Welcome to our first ORBIT for 2006. Although the cover for this issue is admittedly a bit tongue-in-cheek, it reflects a serious concern faced by many of our readers: the challenges faced in creating a compelling financial case as they justify to their executive management the value of condition monitoring and reliability/maintenance programs.
Integrated Asset Management at REGCO, Thailand (1.8MB PDF)
The Rayong Electricity Generating Company (REGCO) was the first independent power producer on Thailand's electricity grid and has been recognized every year since 1997 for exceeding availability targets. This case history chronicles their success and the role that GE's System 1® and EfficiencyMap™ software packages play in running the plant optimally.
Preventing a Recurring Reactor Shaft Failure at Pfizer Global Research & Development (710KB PDF)
Pfizer's operations in Sandwich, Kent, U.K., suffered from a number of shaft failures until they installed a system that alerted the company personnel about the conditions that damage the machine. Helping save several machines, the system more than paid for itself in the first year of its operation. This case history by Pfizer's Richard Prosser explores the engineering that went into the installation of this system and the excellent results achieved to date.
Synopsis of Savings (195KB PDF)
Does it pay to invest in Condition Monitoring for mechanical and thermodynamic assessment? Four short summaries included in this article show how customers in a variety of industries answered this question.
From the Desk Of
Investing in Innovation (66KB PDF)
Bernie Anger, General Manager for Technology, underscores the ongoing business commitment to develop new products that meet the expanding needs of our customers. This article looks at some of the activities and initiatives for 2006.
Applications
Understanding Discrepancies in Vibration Amplitude Readings Between Different Instruments - Part 2 of 2 (288KB PDF)
In Part 1 (395KB PDF) of this article that appeared in the July 2005 issue of ORBIT (Vol. 25 No. 2), we explored the role of input signals and signal conditioning when readings from different vibration measurement instruments are different. Part 2 concludes this in-depth study by examining the role of different amplitude detection algorithms as well as calibration issues. This practical article is a must for all who have ever wondered why their portable data collector and permanent monitoring system do not always agree with each other.
Back to Basics
Understanding
Trip Multiply (63KB PDF)
Trip Multiply is a monitoring system function that allows
temporary elevation of alarm setpoints and permits a machine
to pass through its resonant frequencies where it experiences
higher than normal vibration without incurring radial vibration
alarms. In this Back to Basics article, ORBIT Editor Steve
Sabin examines the details of applying this feature correctly
in a manner consistent with its coverage in American Petroleum
Institute Standard 670.
New Product Showcase
3500/65 16-Channel Temperature Monitor (164KB PDF)
This new module provides all the functionality of our 6-channel version, but packs full 16 channels into a single 3500 rack slot.
3500/46M Hydro Monitor (58KB PDF)
Many hydro applications, such as pump-storage units, involve distinctly different vibration characteristics depending on the operating regime. Our 3500/46M module has recently been enhanced to address multiple machine states for such applications.
New 20mm Air Gap Sensor (65KB PDF)
Joining generators is a new 20mm sensor, ideal for small- to medium-sized generators, where a reduced linear range is often necessary.
1900/65 Continues to Add Functionality (65KB PDF)
Now, our 1900/65 self-contained monitor supports RTD and machine speed inputs along with trip multiply capabilities.
3300 XL 50mm Proximity Transducer System (Preliminary Datasheet) (154KB PDF)
An all new 50mm proximity transducer system combines our longest linear range with a robust package designed to address differential expansion applications in steam turbines. This completely redesigned system offers better moisture resistance and a broader temperature range. It also features our innovative color-coding system, now used on all of our proximity probe systems to help eliminate installation errors.
System 1 Software Version 6.0 (52KB PDF)
System 1 software version 6.0 is now available and this article provides an easy-to-read tabular summary of the numerous new features and benefits it provides.
Announcements
Services Team Surpasses 4 Million Injury-free Hours (149KB PDF)
Our services team recently received an award for being the safest team in the entire General Electric Company - no small feat considering the types of facilities they work in daily.
