In Eastern philosophy, the principle of Yin and Yang represents the concept of duality where two halves work together toward wholeness and harmony – where seemingly contradictory forces are actually complementary. Much like Predictive Maintenance monitoring and action. Predictive Maintenance (PdM) aims to monitor and assess the condition of equipment while it’s in use, detect issues, and predict the optimal time to carry out maintenance to prevent failure and reduce maintenance costs. “Wholeness,” in this case meaning optimum machine efficiency,…
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Goldilube and the Three Bearings
Once upon a time, there was a girl named Goldilube. She went for a walkthrough in a paper mill. Pretty soon she came upon a line shaft drive that was making a lot of noise. On that line shaft drive were three bearings. Being a very curious (but thankfully certified) lube technician, Goldilube decided to have a closer look. She examined the first bearing. It was emitting a loud churning sound, high temperatures and pressure, and a crusty-build up all…
We’re ISO Certified and Why You Should Care
ISO certification has been a part of IVC’s approach to business for the last 15 years. In fact, few service companies in our field carry this designation, making it one more thing that makes us stand out in the industry. What is ISO? ISO refers to the International Organization for Standardization – the leading developer of international standards. This independent, non-governmental organization offers solutions and best practices for a variety of businesses and technology to improve performance while still…
Factors That Contribute to Electrical Discharge Machining Damage and How to Protect Against It
As we’ve stated in Part One and Part Two of our series on Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM), while the use of Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) to control AC motors has increased significantly, it is not without risks. The biggest challenge lies in the potentially damaging electrical current that is caused by a buildup of voltage along the rotating motor shaft. As the voltage accumulates on the shaft, it seeks the path of least resistance to the ground, which typically is the…
Identifying the Root Cause of Electrical Discharge Machining with Vibration Analysis and Shaft-to-Ground Voltage/Current Analysis
The use of Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) to control AC motors has increased dramatically in recent years. However, it doesn’t come without risks. The challenge with VFDs is the potentially damaging electrical current that is caused by a buildup of voltage along the rotating motor shaft. As the voltage accumulates on the shaft, it seeks the path of least resistance to the ground, which typically is the bearing or seal closest to the shaft. One of the first “symptoms” of…
A Dual Approach to Predictive Maintenance
The methods used for predictive maintenance are always evolving as new innovations designed to make the equipment we use better, faster, and more efficient come on the market. The good news is, incorporating an online predictive maintenance system doesn’t have to be an overwhelming or bank-breaking endeavor. Historically speaking, IVC analysts have performed vibration analysis on machine assets by going to a client’s facility and physically interacting with critical assets using a portable data collection device. These devices provide the…
Continual Bearing Failures on Your Drives? The Cause Might Surprise You
You’ve been diligent with the installation and maintenance of your industrial equipment. You’ve ensured that vibration levels are ISO compliant, balancing and alignment are within specification and bearings have proper fit, mounting, clearances, clean, and properly lubricated. Yet despite all of this, the motor bearings continue to fail, sometimes shortly after replacing them and it’s getting expensive. What to do? It’s time to take a step back and assess the bigger picture – are all the bearing failures related to…
Chicago Job Opening: ASNT Level 2A or Category III Certified Vibration Analyst
IVC Technologies is actively looking for a qualified self-starter to join our team as an ASNT Level 2A or Category III Vibration Analyst in Chicago. Those living in surrounding areas are welcome to apply. Veterans are highly encouraged to apply as the nature of the work we do is a good, cultural fit. Our vibration analysts are actively engaged in the delivery of our technical service efforts and work closely with our customers in solving problems and providing technical solutions.…
Could the Military Be a Solution to the Skills Gap?
It’s not as though there hasn’t been a serious effort made to address the skills gap issue that continues to plague the manufacturing industry, but we just can’t seem to get ahead of the curve. And as baby boomers continue to retire in record numbers, workers continue to be displaced due to the global pandemic, and misconceptions about the manufacturing industry as a whole continue to dissuade people from considering it a viable career option, it’s only going to get…
Safety Remains Top Priority for Factory “Frontline” Workers
While the COVID-19 pandemic certainly escalated the focus, maintaining employees’ health and safety in industrial environments has always been a top priority. But as vaccinations kick into high gear and “herd immunity” appears within reach, now is not the time to become complacent about safety. Safety awareness should always be at the forefront, and protocols to maintain it regularly assessed. I sat down with Pete Roy, manager of Environmental Health and Safety for IVC, to discuss the pandemic’s impact on…
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