April - Library
April - Library
April - Library
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
Technical Short Feature:<br />
Machinery Troubleshooting - First Impressions<br />
When troubleshooting a machinery problem, whether for an<br />
unusual vibration problem or a component failure such as a bearing<br />
or seal, first impressions from the initial machinery inspection are<br />
very important. Any troubleshooting exercise should begin with<br />
a thorough investigation of machine history - process, design,<br />
operation, maintenance, and all available machine details. These<br />
first impressions are necessary to make sure the troubleshooting<br />
team is fully armed with important data and minimize the chances<br />
of a misdiagnosis.<br />
Many people new to the troubleshooting process have a<br />
tendency to immediately pick up tools and start working. A better<br />
approach is to put the tools down and collect first impressions.<br />
While they might not immediately reveal the problem, they may<br />
identify a number of issues that are impacting overall reliability.<br />
Recommendations for these initial inspections include:<br />
1. Overall cleanliness - Good housekeeping often reveals that machinery maintenance practices are held<br />
to a higher standard. Look beyond dust to the condition of the base and foundation, piping supports, seal<br />
leaks, etc., for evidence of maintenance practices or environmental factors that negatively impact reliability.<br />
What are the expectations that a field repair can be conducted without introducing contaminants that will<br />
shorten the life of the replacement parts?<br />
2. More detailed machine inspection - Start with the machine base and look for obvious signs of decay<br />
or improper anchoring. Move up to the feet and inspect the shims and hold-down bolts. Poor practices at<br />
the base often reveal a lack of quality of other repairs. Move to the shaft and drive (i.e., couplings, belts,<br />
etc.) and look for evidence of shaft damage, improper coupling assembly, and incorrect key length. While<br />
issues with these areas may not be the cause of the current problem, improvements made with the required<br />
repairs will improve machinery reliability.<br />
3. If running, perform a basic vibration check - Use a simple tool such as a coin with serrated edges to obtain<br />
an impression of relative machinery movement if the machine is still running. While vibration measurements<br />
tend to focus on the bearings, with coin in hand, start at the base and work up to the bearing locations to feel<br />
for unusual movement. Pay close attention to boundaries and connections such as the base-to-foundation,<br />
machine feet-to-base, and all piping and conduit. A simple condition such as a loose base-bolt can have a<br />
dramatic impact on the machine.<br />
4. Keep detailed notes of the initial impressions – They will provide a comprehensive and professional report<br />
on improvements that will impact the life and reliability of the machine. While at the machine site, inspect<br />
other equipment in the area for similar issues and carefully present this information to the stakeholders.<br />
While no one likes to have their flaws revealed, a good presentation of steps that can be followed to<br />
positively impact machinery will be well received.<br />
Motor Feet Outside Base - Poor Support<br />
Content and pictures courtesy of SKF @ptitude Exchange<br />
Base Not Flat<br />
Vol 24 No 2