When to Rotate Spare Equipment Stored on Racks: Tips and Guidelines

Question:

Are you wondering when to rotate spare equipment stored on racks such as pumps and motors? Find helpful information on equipment rotation. Cheers, Colin.

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Hello Colin, while I cannot provide a specific recipe, there are some key principles to keep in mind when storing rotor shafts. 1. For slender shafts stored horizontally, it is crucial to turn the rotors to prevent any potential issues. If vertical storage is an option, that is the preferred method. Ideally, a 270-degree rotation is recommended, with the frequency depending on the shaft's slenderness. Typically, shafts should be turned every 3 to 6 months. 2. When dealing with large rotors like those found in steam and gas turbines, vertical storage is best. If vertical storage is not possible, consider rotating the rotors every 2 months. Additionally, storing them in a container filled with dry nitrogen at a specific water column pressure can help maintain their condition. 3. Motor shafts are usually quite sturdy and may not require frequent turning. However, if there are concerns about their stiffness or weight, it is advisable to turn them over every 6 months. 4. It is important to incorporate these maintenance practices into your CMMS to ensure they are consistently implemented and not forgotten. 5. When storing rotors vertically, it is essential to ensure they are truly vertical, either by hanging freely or placing them in a designated container. Avoid resting the shaft end at an angle against a rack or wall. These tips will help maintain the quality and longevity of your rotor shafts. Thank you, V. Narayan.

In a recent email response, Paul Barringer Colin recommended ReliabilityWeb.com as a valuable source of information. Terry O'Hanlon, in particular, offers a wealth of knowledge on the topic. For further reading, check out the recommended reading list at http://www.barringer1.com/read.htm, which includes the Nonoperating Reliability Databook from RAC. This resource highlights the importance of regular maintenance for equipment that is not in operation to prevent corrosion and false brinnelling of bearing surfaces. It is crucial to regularly activate pumps, motors, and other machinery even when not in use to avoid potential issues during startup and shutdown. Written procedures and frequent drills are essential to ensure operators are prepared and avoid MTBSE (Mean Time Between Stupid Equipment). Discipline in conducting exercises is key, with well-disciplined plants scheduling exercises every 1-2 months, while others may need to schedule them every 1-2 weeks. Ultimately, proper installation and usage practices greatly impact the lifespan of equipment both in storage and during operation. For more information on pump practices and component life multipliers, visit [URL= Pump Practices and Component Life Multipliers ]http://www.barringer1.com/aug97prb.htm[/URL]. This resource explores the demonstrated life of pump components and the impact of specific pump practices on equipment longevity. For any further inquiries, reach out to Paul Barringer of Barringer & Associates, Inc. at 281-852-6810 or visit the website at http://www.barringer1.com.

To effectively manage rotor mass, it is essential to regularly maintain antifriction bearings to prevent them from seizing up. This ensures that both the fixed and floating bearings remain at the proper tension. Implementing a small motor to power a gearbox with an output of approximately 5 RPM can be a practical solution. By arranging multiple motors in a row and connecting them with a chain drive of 50 motors, you can efficiently lubricate the bearings. Setting a timer to run the system for 5 minutes a day, or even twice a day, will help prevent false brinelling by ensuring the bearings are properly lubricated and protected.

Great points Colin! Regular rotation of stored equipment is often overlooked but it's indeed crucial for their longevity. Especially for motors and pumps, it prevents the bearings from brinelling over time. It would be interesting to also discuss optimal frequency for this rotation, and if there are any significant signs of wear and tear to look out for during these rotations.

Hi Colin, thanks for the great topic! In my experience, rotating spare equipment like pumps and motors should be done every 6 to 12 months. This can help prevent the bearings from brinelling or flattening out under the weight which can lead to operational issues later. Additionally, rotating and inspecting these spares allows you to catch any potential rusting or deterioration. It's definitely a necessary task in any preventive maintenance routine.

That's a great point you've brought up, Colin. Regular rotation of stored equipment like pumps and motors not only helps ensure their longevity but also enables a regular check for potential damage or malfunctioning parts. It's an aspect of maintenance that is sometimes overlooked, but very essential nonetheless. Looking forward to more insights on this topic.

Hey Colin, thanks for starting a great discussion here. I handle maintenance at a local factory and we always struggle with knowing when to rotate our spare equipment. I'm looking forward to gleaning some insights from this thread. The last thing we want is for our spare equipment to fail right when we need it most.

Great topic, Colin! It's crucial to rotate spare equipment like pumps and motors regularly to prevent issues like seal deterioration and rust. A good rule of thumb is to inspect and test them every 6 to 12 months, but if you’re in a high-humidity area, more frequent checks are wise. Keeping a rotation schedule not only extends the lifespan of the equipment but also ensures you're always ready when you need them. Cheers!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: FAQs:

Answer: 1. Why is it important to rotate spare equipment stored on racks? - Rotating spare equipment stored on racks helps prevent deterioration and ensures readiness in case of emergencies or equipment failures. 2. How often should spare equipment be rotated on racks? - The frequency of rotating spare equipment on racks depends on factors such as equipment type, manufacturer recommendations, and environmental conditions. It is advisable to establish a regular maintenance schedule for rotation. 3. What are some tips for effective equipment rotation on racks? - Some tips for effective equipment rotation on racks include labeling equipment with installation dates, conducting regular inspections for signs of wear or damage, and following a systematic rotation plan to ensure all equipment is in working order when needed.

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