Evaluation of Condition Monitoring Technology for Pump Equipment

- Verification through severe wear testing of prime motor, gear reducers, and bearings -

Abstract

The severe wear testing was carried out for pump stations that had been in service for a long time and were scheduled for renewal. Temperature, vibration, and acoustic emission that were considered as parameters for condition monitoring, were measured during the severe wear testing. The number of metal wear particles in lubricant oil was also measured to verify the detection sensitivity for signs of deterioration. As a result, the changes in operating conditions could be detected by changes in vibration. Furthermore, the changes in the number of metal wear particles in lubricating oil were effective for a trend monitoring of the deterioration. Also, abnormal wear in lubricated sliding parts such as bearings and gear reducers could be detected at an early stage by monitoring the ratio of increase to the number of metal wear particles in a healthy state.