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          Cleans up of process plant build-up.

          


          
By establishing
          an effective condition-monitoring strategy, the chlor-alkali
          producer INEOS Chlor Limited knew it could cut equipment downtime
          and improve efficiency. 



          Diagnosing mechanical failure in fans, pumps and motors can be
          a tall order, especially if the applications are located in demanding
          environments or hard-to-reach places. Many companies overcome
          this problem by introducing a condition-monitoring regime, which
          provides an early warning of any impending machine failure that
          could result in production downtime.

          
Of course, before
          such a solution can be put in place, the potential for failure
          has to be recognised. It was determined that a build-up of solids
          in its process plant extraction fans could seriously inhibit
          production. Matthew Jessop, their Business Machines Engineer
          explains: "In the past, there has been a lot of debate about
          whether the vibration caused by a build-up of debris on the fans'
          impellers was severe enough to shut the fans down

          and clean them."

          
It was eventually
          agreed that a systematic approach to cleaning, based on fan performance
          and vibration levels, was required. The responsibility of collecting
          fan data fell to a 410 Defender sensor - a self-contained, battery-powered
          unit developed specifically to provide condition monitoring for
          rotating machinery. Featuring an integrated LCD display for immediate
          feedback, the compact unit is extremely accurate and of robust
          construction.



          Although the data collected from the units was used to monitor
          build-up and to set thresholds for initiating clean-up operations,
          the real problem, Matthew admits, occurs when lumps of build-up
          fly off the impeller. "When the build-up on the impeller
          reaches a certain level, small lumps fly off causing additional
          imbalances in the motor shafts and greater vibration.



          Since debris can accumulate quickly, readings are taken twice
          during a shift to monitor fan performance and to establish whether
          cleaning is required. Matthew says the 410 Defender's unique
          design and ingenious operating system has "helped maintain
          an interest" in tackling the vibration problem in these
          fans. A sharp tap is all that is needed to turn the Defender
          on. The display automatically reverts to sleep mode after one

          minute, thereby extending the battery's operating life.

          
Matthew says
          following the installation of the 410 Defender units, corrective
          procedures were successfully established and fan vibration levels
          reduced: "The 410 Defender units have been installed on
          300kW fans, which are particularly prone to impeller build-ups.
          The 410s are proving extremely reliable and the stainless steel
          construction is ideal

          for the process plant environment."

          _________________________________________________

          
For more
          information, click here...

          
October 2005

          



                
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