Pump reliability is essential to liquid intensive manufacturing processes. Reliable production depends on freely available water throughout the system. That reliability depends on the entire system, including the pumps, motors, valves, and associated piping.

The following case study examines the reliability of a dump transfer chest motor-pump assembly and how ultrasound-based condition monitoring was used to assess bearing health.

Figure 1 depicts a motor pump assembly powering a dump chest, supplying the water required for the forming and press sections of the plant’s paper machine.

Pump failure means no water availability in this section of the plant to form and press paper leading to production downtime, costing tens of thousands, hourly.

Using an SDT340, ultrasound condition monitoring data was recorded on the rotating components of this asset. Data was then analyzed using UAS3 and the Bearing Toolbox Fault Frequency Calculator feature.

By selecting the bearing make and type (SKF – NU308) and inputting the rotational speed (1790 RPM), also captured with the SDT340’s on-board laser tachometer, fault frequency cursors were lined up, and a ball pass frequency inner race defect was suspected.

SDT’s recommendation was to monitor the bearing closely, with a permanent system if possible, and then replace the bearing or motor at the mill’s next planned shutdown.