July 2020Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
When electrical distribution equipment fails, the results can be catastrophic to a company as workplace injuries and fatalities could occur. A company’s profit margin can be negatively impacted by unscheduled downtime causing lost productivity and lost revenue. Besides large fines from governing bodies, the company could face large worker’s compensation pay-outs and civil litigation.
Closed panel inspection
By implementing closed panel IR (infrared) inspection, electrical asset inspections can be performed while the asset is under full load, but in a safe and guarded condition. Frequent inspections of these assets will provide a data history allowing the maintenance team to routinely assess the health of an electrical asset and determine when that asset needs to be repaired or replaced. Utilising infrared and ultrasound technology, the maintenance team can perform these inspections safely and routinely using a single maintenance inspection window without opening any panels.
Infrared and ultrasound with one window
There is a manufacturer in the United States that designed a maintenance inspection window that allows the maintenance team to take high-quality infrared thermograms and listen to and record ultrasound waves on electrical equipment. These windows are compliant with many of the stringent global standards such as UL, CSA, CE, etc., and incorporate a patented Poly-View System polymer for infrared inspection as well as an ultrasound port or embedded sensor, all the while maintaining a safe, closed and guarded condition for the inspection team. Another main feature of this window is the ability to customise into any size or shape needed to get the inspection job done. These maintenance inspection windows are truly a ‘Safety by Design’ tool as outlined in NFPA 70E 2018.
This dual inspection technology is gaining popularity as a key critical product used in condition based maintenance programmes. Companies are continuously searching for solutions to mitigate risk, reduce operating costs and increase productivity and worker safety. Preventing equipment failures by performing proactive maintenance inspections saves time and money in the long run. A single maintenance inspection window that offers both infrared and ultrasound capability is cost effective and provides a critical tool in a condition based maintenance inspection model.
Electrostatic spark discharge – when static strikes back Wearcheck
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
WearCheck technical manager, Steven Lumley explains how static electricity accumulates in modern low-conductivity lubricants, why compact system designs and fine filtration make ESD more likely, and how to recognise the degradation it leaves behind.
Read more...High-speed cameras for crash testing Horne Technologies
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Vision Research has expanded its Phantom C-series with two cameras optimised for crash and safety testing, offering 4 and 8 megapixel sensors rated to 170G, up to 1180 frames per second, and Phantom Academy application training planned for South Africa next year.
Read more...SKF extends remanufacturing expertise to bearing clearance modification SKF South Africa
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Using its clearance modification expertise, SKF helped a mining equipment OEM salvage spherical roller bearing inventory that would otherwise have been scrapped, confirming a new capability within its remanufacturing services and avoiding redundant procurement.
Read more...When maintenance-system compliance starts replacing plant reliability Wearcheck
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
WearCheck ARC division manager, Annemie Willer argues that the greatest threat to effective maintenance is no longer a lack of technology, but the gradual replacement of technical judgement by CMMS compliance, leaving no one owning the machine.
Read more...Nitration: the acid you didn’t see coming Wearcheck
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Nitration is as destructive as oxidation in many engines but far less understood. WearCheck technical manager, Steven Lumley explains how nitrogen oxide gases degrade lubricants, why the process is difficult to detect, and what oil analysis can reveal before damage occurs.
Read more...KSB makes mechanical seals for its own pumps and other brands
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
KSB Pumps and Valves is expanding its range of mechanical seals to fit its own pumps and competitor brands. The portfolio covers component and cartridge seals, API 682-compliant systems, slurry and high-pressure seals, and ATEX-certified solutions, supported by refurbishment and field service capabilities.
Read more...Omniflex delivers ICCP systems in London Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Omniflex has supplied impressed current cathodic protection systems for landmark London buildings, protecting reinforced concrete from corrosion and extending the service life of commercial, retail and heritage sites.
Read more...Modernising acid cooler protection without disrupting production Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Omniflex has supplied an advanced anodic protection control system to phosphate producer Foskor, replacing a legacy transformer rectifier system while maintaining uninterrupted production. The distributed PowerView CP solution provides remote monitoring and DCS integration.
Read more...Engineering partnership delivers longer life for vibrating feeders in mining
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
OST-Africa’s combination of VISAM vibrating motors and advanced rubber mounting technology has helped Euro Sales achieve a 30 to 40% increase in component life on vibrating feeders at several major mining operations, with zero mount failures in the first 12 months.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version