SKF condition monitoring system to boost reliability at biomass electricity plant
November 2019Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
As a global bearing and rotating technology specialist, SKF South Africa is committed to assisting companies to achieve their productivity goals whilst remaining environmentally friendly. The Multilog On-line System IMx-M was the perfect solution for condition monitoring at a biomass electricity plant in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga.
The plant produces electricity using the waste generated by the neighbouring paper plant, which is used to fire the boilers to generate steam to drive a turbine capable of generating 25 MW.
SKF received a proposal request for a condition monitoring system with 4-20 mA outputs and proposed the sophisticated IMx-8 condition monitoring device. Lourens Zeelie, online condition monitoring specialist at SKF South Africa, explains that this device however does not feature the requested 4-20 mA outputs: “So we revisited our extensive IMx product range and determined that the IMx-M protection system, which features 4-20 mA output capabilities would be the ideal fit for the biomass electricity plant.”
The Multilog On-line System IMx-M is a protection system designed to react to any deviations to protect the equipment it is monitoring. Utilised in conjunction with SKF’s @ptitude Observer software, the Multilog IMx-M offers a comprehensive system for machinery shutdown initiation, early fault detection and diagnosis on machines and bearings.
Lourens points out that of the two IMx-M condition monitoring and protection modules, supplied as a pair, the biomass plant project only requires condition monitoring. The protection module will therefore initially not be utilised, but SKF will work with the customer post commissioning to look into the possibilities of incorporating protection capabilities.
The IMx-M will be used in the biomass plant to monitor the general condition of the equipment, for example, machine balance and alignment, as well as detailed bearing condition. Additionally, the IMx-M system will provide automated advice for correcting existing or impending conditions that can affect machine reliability, availability, efficiency and performance. This proactive approach offers users adequate planning time to arrange the necessary maintenance equipment, parts and labour.
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