Predictive maintenance for motors.

[factoryrat]

I work in a large factory. We have a couple, full time, Predictive maintenance people ? Vibration Analyst and Thermal Imaging. These two predictive maintenance branches seem to work and I know of some problems that have been identified and fixed before we had a major breakdown. Do any of you know if there is a successful program of Motor predictive maintenance - and does it work?

Our company tried Motor predictive maintenance for a very short period and we were told it didn?t work. They bought some expensive software, laptop computer and I don?t know what else but after a couple of months they discontinued it. From what I was told it is unproven and not reliable. I would like to know if any of you know of any successful programs.

 

[zog]

Google MCE testing. Or is that what you were using?

 

[kingpb]

Predictive maintenance is the newest bus word. Is it possible, yes, is it easy to implement, not very. By looking at run times, starts/stops, temperatures, currents, starting times, trips, etc, etc. you can decipher when a motor may need maintenance versus doing blanket overhauls.

BTW: I am assuming you are referring to medium voltage motors, otherwise it is unlikely devices are in place to give you the information you need.

 

[FNCnca]

Our company tried Motor predictive maintenance for a very short period and we were told it didn?t work. They bought some expensive software, laptop computer and I don?t know what else but after a couple of months they discontinued it. From what I was told it is unproven and not reliable. I would like to know if any of you know of any successful programs.

You do not see a Return from predictive maintenance in a short time. It takes a broad sample of data from your operating conditions.
We implemented a Predictive program here using IR ,vibration analysis, and manufacturer reccomended PM proceedures, all being tracked in an Access database I developed. After two years of dedicated use, we no longer have unexpected breakdowns.
The key, IMO, to a reliable predictive program, is to have a plan and stick to it. Religious data/ record keeping is mandatory. It works here.

I looked into available software packages, they all seem to be reliable. The only reason I did not buy, is I felt I could do the same job, in Access, without spending the money.