At a recent Fixturlaser Smart Machine Checker (SMC) training class, one particular pump came up during the discussions. This pump has been “a problem child” for years. It had been rebuilt recently by one of the class attendees. The mechanic had rebuilt the pump “just as it had come apart” and was certain the impeller clearances and precision shaft alignment were both within tolerance. The pump was consistently loud and vibrating.
We decided that it was the perfect pump for training. The SMC was set up and readings taken.The vertical and horizontal radial readings were good, however the axial vibration was off the charts. The diagnosis by the SMC showed the problem to be confined to the pump. The alignment was not identified as an issue, strictly the axial vibration in the pump. This led me to ask some questions about the rebuild.
As it turns out, the mechanics were unaware of how to properly replace the bearings in this pump. When the bearings were installed, no spacer ring was installed on either end of the shaft thus allowing the rotating assembly to float axially within the cases. That knowledge blossomed into a discussion about the years of failure of the pump and the passing on of incorrect or incomplete knowledge to the apprentices. It turns out that the pump was maintained by one mechanic for years that had recently retired and the new mechanic was doing as he was taught.
I have heard numbers thrown around that went something like this; A mechanic retains 50% of what they are taught, teaches 50% what they know and only 25% of that is heard!
VibrAlign is making an effort to properly educate our nation’s mechanics. We have a pool of qualified trainers and quality curriculum to help you get back on track if your training seems to be getting behind or you are experiencing a skills gap in your maintenance personnel.
Contact us, we can help!
https://acoem.us/contact/contact-us/
(800) 394-3279
