July 2007Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
The All-Test Pro range of test instruments for field testing of electrical motors, generators and transformers has been introduced by Comtest.
All-Test Pro on-line motor analyser
Richard Scott of All-Test Pro explains the importance of this test instrumentation: "Electric motors experience both mechanical and electrical failures. Nearly 47% of failures in AC induction motors are electrical. Less than 20% of these electrical faults begin as an insulation to ground fault, instead they start as an inner turn or coil fault, which cannot be detected with an insulation to ground tester. Therefore you need something different that allows the user to detect these electrical winding faults well before the motor actually fails.
"As well as offline test instruments to detect these faults before failure, All-Test Pro also has online testing equipment for performing electrical signature analysis. The latter allows the electrician to look at the system from incoming power through to the motor, through the driven load, to detect both electrical and mechanical faults with only 60 seconds' worth of test data. With offline testing, many facilities can achieve an immediate financial payback just by using the equipment for incoming inspection and troubleshooting."
The test equipment has application in diverse industries such as municipal, mining, food processing, high-tech manufacturing and wood products. The entire range is handheld, portable and battery-operated and is aimed at people who need to field-test electrical motors, transformers and generators.
Comtest business development manager Ravi Lachman explains how the All-Test Pro range fits in with existing Comtest products. "This is a complementary range for Comtest. We have a thermography range that can be used to establish a heat-related problem, temperature being the first sign of a problem. Then we need to drill down to the actual cause of the heat within the motor, which is where the All-Test Pro range comes into play."
He adds that for companies with a predictive maintenance programme already in place, using this equipment enhances their programme. However, companies who do not yet have a predictive maintenance programme in place can easily justify the cost of the equipment because of the money and time it will save. Additionally, the software that comes with the test equipment will allow them to document and start building up a motor's history which can be used in future predictive maintenance programmes.
Electric motor commissioning testing
Richard Scott of All-Test Pro gives these suggestions:
* Test a motor prior to installation to prevent production loss arising from the unexpected failure of new motors on startup.
* Test a motor prior to sending it out to be rewound and then again when it returns to ensure that the repair facility repaired the motor correctly.
* Motor systems are complex to troubleshoot as they include a distribution transformer, the control system, the motor itself and the driven load. To try to troubleshoot this complex system with just a MegOhm meter or multimeter is not enough. To reduce mean time to repair use an offline motor testing instrument from the motor control centre to determine whether the motor, cable and connections are healthy or not.
Microdieseling – the explosions you never hear
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Microdieseling is a pressure-induced thermal degradation mechanism in which entrained air bubbles are compressed so rapidly that the surrounding oil ignites, producing soot, varnish and sludge. WearCheck explains how it happens, why the damage varies, and how oil analysis detects it.
Read more...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.
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