14Oct

Locating Loose Connection with Acoustic Imaging 

SonaVu(R) PLUS Acoustic Imaging Case Study  During an infrared electrical inspection of the LN14 Case Packer, a hot spot was identified around the Phase A and B connections inside its electrical cabinet. An audible buzzing noise was also coming from the cabinet. Together, these findings prompted...
14Oct

MCC Cabinet Inspection with Ultrasound Condition Monitoring  

The Motor Control Centre is a very important component of industrial electrical infrastructure. By providing control & protection to electric motors and other production assets, a healthy MCC cabinet improves the efficiency, reliability, and safety of a facility. Figure 1: Ultrasound TWF & FFT captured by...
06Oct

Ultrasonic Detection of Arcing in a Motor Terminal Box  

Found by Gilles Lanthier  Reported by Tristan Rienstra  Figure 1: Motor Terminal Box Reliable electrical connections are a critical part of electric motor reliability. Inside the terminal box, incoming supply conductors connect to motor leads. For safe and reliable operation, secure connections, sound insulation and effective grounding are...
04Aug

Automated Lubrication, Guided by Bearing Condition 

Machinery lubrication is one of the most important actions taken by maintenance and reliability teams to protect and prolong the life of their bearings. But it is also one of the easiest to get wrong.  Traditional lubrication programs often rely on time-based schedules with grease being...
30Jun

Protecting a National Treasure with Ultrasound – July 4th Edition

The American Flag is easily the most recognizable national symbol in the world. To the American people, the Star- Spangled Banner evokes a universal feeling of patriotism, courage, and resilience. The Story of the First Flag Contrary to popular belief surrounding the stitching of the first American...
24Jun

Finding Common Coupling Failures with Ultrasound Predictive Maintenance Equipment 

Non-Intrusively Inspect Couplings with Airborne Ultrasound  Couplings connect the shafts of rotating equipment and transfer power while providing flexibility for inaccuracies in shaft alignment and absorbing shock loads. They’re an essential component for most motor assemblies found in most manufacturing environments.  Common coupling maintenance practices include visual...
22Jun

Monitoring Ontario’s Wind Farms with Vigilant

Wind farmers power Ontario with clean, renewable energy and if they are forewarned of critical component failure, then they can expect many years of useful, trouble-free life from their assets. But wind turbines are complex assets consisting of both slow and high-speed components which presents...