Vertical Condensate Transfer Pump Bearing Fault
Abnormal noise from a vertical condensate transfer pump led to a vibration analysis revealing high vibration on the pump DE bearing enveloping. The analysis showed bearing fault frequency and sidebands, indicating stage 3 damage, likely caused by overload from water carryover.
Lucky to see real life experience in these bearing fault frequency on perfect timing before further damage occur.
Couple of days ago received a report from operator that an abnormal noise raised up on one of our vertical condensate transfer pump.
Then the vibration measurement is conducted on all measurement point.
Found high vibration on pump DE bearing enveloping.
Strong bearing fault frequency of inner race (BPFI) can clearly be seen during analysis.
Followed up by side band around BPFI frequency.
Harmonic frequency also begin to raised, indicate that the bearing is on stage 3 damage.
And after the ex-used bearing dismantled, found the damage on inner race (flaking) indicate fatigue possibly from overload condition since the pump sometimes deliver water carryover (instead of pure condensate which has less SG compared to water)
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