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Decatur Industrial Electric

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You are here: Home / 2018 / Archives for October 2018

Archives for October 2018

Nameplate Speed vs Actual Speed

Identifying the speed of the motor is important for proper data analysis in many predictive technologies like electric motor testing and vibration analysis. It is not uncommon to identify a slight difference between measured speed and nameplate rated speed at the listed nameplate full load amps (FLA). NEMA MG1 allows +/- 20% of the difference from synchronous speed to rated speed under rated conditions. Although technologies, like the PdMA MCEGold software, may provide a field calibration of the speed search algorithm to allow for these differences, we should not automatically dismiss them as inaccurate nameplates. Instead we should evaluate the possible anomalies that could result in speed changes to verify a problem does not exist. Examples of anomalies affecting the measured speed to FLA relationship include a rotor cage anomaly reducing the operating speed, reduced operating voltage increasing the current amplitude for a given load, and a frequency change, which directly affects the synchronous speed. Always assume the nameplate is correct, until you prove it is not.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Help Us Help You: What Customers Need to Know when they Call with an Emergency Repair

A customer calls us. 

Emergency repair needed right away.

The D.I.E. truck is on its way to get the repair.

But…we can’t load it yet…why???

When you call us with an equipment emergency, the worst thing that could happen is for a delay to occur because the motor, pump, or gearbox still has oil lubrication in it.

We never want our customers to be in this situation, so here’s what you need to know:

  • Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) regulations require permits for hazardous material and it must be in proper containers. The oil contained in a motor or gearbox can easily leak out onto the truck and then onto the ground causing an environmental issue.
  • Secondly, oil in the motor can easily slop around into the coils while bouncing down the road. This can turn a recondition into a much more expensive rewind due to oil saturated coils.

For additional clarity on transportation/shipping guidelines for equipment and what you can do on your side, click here.

Oil from transport
Oil in the bottom from transport.
oil site full
Oil site full.

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Avoid Pump Blockages & Prevent Water Hammer

You asked. Siemens listened.  

The new 3RW5 soft starters feature advanced pump control. Whether its to avoid blockage or prevent water hammer on the pipes, the 3RW5 soft starters can help you improve your water operations. These starters set their own parameters and configure themselves to communicate across your network; saving money & time.

3RW5 family of soft starters is a comprehensive, soft starter portfolio for simple to demanding motor starting applications. The family provides energy efficient switching, functionality for any application and digitalization for cloud-based analysis. These starters are ready for the Internet of Things (IoT), being easily integrated with most industrial communication networks. Communications via Profinet, Modbus and Ethernet IP, along with HMI panels, are available across the entire product range. This new family was also built with your motor application in mind; whether your motor application is for pumping, fans, or crushing, the 3RW5 soft starters can handle each and every load; giving you peace of mind.

Reduce Costs – Click here.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Tech Tip: Why use proper oil viscosity?

Oil forms a film that physically separates the rolling elements of a bearing from the raceways. If the oil viscosity is too low, this separation will not be sufficient; the rolling elements will strike the bearing races and cause damage. The expected life of the bearing will be reduced.

If the oil viscosity is too high, the churning action of the bearing turning will cause the molecules of the oil to be agitated. This is called Fluid shear. When this happens, the friction of the molecules rubbing will increase the temperature of the oil causing it to oxidize and reducing its lubricating ability. Once again, the bearing life will be shortened. 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Employee Spotlight: Ken Norris – Quality Supervisor

Ken has been with Decatur Industrial for 15 years!

Field Service work
Field Service Work

You will always find Ken working hard to get the job done. He works in whatever area that needs help and offers technical assistance on the hundreds of questions that come up each day.  He thoroughly enjoys the variety of work he gets to participate in.

Outside of work, Ken spends time attending to his fruit and vegetables he enjoys growing. He and his family also spend time enjoying local festivals and all they have to offer. 

Filed Under: Employee Higlights

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