Synopsis:
A large metal recycling customer had problems with motors, bearings and coupling failures on a large 600 HP recycling dust control fan.
Background:
An IBT customer had been having problems with one of their larger pieces of equipment, a 600 HP dust control fan. They requested IBT’s Industrial Maintenance Technologies (IMT) department analyze the machinery to see what the solution would be for their equipment failure problems.
Challenge:
In this case, the main challenge was to identify the problem, come up with a plan to fix it, and finish the repairs in just 2 days. The pressure was on for this repair; the short timeframe was due to the fact that there were only 3 days left of the company’s scheduled maintenance shutdown for the year.
Solution:
IMT inspected the unit and found that the motor base was inadequate and had cracks in the foundation, which caused the motor to vibrate excessively.
IMT contracted a local machine shop in which they use for fabrication projects to build a new base to specification on short notice. Then, IMT department performed the following:
- Removed the old base
- Installed a new base and grouted it into the concrete structure
- Installed new spherical roller bearings on the fan unit
- Installed a new gear coupling and precision laser-aligned the motor to the fan unit
- Balanced the fan wheel
- Completed a baseline vibration analysis on the unit
Results:
IMT had finished the job before the 2 day deadline so the customer was up and running without any unscheduled downtime. The fan unit is now running trouble-free.
For mechanical upgrades, emergency repairs, machine repairs and predictive maintenance services, contact the IBT Industrial Maintenance Technologies Division
