Posts


Enveloping on a Fan Drive Motor

This is the fifth video case study from the ‘Book of Gold, Practical Condition Monitoring Case Studies’ (#BookofGold) by JPS Reliability. As part of a routine data collection program, a slight change was noted in the fan motor vibration levels. Vibration monitoring frequencies were increased to daily as the defect detoriated. This process enabled planning and a controlled change out of the motor.

Read more


Motor Bearing Sub-surface Fatigue Defect

This is the fourth video case study from the ‘Book of Gold, Practical Condition Monitoring Case Studies’ by JPS Reliability. In this video James is not in his shed (it’s too cold), instead he’s in front of the Christmas tree! James hopes to provoke discussion around the questions: how early do you want to detect the defect, what caused the failure, and how can the defect be eliminated. This case features a set of pumps on separate metal base frames secured to the same concrete bed. The motor bearing has a suspected sub-surface fatigue defect.

Read more


False Brinelling on a Standby Pump Motor

This is the third video case study from the ‘Book of Gold, Practical Condition Monitoring Case Studies’ (#BookofGold) by James Sylvester. In this video James is back in his garden shed sharing a case study that he hopes helps answer the question, how to prevent false brinelling on a standby pump motor. This is a set of pumps on seperate metal base frames secured to the same concrete bed with a common inlet and outlet pipework.

Read more


Stage 4 Rolling Element Defect Due To Edm

This is the second video case study from the ‘Book of Gold, Practical Condition Monitoring Case Studies’ (#BookofGold) by James Sylvester. In this video James can again be found in his garden shed! But hopefully this time you know why! In this video James analyses a Stage 4 Rolling Element Defect that is due to Electrical discharge machining (Edm).

Read more


Aged Bearing – Worm Wheel Gearbox

This is the first video case study from the ‘Book of Gold, Practical Condition Monitoring Case Studies’ (#BookofGold) by James Sylvester. In this video James can be found in his garden shed! Why you may ask! Because that is where he keeps the broken parts from all his case studies – aha! In this video James shows that failure was due to the use of an aged bearing in a Worm Wheel Gearbox. Read more


PeakVue Plus – Bearing Friction

In this the third of three videos on PeakVue, James Sylvester shows that when the Emerson AMS 2140 is setup correctly, PeakVue Plus can detect issues with lubrication health, in this case, the bearing friction was off the scale! The asset in question is a critical plant fan on a variable speed drive with an operational speed of 1200rpm with 22224 EK Taper roller bearings installed.

Incorrect grease used

This short presentation shows how PeakVue Plus detected incorrect grease used by the contractor prior to any considerable bearing damage occurring. As part of the site maintenance annual shutdown the bearing caps were opened, the grease removed and it repacked with fresh grease. Watch as James explains how the PeakVue Plus technology helped confirm the root cause, (6 mins):
Read more


PeakVue Introduction – Part II

In this the second of three videos on PeakVue, James Sylvester shows that when the Emerson AMS 2140 is setup correctly, PeakVue can pick up sub surface Hertzian cracks. In this example, James refers to a 110KW Motor on a variable speed drive for a plant critical pump.

Outer Race Defect Identified

On an asset assessment survey of a critical plant, a sub surface defect on a motor bearing was identified; this was very early detection and allowed time to plan in the bearing replacement as to not disrupt the production schedule. Watch James explain in layman’s terms how the PeakVue technology works and what sets it apart from the others (6 mins).
Read more


How can thermal imaging help diagnose faults?

30-Second Summary

  • An infrared camera is one of the most primitive yet trusted methods for identifying an electrical connection or component problem.
  • Misalignment, steam/water leaks, bent shafts, and moisture are some of the issues that can be detected using thermographic analysis.
  • You can learn more about thermographic analysis by enrolling on a CAT I Vibration Analysis course.

Read more


PeakVue Introduction – Part I

Here is a the first example from James Sylvester of how visually helpful the new Emerson 2140 PeakVue Plus is while working on site. Read more


Flue Gas Recycle Fan: Introduction

The Flue Gas Recycle Fan is part of the COGA unit. The fan increases the efficiency of the COGA unit by recycling a proportion of the incinerated gases from the COGA stack. The fan is critical in sustaining high rates of operation on the plant, catastrophic failure of this fan would result in a COGA unit shut down. This would increase the emissions to the atmosphere and heavy fines could be imposed by the Environment Agency. Read more


Dynamic Vibration Absorber

This is the 6th, and bonus video case study from the book ‘Enhanced System Reliability Through Vibration Technology’ (ESRTVT) by James Sylvester. In this video James covers a 2-year project period from initial root cause diagnosis on a dynamic vibration absorber to designing, trialing, and implementing an innovative cost-effective solution. Read more


Four-point Contact Bearing – 23RPM Defect

This would have been the final of five video case studies from the book ‘Enhanced System Reliability Through Vibration Technology’ (ESRTVT) by James Sylvester; but James added a sixth, as a bonus! In this video James demonstrates vibration analysis of a slow rotational Four-point Contact Bearing, with a 23RPM Defect. This is to remind us that correct database set up, and Time Waveform Analysis is so important in slow rotational bearings.

Read more


Vibrating Screen Gearbox Bearing Defect

This is the fourth of five video case studies from the book ‘Enhanced System Reliability Through Vibration Technology’ (ESRTVT) by James Sylvester. In this video James shows how it’s possible to diagnose faults on a vibrating screen gearbox. By measuring the correct vibration parameters you can resolve defects in harsh applications, even an inner raceway defect on a vibrating screen.

Read more


Variable Frequency Drive Deterioration

This is the third of five video case studies from the book ‘Enhanced System Reliability Through Vibration Technology’ (ESRTVT) by James Sylvester. In this video James shows how analysing vibration and thermal data can diagnose electrical drive faults on a variable frequency drive.

Read more


Standby Fan Motor Bearing Defect

This is the second of five video case studies from the book ‘Enhanced System Reliability Through Vibration Technology’ (ESRTVT) by James Sylvester. In this video James shows how analysing bearing damage on a fan motor bearing can lead to the root cause of the problem. Read more


Electrical Vibration Problem

This is the first of five video case studies from the book ‘Enhanced System Reliability Through Vibration Technology’ (ESRTVT) by James Sylvester. In this video James shows how vibration analysis can be used to diagnose electrical vibration problems on a VFD driven Motor. Read more

How can Motion Amplification help with Soft foot?

30-Second Summary

  • Motion amplification proves to be ideal for visualization of structural issues and resonance problems in machines.
  • Vibration problem at 100Hz which is electrically related should be visualized using an MA camera.
  • Machine frame distortion is usually known as soft foot, as it often prevents the machine from touching all its feet to its base.

Read more


How can Vibration Analysis help detect bearing faults?

30-Second Summary

  • Vibration analysis can help detect bearing defects, but can’t do much to enhance plant reliability.
  • Detecting the root cause of the bearing defect is equally important when it comes to ensuring that the same problem doesn’t occur in the future.
  • RMS offers Online, Public, and Onsite ISO 18436-2 CAT I to CAT IV courses for vibration analysis.

Read more