Paper Machine Press Forced Fracture
Mechanical play in a paper machine size press bearing led to increased vibration and harmonics, indicating forced fracture due to stalling, moisture, and corrosion. Recommendations for improvement are needed.
In a paper machine size press, mechanical play had been reported due to lack of adjustment in the bearing. When the team intervened, the staff commented that the adjustment of the bearing had been corrected according to manufacturer specifications.
After a few days of operation, vibration readings are taken again, detecting an increase in harmonics of the rotation frequency and frequencies of damage of the internal track with harmonics.
According to ISO 15243, the observed failure mode is a forced fracture, which occurred due to excessive stalling in the tapered seat of the bearing, in addition to moisture and contact corrosion. Additionally, shaft wear is observed. Spectra, Peakvue, and crest factor trend that was triggered by axial impacts at each turn of the press are shown.
Comment on the areas of opportunity and improvements that you would recommend to prevent this failure again.
MPC, your reliability partner.
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