How To Prevent The Early Degradation Of Rotating Machinery

Many pieces of rotating machinery are absolutely essential to a variety of industries: i.e., centrifugal pumps, generators, motors, etc. But, for this type of machinery to operate at peak performance levels, routine maintenance – as well as other procedures – are needed. If serious mechanical failure has already been experienced by your company, you know, more times than not, it meant two things in particular:

Costly downtime
Expensive machine damage

Fortunately, to prevent rotating machinery degradation and better assure continuous function, there are steps that can be taken. Here, we are going to look at some tips and suggestions to lessen the frequency and cost of equipment breakdowns that were very likely preventable.

The Use of Abradable Coatings

Metallizing is used for protection against erosion, corrosion, rust, and more. Any number of industries use metallized coatings to protect their components, parts, machinery, etc. The following applications/industries make good use of metallizing:

Gas and oil transmission
Process facilities
Treatment and transition facilities
Wastewater and water storage
Bridges
Treatments and transition facilities… and more

The benefits of abradable coatings are immeasurable and numerous. Some of them include the following:

Nonporous
No hazardous waste
Proven to be effective
Against extreme temperatures, protects equipment
No need for painting or frequent blasting
Impermeable
Nonporous
Abrasion resistance… and more

Where rotating equipment is concerned, abrasion resistance is possibly one of the most important benefits listed above. Once you’ve decided which abradable coating is right for your business and industry, the following tips will assist you in preventing the early degradation of your rotating machinery.

Top Priority – Safety

Correct safety protocols should be used and implemented where rotating equipment repair, maintenance, inspections, etc., is concerned. If necessary, third-party industrial safety services should be contracted. Equipment that is used safely and properly stands a better chance of lasting longer – not to mention, ensuring the well-being of your employees.

Use Your Senses

The power of human senses should never be dismissed. If the machine feels, smells, or sounds wrong or different – and it is sensed by someone who uses rotating machinery on a regular basis – something is probably amiss. Misalignment that needs immediate correction could be indicated by an unusual vibration and sensed by someone utilizing the equipment in your location. Insufficient lubrication could be evidenced by a sound that isn’t normally heard. Further investigation is warranted if the sensory information perceived by a worker is significant.

Cleanliness

The cleaner you keep a facility, the easier it will be to inspect for faults. This is particularly true where rotating equipment is concerned. When free of dirt and various contaminants, rotating equipment runs more efficiently. An opportunity is provided by routine cleaning, to detect problems that may otherwise have gone unnoticed.

Problems Should Be Quickly Addressed

As early as possible, problems should be addressed. When it comes to fixing equipment, there is just no good time. But, to avoid extensive downtime and save on costs, as soon as a problem arises, fix it. More expensive and significant failures can result from (as an example) allowing a failing bushing or misaligned shaft to remain in place.

Maintenance Records – Keep Them!

Part of your industrial maintenance plan should be record keeping. For rotating equipment, it is especially important. To help you spot signs of wear and track equipment performance, there are a number of data analytics tools in existence today. A warning that a more detailed investigation should be conducted could be evidenced by even the smallest anomaly.

A&A Coatings can provide your company with the abradable coatings you need to keep your rotating equipment operating at maximum efficiency. Talk to one of our advisors as to how you can decrease maintenance costs and downtime by using one of our thermal sprayed coatings.