Why is Motor Analysis Important? Posted on March 20, 2017April 13, 2017 by George Perlenfein Electric motors are the workhorses of industrial machines. That’s why operators must regularly conduct inspections to locate potential issues. The problem is that companies sometimes neglect to include motor analysis as part of maintenance processes, either due to budget or knowledge constraints or simply due to a lack of oversight.This neglect inevitably leads to equipment failure and excessive downtime, aka every business’s worst nightmare. The solution: motor analysis needs to be part of every maintenance routine, regardless of industry. Motor Performance can be Easily Measured According to Reliable Plant, motor analysis helps technicians discover a motor’s health. During this analysis, inspectors can uncover issues with: Mechanical power Speed Torque These forces are measured by detecting electrical imbalances. If there are any irregularities, a motor will create excessive heat, precipitating a chain reaction of even greater issues. For instance, more heat leads to insulation degradation, inefficient operation and feeble control techniques. A motor suffering from excessive heat will have a substantially shorter life span and often die without warning. In a survey, electronic tool distributor Fluke Corporation found 90 percent of respondents reported the failure of a 50 horsepower motor or stronger with less than one month’s warning. Why? Prior analysis methods were often costly and time-consuming. Nowadays, technicians have access to modern tools that simplify the process, reduce motor downtime and collect valuable data. This information can be used to predict and avoid future motor breakdowns. Torque is Everything Torque is arguably the most vital measurement that influences a motor’s performance. Motors work best when running at specified torque levels. By performing an analysis, technicians can discover poor-performing motors, and replace them before they fail. Efficiency Influences Bottom Line Industrial companies increasingly find themselves under pressure to reduce energy consumption. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, electricity powers 89 percent of motors throughout manufacturing industries. Motor analysis can help pinpoint which are faulty or poorly performing. Inefficient equipment should then be replaced to further reduce energy consumption, a methodology applicable to nearly any business but especially those that rely heavily on uptime and product assembly. Operators should conduct baseline tests under consistent conditions to ensure best results because building a preventive or predictive maintenance program naturally relies on information collected from those tests. In total, companies that prioritize motor maintenance are apt to increase productivity while standing a better chance of outpacing slow-moving competitors: It’s a win-win. Read more: The Marking Torque Test Method and Its Importance 6 Ways to Enhance Your Safety Training Motor Bearing Failure Troubleshooting with a Vibration Tester An Explanation of Torque Your Machines Can Burn Out: Are You Prepared to Prevent Downtime? Use Industrial Vending Machines to Improve Profits Routine Maintenance Plans May Prevent Premature Tool and Machine Failure The Big Implications of the Industrial Internet of Things E-commerce offerings: (Contact a Customer Service Representative for additional selections, options, and solutions) Power Tools Hand Tools Sockets and Ratchets Wrenches Voltage Testers MRO Call and let us help meet all of your supply needs (866-483-7289). Did you know that any customer is eligible for online ordering? All you need to do is fill out this online form. Key benefits include: Order anytime, 24/7, 365 days a year. If you can connect, you can place an order. Create order templates, aka “My Lists.” Reduce search time, click, order, done. Track purchase history and view your account information. You can review invoices any time, track purchase history, and print or download records.
