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The Snell Group...Our Knowledge. Your Advantage

Motor Circuit Analysis eBrief

May 2008

The Snell Group would like to introduce you to our new e-Newsletter on Motor Circuit Analysis. Similar to our monthly Infrared eBriefs, we'll send updates on upcoming MCA training classes, useful tips on motor circuit testing, details on available consulting and inspection services as well as information regarding online resources for technicians.

To continue receiving this monthly MCA eBrief, please register by subscribing via the following link:

Register for MCA eBriefs from The Snell Group

Upcoming MCA Training

Motor Circuit Analysis - Offline

Charleston, South Carolina, September 15-19

Price: $1,895 USD/person

REGISTER HERE

Course Overview: The intent of The Snell Group's training course is to simplify the motor testing process by examining the individual tests utilized by today’s motor circuit analysis equipment. LEARN MORE

On-Site MCA Training

Motor Circuit Analysis courses can also be administered for one set price as a customized on-site training class at your location. There are many advantages to hosting an onsite including:

  • A lower total training cost for groups with six or more participants.
  • The ability to integrate hands-on field work with your plant’s equipment.
  • A lower student to teacher ratio, maximizing the attendees learning experience.

To receive a quote on a customized on-site training class, please contact us online via this link.

Motor Circuit Analysis Tip

Use a portable strobe tachometer for accurate identification and confirmation of RPM.

Current Signature Analysis is fast becoming a rival to Vibration Analysis in identifying many load related mechanical faults. However the software provided by the motor tester manufacturers is currently not as aptly scripted to provide automated localization of potential fault frequencies as that of the vibration equipment software.

Most motor tester manufacturers' equipment is adequate at identifying motor speed (RPM.) This is a crucial foundation for further analysis. A highly recommended practice is to utilize a portable strobe tachometer for accurate identification and confirmation of RPM. This is particularly important for motors that exhibit unknown spectral frequencies, which, may or may not be a result of normal operation.

The strobe can be utilized to map the speed, in RPM, of all of the driven components in the equipment drive train. Then through correlation of the identified component RPM, to the displayed spectral frequencies, you may determine the source.

Further analysis can determine if the frequency is normal or indication of a developing fault.

New MCA White Papers Posted to Knowledge Center

The Snell Group is pleased to announce that new White Papers have been posted to the online Knowledge Center and are now available for free download (with registration) through June 30th, 2008.

White Papers are professional technical articles written by instructors, consultants and inspectors who have, combined, hundreds of years of experience in the industry teaching and practicing both infrared and motor circuit analysis.

Thermal Profiles of Electric Motors and Their Relationship to Motor Circuit Analysis

By Elmer DeForest

Download Here

Read about a study that was performed on twenty-one motors. Eighteen of them were identical motors in identical service with the same model number and sequential serial numbers. This created a unique situation where motor data could be compared and analyzed.

Understanding Motor Starter Circuits

By Roy Huff

Download Here

Whether it’s your first infrared inspection or you’re a veteran with hundreds of surveys under your belt, understanding the equipment under inspection is crucial to the successful identification and analysis of thermal anomalies. This paper will identify and discuss the components and potential problem areas involved with motor starter circuits. It will also look at methods of infrared inspection and illustrate some common and some not-so-common thermal anomalies.

About The Snell Group

We are the world’s leading expert on using Infrared Thermography (IR) and Motor Circuit Analysis (MCA) to reduce risk, increase uptime, save money, conserve energy and improve safety. The Snell Group offers training, certification, inspection, consulting and information services for IR and MCA professionals and their programs world-wide.

Learn more at www.thesnellgroup.com