|
May 2011
We will be presenting a
paper titled
Applying Modal Analysis to Improve Machinery Reliability at the
MFPT-2011 Conference
on May 10th in Virginia Beach. Two case histories show how experimental
modal analysis (EMA) and operating deflection shape (ODS) helped resolve
structural dynamics
that were difficult to visualize using standard vibration analysis
techniques. We also show how accurate & detailed models help fully capture
complex dynamic activity, and how combining ODS and transient speed
vibration analysis can be used as an effective modal analysis substitute on
turbo-machinery. The author also introduces the new concept of a
Non-Operating ODS.
February 2011
Check out our new
Modal Gallery that shows some interesting ODS and modal analysis case
histories.
January 2011
We have added
Motor Current Signature
Analysis (MCSA) to our Predictive Maintenance diagnostic
technologies to better assist customers with motor testing & asset
management. By performing semi-annual MCSA surveys coupled with monthly
vibration surveys, we can provide the best combination of on-line
diagnostics for managing critical motors, and to assist with outage
planning.
October 2010
M&B is proud to welcome
Michael E.
Troutman to our staff.
Mike has over 11 years of experience,
specializing in Design & Installation Services (D&IS) of vibration &
condition monitoring systems for rotating machinery. At M&B, Mike will be
focusing on providing our customers with cost-effective D&IS solutions for
monitoring rotating machinery. Prior to joining M&B, Mike worked for GE /
Bently Nevada's Design & Installation Services group, providing engineering
design and site management of D&IS projects. Mike earned a Bachelor's degree
in Mechanical Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology. Mike
is based out of Charlotte, North
Carolina, helping service our Southeast and national client base.
Welcome aboard Mike !!
August 2010
We have added an
Optical Alignment for Roll & Paper Machinery course to our Technical
Training programs. It does not matter what type of roll equipment you
are working with - paper machines, calenders, dryers, winders, web
press printers, corrugators, coaters, laminators, fourdriniers or film
extruders - we guarantee this seminar will help you keep you equipment
running smoother and faster.
May 2010
We have added a
Vibration Analyst - Level
2 and
Vibration Analyst - Level
3 courses to our Technical
Training programs. The courses are
ISO based
and
follow
ISO 18436 guidelines, and we offer certification
examinations at the end of each course.
October 2009
We have added a
Vibration
Fundamentals course to our Technical
Training programs. This 1.5 day seminar is the perfect starter course
for new analysts in any Predictive Maintenance (PdM) or Reliability program,
or plant personnel needing a general background in vibration. Upon
completing this course participants will have sufficient hardware and
software training to begin executing vibration measurements as part of a PdM
Program. The course provides an introduction
to vibration analysis; how to apply vibration severity criteria; and how to
identify common rotating machinery faults. We also review on-line monitoring systems such as Bently Nevada's 3500 and 3300 series monitors.
May 2009
Congratulations to Stan Bognatz on
completing his Masters of Business Administration degree at
Wilkes University!
January 2009
M&B will be attending the
SCANA /
South
Carolina Electric & Gas Company's
(SCE&G) Fossil-Nuclear Information Exchange Meeting on January 29-30 in
Columbia, South Carolina.
Stan Bognatz will be presenting a discussion on
Turbine Generator
Balancing - Identifying Modally Effective Solutions.
Tim Irwin will be
presenting a discussion on Maintaining Your Installed Permanent Vibration
Monitoring System. Check our
Downloads page
for copies of these presentations. We hope to see you there!
September 2008
M&B currently has job openings
available for Predictive Maintenance (PdM) Technicians in the Southeast
United States. Visit our Careers
page for further information.
July 2008
M&B announces
a
Machinery Balancing
course on 26 - 28 August at the Landmarks
Resorts Hotel in Myrtle Beach, SC. Our
Practical Oil Analysis seminar will follow on 29 August.
To register for the seminars, please download
our
Seminar Registration Form.
June 2008
M&B will be presenting at the 1st
Electric Power Research Institute meeting
for Fossil Users Pumps in Charlotte, NC on June 18-19 at the Charlotte EPRI
offices. Tim Irwin will be presenting our paper on
Optical Alignment Techniques and Machinery Movement.
May 2008
M&B will be attending the 62nd meeting of
the Society for Machinery Failure Prevention
Technology conference (MFPT
62) in Virginia Beach on May 6 - 8 at the
Sheraton Oceanfront Hotel.
Stan Bognatz will be presenting papers on Transient Vibration Analysis &
Optical Alignment Techniques.
We hope to see you there!
