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Case study

Motor Bearing Failure

Abstract: An inner race fault was successfully detected in the bearing of a motor for a cooling water pump.

The aptGroup is an agent for machine condition monitoring and vibration analysis consultancy services conducted on behalf of SKF Australia.

The following case study was taken from a regular survey of plant located at the site one of our customers.

Background: The aptGroup carries out regular vibration surveys at the customer's plant. The pump that is the subject of this study circulates cooling water to other machines.

Method: The SKF Microlog and accelerometer/SEE sensor were used to take the vibration measurements. The accelerometer was attached to the machine using a magnet, with a small amount of grease on the machine/magnet interface.

Measurements of velocity (0-600 Hz), acceleration (0-5000 Hz) acceleration enveloping using the Microlog’s built-in filters (5 - 40 kHz), and SEE technology (0 - 1000 Hz) were made.

Results: Following a survey, a fault was detected in the drive end bearing of the motor. The vibration spectrum (fig 1) indicated that an inner race fault was present in the bearing.

When the motor was overhauled, the inner race of the bearing was found to be damaged (fig 2), as indicated by the vibration data.

Figure 1: Vibration Spectrum from DE Bearing

 

Figure 2: Inner Race, showing damage

 

Conclusions: Vibration monitoring successfully detected a damaged bearing in this motor. Corrective action was undertaken well before a failure occurred.

 

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Head office: Level 1, Suite 22, 450 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
Phone: 61 2 9318 0656   Fax: 61 2 9318 0776   Email: info@aptgroup.com.au