I have a question regarding some motors used in a mining shovel for a house pressurization and filtration system. The manufacturer specifications indicate that the motors are intended for horizontal installation, but they are currently being used vertically in our system. The system includes blower fans and filter assemblies mounted at the rear of the machinery house, where outside air is drawn in through screens and filtered before entering the machinery house to maintain air pressure and keep out dirt. However, we are experiencing issues with these motors failing prematurely, lasting only 2-4 days after replacement. In the upcoming RCM PM, we plan to investigate the cause of the motor failures by inspecting the bearings to determine if they are stalling or burning out. If you have faced similar issues with motors designed for horizontal installation being used vertically, please share your experience. Your insights would be greatly appreciated.
I primarily see one image showcasing the motor. - Walt
Check out this picture attached by @Walt Strong. Here is another image for you to view.
Based on my personal experience, installing motors in a different orientation than intended by the manufacturer can definitely cause premature failure. The lubrication flow within the motor could be affected when used in a vertical rather than horizontal setting, causing it to collect in unwelcome places and eventually leading to failure. The bearing design may also not be suitable to support the vertical loading, leading to their faster wear and tear. I strongly recommend reaching out directly to the motor manufacturer for guidance. They can validate whether these motors can handle the vertical orientation or suggest a different model specifically designed for it. You will need to balance this extra cost against the cost of continuous replacement and the extended down-time of your machinery house. Good luck with your RCM PM, hope you get to the root of this issue!
I've found that using motors beyond their designated specifications often leads to premature failure, as seems to be the case here. A motor designed for horizontal use may not have the necessary bearing support to function correctly in the vertical position, leading to undue stress on key components and premature wear-and-tear. You'll want to confirm this hypothesis by inspecting the bearings as you've planned, but I would also check if the drain plugs have been reoriented after the switch to vertical mounting, as improper drainage could contribute towards bearing failure. Furthermore, consider reaching out to the manufacturer for their expertise on this specific use case - they might have insights or alternate models more suited to your needs.
Your problem could very well be a result of the motors being used out of orientation from their design. This could cause abnormal wear on the bearings, leading to premature failure. If plausible, try to redesign the system to accommodate a horizontal installation. An interim solution could be investigating whether the motor manufacturer offers a suitable vertical version. Meanwhile, give consideration to the environmental conditions as well. High heat, dust or humidity could also contribute to a shorter motor lifespan. You may also want to consult an experienced engineer to get a technical consultation.
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Answer: - Blower motors intended for horizontal installation may experience premature failures when used vertically due to issues such as inadequate lubrication of bearings, increased heat buildup, or improper alignment causing excessive wear.
Answer: - Premature motor failures in a house pressurization and filtration system can be caused by factors like insufficient ventilation, excessive dirt or debris entering the system, overloading the motors, or operational stress from continuous use.
Answer: - The cause of motor failures in a machinery house system can be investigated by inspecting the bearings for signs of stalling or burning out, checking for proper lubrication, evaluating the operating conditions, and assessing the compatibility of the motors with the system's orientation.
Answer: - To prevent premature failures of blower motors used vertically in a system designed for horizontal installation, consider consulting with the motor manufacturer for guidance, ensuring proper alignment and support for vertical installation, monitoring operating temperatures, and implementing regular maintenance and lubrication schedules.
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