Digital Camera Proves Useful Addition to
PdM Toolbox
Our Operations Technical Services
(OTS) group performs vibration analysis, infrared thermography, oil
analysis and motor analysis for the Colorado Springs
Utilities power production, water distribution, water and wastewater
plant equipment. The OTS equipment condition specialists routinely
encounter the need to capture specific information while in the field,
such as nameplate data, on-site safety concerns, new equipment damage,
etc.
We have found that supplying each
technician with a digital camera has proven valuable for
its ability to capture images
for immediate downloading back in the office. The "picture speaks a thousand
words" when attempting to describe a condition or impending failure discovered
in the field.
Above is an example of pictures
we took to accompany a vibration report. They show bases that
were designed by the equipment vendor to retrofit smaller new
motors at a critical pump station. The bases were inadequate and poorly installed.
They allowed the motor housing to flex, which in turn warped the stator under
load. The result was extremely high vibration (see below) at rotor bar pass
frequencies under load. The bases were subsequently redesigned and
the problem
was corrected for
product acceptance.
Vibration Spectrum Before Motor Base Correction
Vibration
Spectrum After Motor Base Correction
On another note, in the present environment of danger concerning terrorist
activity around power and water facilities, a picture of suspicious activity
could go a long way in the arrest and/or capture of
guilty parties.
Digital cameras are becoming increasingly
less expensive as well, making them an almost immediate payback addition
to your "toolbox".
Submitted by Bob Gelow,
Senior Planner, Colorado Springs Utilities
|
