With the release of the PdMAEYE® permanently installed electric motor test system we look forward to sharing success stories from the field as our customers add this new technology to the MCEMAX® for an optimal electric motor reliability program.

The first success story comes from the Pipeline Industry. The United States has over 300,000 miles of pipeline running from coast to coast. In the world, estimates are around 1.18 million kilometers of pipeline. Imagine the resources and personnel required to visit and test every pumping station along these pipelines. Now imagine a more efficient use of these resources and personnel to prioritize the site visits if you had remote early indications of a developing anomaly. Allowing the analysts to focus on the problem motors early, and returning these motors to a reliable productive condition makes a lot of sense.

While reviewing data on a critical pipeline motor from the comfort of an air-conditioned office, the motor analyst noticed elevated Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to rotor health. Left unattended rotor anomalies can cause secondary damage to nearby laminations, rotor bars, and worse case the stator windings. Due to the frequent starts and stops experienced by this motor during normal operations and knowing that In-Rush/Start-Ups increase the rate of failure for rotor cage faults, the severity was elevated, and planning initiated for a scheduled deeper inspection.

To see details and the conclusion of this case study visit the PdMA YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIk7A8fZRTo

In the classic battle of root cause analysis, it often comes down to electrical vs. mechanical with the motor or the pump being the primary suspects. A variety of tools may be utilized to assist in the investigation including electric motor testing, infrared thermography, vibration analysis, ultrasonics and even oil analysis. Although these technologies have their primary uses they can often cross halfway over the “correlation bridge” and offer a look from the other side. As an example, it has become a common approach to use electric motor test equipment like the MCEMAX^® or PdMAEYE to evaluate the machine train performance in areas involving pump vanes, fan blades, belts, gears, and fluid flow. Changes in the asset health of these machine train components will affect the current and torque requirements of the motor and provide valuable data analysis tools for the root cause analysis.

To see the MCEMAX^® technology used to identify a machine train anomaly on a critical pump visit the PdMA YouTube site at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxjitFVIehI

Copyright PdMA

Toshiba International Corporation Adds Decatur Industrial Electric to National Distribution Network.  

“I’m honored and excited for my team to be able to provide Toshiba’s solutions portfolio. The Toshiba brand is known for superior performance and quality in the industrial marketplace. Toshiba’s company vision and their superior reliability aligns well with our drive to help customers optimize asset performance and reduce their total cost of ownership.” Trent Thompson, President Decatur Industrial Electric

 Toshiba International Corporation (TIC) announced this month the addition of Decatur Industrial Electric to their nationwide network of Distributors. Decatur Industrial Electric now offers the full range of Toshiba Motors, Adjustable Speed Drives and Motor Control products.

“We are excited to welcome Decatur Industrial Electric to our Toshiba distribution network,” said John O’Brien, Director of Distribution Sales for the Motors, and Drives Division of Toshiba. “Decatur Industrial Electric’s Vision Statement is to be the most admired and respected company by its team members, customers, stockholders and the communities they serve and value. We at Toshiba share a similar vision, ‘Do the right thing, Look for a better way, Always consider the impact and create together.’ We are looking forward to collaborating with Decatur Industrial Electric to offer innovative solutions to customers.”

Link to full press release, released by Toshiba.