Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration


SKF condition monitoring system to boost reliability at biomass electricity plant

November 2019 Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration

As a global bearing and rotating technology specialist, SKF South Africa is committed to assisting companies to achieve their productivity goals whilst remaining environmentally friendly. The Multilog On-line System IMx-M was the perfect solution for condition monitoring at a biomass electricity plant in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga.

The plant produces electricity using the waste generated by the neighbouring paper plant, which is used to fire the boilers to generate steam to drive a turbine capable of generating 25 MW.

SKF received a proposal request for a condition monitoring system with 4-20 mA outputs and proposed the sophisticated IMx-8 condition monitoring device. Lourens Zeelie, online condition monitoring specialist at SKF South Africa, explains that this device however does not feature the requested 4-20 mA outputs: “So we revisited our extensive IMx product range and determined that the IMx-M protection system, which features 4-20 mA output capabilities would be the ideal fit for the biomass electricity plant.”

The Multilog On-line System IMx-M is a protection system designed to react to any deviations to protect the equipment it is monitoring. Utilised in conjunction with SKF’s @ptitude Observer software, the Multilog IMx-M offers a comprehensive system for machinery shutdown initiation, early fault detection and diagnosis on machines and bearings.

Lourens points out that of the two IMx-M condition monitoring and protection modules, supplied as a pair, the biomass plant project only requires condition monitoring. The protection module will therefore initially not be utilised, but SKF will work with the customer post commissioning to look into the possibilities of incorporating protection capabilities.

The IMx-M will be used in the biomass plant to monitor the general condition of the equipment, for example, machine balance and alignment, as well as detailed bearing condition. Additionally, the IMx-M system will provide automated advice for correcting existing or impending conditions that can affect machine reliability, availability, efficiency and performance. This proactive approach offers users adequate planning time to arrange the necessary maintenance equipment, parts and labour.


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Bearing failure analysis transforms operations of battery manufacturer
SKF South Africa Motion Control & Drives
Persistent bearing failure on a centralised extraction fan motor was negatively impacting operational efficiency for a leading battery manufacturer in East Africa. SKF Kenya conducted a bearing analysis and solved the problem.

Read more...
Bearing strategy maintains production for cement manufacturer
SKF South Africa Motion Control & Drives
SKF South Africa and its Authorised Distributor, Bolt & Engineering Distributors Klerksdorp successfully remanufactured a double-row tapered roller bearing assembly for a vertical mill within a two-week timeframe, offering the customer a cost-effective 50% cost-saving alternative which keeps the plant operational while they await the supply of new bearings.

Read more...
SKF lubrication team assists iron ore producer in Liberia
SKF South Africa Motion Control & Drives
The highly skilled team of specialised lubrication technicians from SKF South Africa has demonstrated its exceptional onsite expertise through the seamless installation of Lincoln Lubrication systems for a key customer, ArcelorMittal Liberia.

Read more...
Bearing failure analysis is a perfect solution for Tongaat Hulett
SKF South Africa Motion Control & Drives
A collaborative bearing failure analysis conducted by SKF and Authorised Distributor, Bearings Services Durban at one of South Africa’s leading sugar refinery plants in KwaZulu-Natal provided tremendous value for the customer.

Read more...
Automated test and measurement
Comtest Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Comtest, in partnership with global brands, provides customised solutions with integrated hardware and software for efficient testing and data collection.

Read more...
Inline particle measurement
Mecosa Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Part of the SOPAT family, Parsum has for more than 20 years stood for the measurement of particles in a running process - without sampling and without a laboratory.

Read more...
Inline analysis measurement technology
Mecosa Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
SOPAT develops and sells a photo-optical and image-based inline analysis measurement technology that quantitatively characterises particulate multi-phase systems. The software provides real-time analysis of particle size distribution.

Read more...
Enhanced grease gun and pump range
SKF South Africa Motion Control & Drives
The addition of a new LAGC S coupler to enhance the performance, safety and ease of operation of SKF’s proven grease gun and pump ranges demonstrates the company’s commitment to channelling innovation into its products and technology solutions.

Read more...
SKF shines at Mining Indaba
SKF South Africa Motion Control & Drives
This year marked SKF’s second consecutive participation at Mining Indaba, where the global bearing and seal manufacturing giant spotlighted its premium quality, future-smart, environmentally sustainable mining and industrial products, technologies and services.

Read more...
UV water treatment system
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
bestUV is an innovative manufacturer of professional ultraviolet (UV) water treatment systems for industrial markets.

Read more...