Efficient Plant October 2021 - 12

feature | motor reliability
replace a fan or blower with damper-controlled air
fl ow or a centrifugal pump with a fl ow-control valve.
Th ese motor/VFD conversions are well known for the
energy savings they provide in variable-torque applications
and for increased process-control effi ciency.
Even replacing an older AC motor with a newer
high-effi ciency unit and a VFD can improve reliability
in variable-speed constant-torque applications such as
conveyors and extruders.
IIoT technology can play
a major role in predicting
motor performance
issues, thus avoiding
unplanned downtime
and improving effi ciency
and reliability.
can extend motor life and avoid facility electrical
issues. Shaſt grounding rings installed on the motors
help protect them and connected machinery from
voltage spikes due to the VFD PWM (pulse-width
modulated) waveform.
FAILURE-DETECTION DEVICES
Another technology that manufacturing facilities
use to increase operational reliability is early failure
detection. Many devices are now available that mount
on existing machinery and process equipment to
detect increasing heat or indicate unusual temperature
changes. Th e devices typically communicate
wirelessly through Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or radio
frequency. Th e ability to predict a problem allows the
end user to address an issue during a scheduled maintenance
period instead of shutting the equipment
down in the middle of the night. Th ese devices are
oſt en referred to when end users are looking for IIoT
solutions, because the information they gather can be
shared in cloud-based systems and securely accessed
if desired.
ADDITIONAL ALTERNATIVES
Updating older equipment and installing new higheffi
ciency components typically results in signifi cantly
increased energy and process effi ciency. For example,
a high-effi ciency motor and VFD can successfully
12 | EFFICIENTPLANTMAG.COM
INSTALL IT RIGHT
Proper equipment installation, whether you're purchasing
new or updating, is critical to a successful
solution. Mounting, wiring, and commissioning are
key to ensuring that the new equipment operates
properly. For example, when installing a new motor
and VFD, improper installation and termination of
the recommended VFD cable can reduce equipment
life and cause premature motor and VFD failure.
SOLVING THE EFFICIENCY PUZZLE
How you equip your plant aff ects not only operational
effi ciency but also your bottom line. Selecting the
correct equipment is one piece of the overall puzzle.
Proper installation and maintenance also contribute
to the total picture, aff ecting process control,
equipment life, and downtime reduction. Involving
qualifi ed resources such as product vendors and
distributors with the appropriate technical expertise
can aid the decision-making processes of selecting,
purchasing, and installing the correct products.
Following these suggestions, while not all inclusive,
will start you on the path to positive results and longterm
cost savings. EP
Philippe de Gail is a National Account Manager for
Regal-Beloit Corp., Beloit, WI (regalbeloit.com). He has
35 years of experience in the electrical product industry.
Glenn Martin is the Automation/Electrical Specialist
for Motion (motion.com) in the South Texas District.
He has developed and worked with variable-speed
drives, electric motors, and automation products for
more than 40 years.
For more information, visit Motion.com/effi cientplant
or watch this video on washdown motors:
(motionind.biz/2WxC3qD).
OCTOBER 2021
http://www.regalbeloit.com http://www.motion.com http://www.Motion.com/effi http://www.motionind.biz/2WxC3qD http://www.EFFICIENTPLANTMAG.COM
Efficient Plant October 2021

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