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Disclaimer: The author is not trying to present himself as an authority on all available CM standards. This blog post is simply an attempt to help those who may be unaware that such guidance exists or of the extent of such standards.   We previously discussed a series of international standards pertaining to condition monitoring […]

The following tips are ideas to consider for when “the going gets tough”, meaning that problems like residual soft foot, “bad geometry”, or becoming bolt-bound impede your ability to easily obtain an excellent alignment. But first, a few definitions: Residual soft foot: More soft foot than you are comfortable with, but can’t do anything about. […]

I’m a potential failure! I am the result of improper equipment design, procurement, installation, maintenance, and operation. I exist under extreme conditions for which I was never designed. I haven’t hidden or been silent, but most have ignored me and all have allowed me to grow. I’ll become a risk of severe damage and injury. […]

We previously discussed in this series, Acoustic Lubrication Implementation – Part 1 The Big Picture. In this follow-up blog, we will discuss The Right Mindset.   “MAN CANNOT THINK OUTSIDE HIS CULTURE”- JACQUE FRESCO To lay the foundation for implementation, the right mindset and culture must take top priority. Both technology and skills need a […]

Disclaimer: The author is not trying to present himself as an authority on all available CM standards. This blog post is simply an attempt to help those who may be unaware that such guidance exists or of the extent of such standards.   We previously discussed a series of international standards pertaining to condition monitoring […]

In general, laser shaft alignment systems have increased the ability to eliminate misalignment defects.  There are many systems on the market, with varying capabilities, but the core benefit has been that the computer and laser work together to create an alignment report that can be used to assess and determine corrective action. With advances in […]

We welcome you to read the previous blog in this series, “What is Machine Train Alignment and How Important Is It? Part 2”   ANALYSIS 2: THE REFERENCE MACHINE IN THE TRAIN CANNOT BE MOVED  Now we have to face the situation of the big 172 mils moves at DF2, Compressor 3 back foot. For this, […]

I was taught by people much more clever than me not to pay attention to features, but look out for benefits. Not only me but the entire team I belong to has the same mindset. A real journey that everyone in the industry should take when considering changes or improvements through technology & culture is […]

Disclaimer: The author is not trying to present himself as an authority on all available CM standards. This blog post is simply an attempt to help those who may be unaware that such guidance exists or of the extent of such standards.   We previously discussed a series of international standards pertaining to condition monitoring […]

It seems that every maintenance department has at least one Hercules that uses more muscle than technique to complete maintenance activities.  Brute force and strength are occasionally required to complete a task.  Having Hercules around is important when those moments arise. However,  applying care and good technique are usually better. Over 90% of rotating equipment has defects at startup […]

Shaft Alignment is a critical step in any world-class maintenance program, and when done properly, can help decrease unscheduled downtime and keep equipment running longer and more efficiently. This means machines need to be aligned within the recommended tolerances based on the RPM of the equipment. However, this is sometimes easier said than done, especially […]

We welcome you to read the previous blog in this series, “What is Machine Train Alignment and How Important Is It? Part 1”   ANALYSIS 1: ALL MACHINES IN THE TRAIN CAN BE MOVED  Since ALL 4 machines in the train can be moved we have many options. Option 1: Let’s see what the minimum […]

Saving short-term money at the cost of long-term loss could never be a good idea. Soft foot is one of the most prevalent problems in rotating machinery, and the improper use of shims is one of the bad guys. This is way too common and is the cause of countless machinery problems worldwide. But let’s […]

Disclaimer: The author is not trying to present himself as an authority on all available CM standards. This blog post is simply an attempt to help those who may be unaware that such guidance exists or of the extent of such standards.   We previously discussed a series of international standards pertaining to condition monitoring […]

Do your washers resemble cones? If so, you could be falling victim to a common headache experienced in some shaft alignment jobs. What could mistakenly be diagnosed as soft foot or coupling strain, “dished” or “cupped” washers center themselves in the feet causing the machine you are aligning to move laterally as you tighten the […]

What is Machine Train Alignment? Machine Train Alignment is a multi-coupling alignment where two or more consecutive machines can be adjusted. For example, a 3-coupling train (4 machines), such as a Gas Turbine driving 3 Compressors. NOTE: A 2-coupling (3 machine) train such as a Pump–Gearbox–Motor, where the Gearbox in the middle is determined to […]

Oil Filter Performance Ratings You may have heard someone say, “a filter is a filter.”  Although catchy, this phrase is very misleading.  It is said assuming any filter will get the job done.  Not all filters and lubricants are created equally.  There is no one size fits all in this world of lubrication.  Lubricants and […]

As stated by Daniel Keys Moran, “You can have data without information, but you cannot have information without data.” The driving factor for any reliability program is data; but how do you gather and record the right data to achieve your maintenance and reliability goals? By documenting and generating clear reports with the necessary data. […]

Disclaimer: The author is not trying to present himself as an authority on all available CM standards. This blog post is simply an attempt to help those who may be unaware that such guidance exists or of the extent of such standards.   We previously introduced a series of international standards pertaining to condition monitoring […]

Belt-driven rotating equipment is commonly found in all types of facilities. Typical applications include rolls, fans, motors, shafts, and blowers. It is important to maintain that equipment in order to increase its reliability. Maintenance is essential in today’s industrial environment to ensure assets and equipment are running as reliably as they should. Like any part […]