Maintenance Techniques

   Like many pieces of industrial equipment, electrical motors operate in harsh environmental conditions that involve heat and abrasion. Consequently, plant managers must implement a proper maintenance program to avoid motor failure and ensure a long service life. Predictive maintenance may be preferable to other types of maintenance in circumstances where equipment downtime is untenable. Predictive maintenance techniques allow plant managers to measure and diagnose failure levels in an electrical motor without compromising production.

   A major benefit of predictive maintenance is that it is not intrusive. With the help of machine monitored trending methods, plant managers can assess the potential failure levels of a motor without tearing a machine apart and halting production. Predictive maintenance also does not require unnecessary maintenance if the equipment does not require it, further reducing the costs of maintenance.

   This type of maintenance is performed through techniques such as vibration, infrared, and winding analysis. In vibration analysis, the frequency of rotating equipment is measured by instrumentation such as an accelerometer and spectrum analyzer. Each piece of equipment generates a unique pattern, which is typically recorded in the first few hours of equipment operation. Abnormalities from this pattern, such as excessive vibration, may be a sign of common problems and can warrant further actions and repairs.

   In addition to a vibration pattern, electrical motors have a specific temperature profile. The temperature profile is monitored using thermal images of a motor’s surface temperature. This is known as infrared analysis. Any observed deviation from a motor’s temperature profile, such as hot spots, can indicate issues such as short circuits and an unbalanced voltage.

   Electrical motor winding analysis is another predictive maintenance technique that specifically tests the integrity of motor winding insulation. Some examples of early-stage problem easily detected by a winding analysis include degraded insulation and leakages. Fortunately, these tests are non-destructive and can be performed quickly during planned down times. The results from a winding analysis can inform predictive maintenance professionals about the strength of a motor’s insulation and the potential risk of failure.

   To learn more about predictive maintenance techniques and benefits, especially in comparison to preventative maintenance, download a free copy of our eBook from the Renown Electric website. For more advice and guidance regarding motor maintenance or repairs, feel free to contact one of our technical experts today.