Maintenance
The modern industrial motor is incredibly sturdy and reliable. Nevertheless, motors do fail. The big problem with motor failure isn't the cost of replacing the motor. It's the loss of revenue that occurs while the line is down. Do you know the revenue per hour of each critical process in your facility? That's what your company loses every hour a motor essential to that process is down.
When management reduces the maintenance budget, maintenance managers often compensate by reducing motor maintenance to meet the new numbers. But this inevitably results in motor failure, which means revenue losses and then layoffs. What should you do?
Prepare a single-page summary, backed by graphs, that shows the relationship between maintenance dollars and revenue per line. When managers can see the direct correlation between revenue and that the maintenance keeps the revenue flowing, they can also see that reducing maintenance reduces revenue. Companies generally do not reward for revenue reduction.
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Get a grip on accuracy.
The Fluke 62 Mini non-contact thermometer is the perfect introduction to infrared (IR) thermometers for the professional. With the best accuracy in its class, the Fluke 62 Mini offers quick and reliable surface temperature readings. Rugged enough for industrial environments with its protective rubber "boot, the 62 Mini also comes with a handy nylon holster. |
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Repair
Your power monitoring system shows noticeably increased current draw on several feeders over the past few months. For example, one 1,200A breaker carried about 700A but now is carrying about 790A. Yet, no new loads have been added.
You looked at harmonics and power factor history, but no problems were found there. In fact, last spring, several large motors received new electronic drives that reduced harmonics and raised power factor. You discussed this with your boss, who also expressed being puzzled. "Well," he said, "at least we know it's not the feeder cables because we replaced a bunch of those last year." He suggests the problem is the power monitoring system is drifting. What should you look at?
Visit EC&M's website to see the answer.
When a major cable failure occurs, it's tough to locate a supplier at midnight while tending to all of the other pressing details in this pressure cooker situation. You need to identify sources now, so that you are prepared. - Inventory your large cable bundles. Note the sizes, insulation types, length, and number of cables in each one.
- Identify at least two cable replacement sources. Your local electric utility may even have the cables you need; talk with someone there about contingency planning.
- Make a list of connectors and connector tools for this job. You don't want to pull the cable only to find out nobody can make connections. During the emergency, your in-house staff will already be overloaded even if they are qualified — so this is typically the contractor's work. Make contingency arrangements with an electrical contractor now, ensuring that firm has the tools and expertise for this particular work.
- Set up your CMMS to prompt an annual review of these sources; keep the information current.
Make the preparations even tighter by creating a work order for replacing a cable in each main cable bundle. The work order should list the tools, parts, test equipment, safety gear, drawings, and contact information relevant to working each bundle.
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Baldor Electric Company
For decades, ABB industrial drives and Baldor industrial motors have set the standard for quality, reliability and energy savings. Now, industrial customers in the U.S. can specify and order these products and receive expert support from a single source in your area. Call 479-646-4711 to locate the sales and support office nearest you.
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Operation
Commonly misunderstood/misapplied terms, part 13
What's the difference between watertight, raintight, water-resistant, waterproof, weatherproof, rainproof, drip-tight, and drip-proof? Of these terms, the NEC defines only watertight and weatherproof. "Watertight" means constructed so that moisture won't enter under typical conditions of use. "Weatherproof" means constructed to that weather doesn't interfere with its operation.
An Informational Note in Art. 100 states that rainproof, raintight, or watertight equipment can fulfill the requirements for weatherproof if that weather doesn't include conditions other than wetness. For example, something listed as rainproof isn't considered weatherproof in Fargo, ND, due to the snow and ice of winter there.
To read more on this story, visit EC&M's website.
Under federal law, your employer must have a Hazard Communication document. This safety plan outlines employer's compliance with the federal Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). This document is worth reading. If a copy isn't on your employer's website or intranet, then ask your safety director for it. The document contains information such as: - A listing of all hazardous materials used by your employer.
- How you can obtain MSDS information on those materials.
- Relevant protection, procedures, and emergency equipment.
- How your employer meets requirements for labeling, MSDS, and safety training.
- How supervisors must inform workers about the hazards of non-routine tasks.
- How you can obtain chemical hazard information from other employers nearby.
The rising premiums for insurance are making employers more proactive in protecting employee health and safety. Another key driver is a shortage of people with specific skill sets. Oddly enough, this shortage occurs during an overall job surplus of labor. Even so, only you can make you safe. Or unsafe!
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