Gear inspection

Plant operations depend to a great extent

on the reliability of motors and gear units
of large rotating machines such as mills.
Spare motors can be kept in stock,
whereas large gear units are too costly to
keep in stock. Regular and systematic
inspection of gear units is therefore
recommended to ascertain their condition.
F.L.Smidth & Co. has developed a
special inspection procedure using ad-
vanced vibration measuring equipment to
detect any faults in the rotating parts of
gear units.
A thorough analysis, comparing with
earlier measurements, is carried out at
FLS in Copenhagen.
Gear
inspection
Vibration measuring at site
Vibration measurements are
recorded at selected points and
include acceleration, velocity or
displacement levels, as well as
frequency analyses to ascertain the
present condition of teeth and
bearings. Vibration signals are
recorded for detailed analysis at
FLS in Copenhagen.
Measuring gear vibrations
Vibration analysis
The vibration signals recorded are
thoroughly analysed. The results
are fed into a computer and printed
out in the form of spectrograms.
Results of previous measure-
ments are superimposed on the
spectrogram for easy detection of
any deviations.
Vibration analysis of tape recordings
Spectrograms
The spectrograms show in
graphical form the gear pulses with
the frequency on the X-axis and
intensity as amplitudes on the Y-axis.
The intensities are shown as
acceleration in m/sec2, velocity in
m/sec, in displacements in microns
on the Y-axis.
The gear pulses measured and
frequency analysed originate from
the rotating parts such as bearings,
gear wheels, and shafts.
Spectrogram of gear unit showing unacceptable rise in vibration level due to bearing
fault caused by stray currents.
Evaluating the amplitude Checking teeth surfaces
deviations is based on many years Using marking colour and tape, the
of experience with Symetro gear meshing of drive teeth flanks and/or
units. When comparing measure- surface condition can be ascer-
ments, a change in the level
indicates a possible variation in the tained.
condition of the gear unit while the
frequency shows the machine part
in question.
Inspection of roller bearings
Apart from measuring vibrations
where possible, the vital parts of
the roller bearings are visually
inspected and the bearing
clearance checked.
Teeth impressions
Reporting
Observations made during
inspection are forwarded to the
Measuring bearing clearance client in a detailed report showing
measuring results, spectrograms,
and a diagnosis for each gear unit.
Checking lubrication
The lubrication system which Plant Services
normally consists of a circulation To comply with clients requests for
pump, cooler, and filter is checked. comprehensive gear inspection,
Moreover, FLS checks the quantity FLS has established a special
and temperature of the oil to service offering expert assistance
ensure trouble-free operation, supported by advanced measuring
whereas the quality is checked by equipment.
Please contact FLS for further
the oil supplier or by a recognised information and a quotation for
laboratory. gear service.
F.L.Smidth & Co. A/S
Vigerslev Allé 77
DK-2500 Valby, Copenhagen
Telegrams: folasmidth
Telex: 27050 flssp dk
Telephone: +45 36 18 10 00
Telefax: +45 36 46 28 70
e-mail: psd@flsco.fls.dk
Internet: http://www.flsmidth.com
Measuring Oil temperature