Failure/Problem Investigation
An in depth study of failed components and the operational scenario can often reveal the mechanism of failure so that the situation can either be avoided or prevented in future operations. It is very rarely sufficient to just repair a failed component; if at all possible steps should be taken to prevent it happening again.
1.Tribology Problems.
By examining wear scars, lubricant properties, and wear debris we can often develop an understanding of the wear processes occurring within a machine contact. Where there is a lubrication problem working with the oil supplier and if possible the equipment manufacturer we can develop corrective/preventative methods
2. Tribology Calculations.
Utilising industry standard algorithms and tables we can calculate required oil viscosity for most contacts who's geometry can be defined or measured.
3. Failures Caused by Vibration.
Vibration not only conveys useful condition monitoring information, it can also be a destructive force causing various fatigue failures in structures. Even subtle low level vibrations transmitted to stationary bearings can cause premature failure through false brinelling.
4. Resonance Problems.
Structures and rotors all possess natural resonant frequencies. If one of these frequencies becomes exited by a forcing frequency or a harmonic then the resonance condition will act as an amplifier and can lead to destructive levels of vibration being generated.
5. Structural Deflection.
Using high speed simultaneous multi channel data acquisition from an array of accelerometers mounted onto a structure, it is possible to use the phase and amplitude vibration data to create an animation of the structural deflections. Typically the animation shows the amplitudes of the deflections exaggerated in slow motion. The deflection information can be used to redesign or stiffen structures with vibration problems.
6. Operational Machinery Deflections.
To be completed.