Industrial Maintenance Solutions

Machinery that operates at speeds below 600 rpm falls under the category of low-speed machines. These machines are typically large and possess high rotating inertias, making them crucial components of the production line. Although these machines are less prone to breakdowns, they are considered critical, and their failure can result in enormous production losses, significant downtime, and substantial replacement costs. Historically, there has been limited interest in the condition monitoring of these machines due to their infrequent failures. The parts of these machines that necessitate condition monitoring are primarily the bearings and gears in motion. This article will cover modern and innovative techniques for monitoring the condition of low-speed machinery, with a particular emphasis on monitoring the condition of rolling element bearings. Monitoring low-speed bearings present unique challenges. In the case of high-speed bearings, vibration analysis, thermography, and wear deb...

By NTS. Pump shafts are essential in many industrial and commercial applications, providing the necessary mechanical force to move fluids through pipelines and process systems. However, when a pump shaft breaks, it can cause significant downtime, production losses, and safety risks. In this article, we will explore the common causes of pump shaft breakage and how to prevent it from occurring. 1. Excessive Load  The most common cause of pump shaft breakage is excessive load. When a pump is overloaded, it places a significant amount of stress on the shaft, causing it to bend, warp, or break. Overloading can be caused by a variety of factors such as a clogged discharge line, worn impeller, or damaged bearings. Proper maintenance, regular inspections, and monitoring of the pump's performance can help prevent overloading. 2. Misalignment  If the pump and motor are not properly aligned, it can cause stress on the pump shaft and lead to breakage. Misalignment can occur due ...

Electric motors are the workhorses of modern industry, powering everything from pumps and fans to conveyor belts and heavy machinery. But these vital components are not immune to wear and tear, and one common problem that can lead to premature motor failure is bearing damage caused by shaft current. Shaft current is a type of electrical discharge that occurs when there is a voltage potential between the motor shaft and the bearing, resulting in the flow of electrical current through the bearing. This current can cause a range of problems, including pitting and fluting of the bearing surfaces, which can lead to premature wear and failure. Shaft current Motor shaft current can have several harmful effects on bearings, including: 1.      Bearing pitting and fluting: Electrical discharges can cause tiny pits and flutes to form on the bearing surfaces, leading to premature wear and failure. 2.       Bearing noise and vibration: Shaft current can cause ...

This article provides an overview of the nine main types of maintenance, ranging from preventive to corrective maintenance and everything in between. Although specific terminology may vary, it's important to ensure that everyone is talking about the same thing and that the underlying principles are clear. Whether you refer to it as condition-based maintenance or predictive maintenance, what matters most is that we can have a meaningful conversation about when and how to use it. As such, this article also explores the appropriate applications of condition-based maintenance. Many people have questions about the different types of maintenance, so this quick overview provides a helpful starting point: There are nine distinct types of maintenance, which can be classified into two main categories: Preventive Maintenance and Corrective Maintenance.   Preventive Maintenance is performed proactively before any equipment failure occurs. This category encompasses: Time-Based Maintenance (TBM)...

The Maintenance Worker Skills Gap: An Ongoing Challenge  It's a well-known issue that has been around for a decade - the shortage of skilled maintenance workers. With fewer young people receiving proper training and experienced workers retiring, the pool of qualified workers is shrinking. To address this problem, many companies are relying on technology to support their maintenance efforts. However, the question remains - can digital solutions and vibration sensors truly fill the skills gap? The answer is not straightforward. While technology can certainly aid in maintenance efforts, it cannot replace the expertise and experience of human workers. Keeping a realistic perspective is crucial in understanding the limitations and capabilities of technology in the maintenance field. "Bridging the Maintenance Skills Gap with Technology: Moving Towards Predictive Maintenance"    As the skills gap in the maintenance industry persists, plants are turning to technology for support....