April 2008
We have added a
Vibration Analyst - Level 1 course to our Technical
Training programs. This course provide beginning analysts, technicians,
and engineers with the information and techniques needed to identify
fundamental machinery problems, and the basic principles of operating a
Predictive Maintenance (PdM) program. It is course is appropriate for any
plant personnel having less than 12 months of vibration related experience. This course does
not
focus on particular hardware or software offerings. It teaches concepts
applicable to diagnostic systems and portable data collectors, and helps
highlights relevant analysis limitations. The course content
follows
ISO guidelines, and we offer an optional Level 1 certification
examination.
February 2008
Tim Irwin will be presenting 'Integrally Geared
Centrifugal Air Compressors - Vibration Analysis Case Studies' at the
Vibration Institute Georgia/Piedmont
Chapter joint meeting in Augusta, GA.
January 2008
M&B will be attending the SCANA / South
Carolina Electric & Gas Company's
(SCE&G) Fossil-Nuclear Information Exchange Meeting on January 24th in
Columbia, South Carolina. We hope to see you there!
December 2007
Stan Bognatz will be presenting a new
paper titled "Transient Vibration
Analysis - Insights into Machinery Behavior",
at the
Vibration Institute's Piedmont Chapter in Halifax, NC, on December 7th.
Please contact Mr. Bognatz to
request a paper a copy of the paper, or with any questions regarding
transient speed vibration analysis. You can also get a copy of the
presentation on our
Downloads page.
October 2007
We have added a
Machinery Balancing Course
to our Technical
Training courses. This 3-day course teaches Single Plane, Multi-Plane,
and Overhung Rotors balancing techniques, all based on understanding rotor
response theory. We strive for maximum interaction between instructors and
students during our lab exercises. We emphasize that attendees have
extensive Hands-On experience in our Workshops to practice on the supplied
Rotor Kits, all while using the latest diagnostic instruments. In our
seminars, you will not just sit there and listen to lectures and
pre-conceived experiments. You will conduct your own experiments, generate
your own data, and produce your own results!! That is how you learn
effectively. An optional fourth day is available during
in-plant seminars to balance equipment at your facility to reinforce the training while resolving problematic machines at your site.
And text books can be purchased separately.
February 2007
Look for the introduction of our new
"Machinery Messages" electronic newsletter. We'll be publishing quarterly,
and will be sharing our case histories, data analysis techniques, and more.
If you like to join the distribution list, see our Home
page.
Stan Bognatz & Tim Irwin will be
presenting technical topics at the
Vibration Institute meeting in Charlotte, NC on 17 February 2007. Stan's
presentation, "Optical Alignment, Thermal Growth & Machinery Movement" will
focus on the benefits the team has achieved by applying optical measurement
techniques in solving a variety of machinery problems. Tim's presentation,
"Online Monitoring Systems" will discuss the needs and benefits of
full-time, on-line monitoring systems in improving machinery reliability.
You can get a copy the presentations on our
Downloads page.
December 2006
M&B
completed an efficiency & condition
analysis, and an equipment valuation, on a compressed air facility with 10
Centac air compressors. Vibration data was collected from the compressors,
including high-frequency data to analyze the condition of the integral
gearing, and reviewed in conjunction with operational data. Short & long
term maintenance schedules were developed for the site, and recommendations
were made for removing several compressors from service to more efficiently
meet the process site's demands.
January 2006
M&B is proud to welcome
Timothy S. Irwin, P.E. to our staff.
Tim brings tremendous rotating machinery
diagnostics and maintenance experience, as well as plant operations
experience to our customers. He specializes in Vibration Diagnostics,
Predictive Maintenance Program support, and Machinery Inspections and
Refurbishment work scope development. Tim will be based out of Elgin, South
Carolina, helping to service the Southeast and our national client base.
Welcome Tim !!
Machinery Save !!!
M&B had been monitoring a Secondary Air Fan motor at a
coal-fired power station for some time, tracking electrical degradation in
the rotor and stator. While performing a routine Predictive Maintenance
Survey, we found that a new motor had been installed. High-frequency
acceleration revealed rolling-element bearing noise indicative of inadequate
lubrication. Chris reviewed the documents supplied with the new motor
and noticed that sealed bearings had been specified. But, upon reviewing the
bill of materials, found that shielded bearings had instead been used.
Visual inspection of the motor revealed the fill and drain holes were
plugged. The plugs were removed, zerk fittings installed in the fill line,
and the motor carefully greased. The high-frequency bearing noise was gone!
More importantly, the shielded bearings would have eventually failed without
being greased, necessitating another motor replacement.
|
