Bits of Information Task-Specific (BITS) micro-learning videos are designed for operators, maintenance personnel, and all who perform reliability tasks. Each BIT provides performance support for specific tasks. This focus on specific skills ensures that jobs get done right the first time. Every BIT is just one-to-two minutes long but provides the needed instruction, on-demand. These may be viewed right on the job site, on any connected smartphone, tablet, or mobile device, no classroom time required.

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A common cause of failure on centrifugal pumps is operating too far away from best efficiency point (BEP) during normal operation. This can lead shortened life caused by cavitation or recirculation. These problems can cause  erosion and damage to impeller and casing, premature failure of the bearings (especially the thrust bearings), seal or packing failures, damage to auxiliary equipment such as instrumentation and valves, and in extreme cases shaft deflection and breakage. Here is a demonstration of BEP. https://kvgo.com/Example/Find-BEP

Click here for more B.I.T.S. like this  https://bits.videoshowcase.net

When performing a precision alignment, one step that is often overlooked is setting the coupling gap. If the coupling gap is set incorrectly it can put thrust into bearings that are not designed to take it, thereby reducing their lives. On larger sleeve bearing motors, incorrect coupling gap will cause the motor to run off magnetic center which reduces motor life. Take a look at one of our B.I.T.S that illustrates the process. https://kvgo.com/Example/coupling-gap

Did you know that the key in your equipment should be sized properly to replace the mass that was removed from the shaft?  Also, don’t forget to make sure the keys are rotated 180 degrees from each other. Check out this weeks video for the key length formula. https://kvgo.com/Example/key-length

This week we are going to take a dive into alignment.  Precision alignment is nothing more than eliminating slope which can be expressed as rise over run.  When you do an alignment there are triangles both vertically and horizontally.  The goal is to take the triangle out of the alignment and turn them into straight lines.  Alignment is that simple…you look at the machine with the aid of tools that allow you to measure the size of the triangles, and make a straight line.  Look at the video below for a more detailed explanation of this simple technique. Also, don’t forget to include your thermal growth calculations we discussed last week.  You may have to misalign the machine in order to achieve alignment in the running state. https://kvgo.com/Example/Rise_Run

How hot is hot enough to consider how thermal growth may affect machine alignment? That is a trick question, because there is more to consider than just delta t. What is the casing material and what is that coefficient of expansion? Also what is the height of the shaft? When you consider these three questions then you are able to account for thermal expansion differences that may occur between the machines and maybe “precisely misalign” the two machines so that they grow into alignment under normal operating conditions! https://kvgo.com/Example/Thermal-Growth