If you work in a refinery, you know what rotating equipment means. These are the devices that bring about the movement or flow of a variety of substances including solids, gases, and liquids. Like other pieces of machinery in factories and other industrial concerns, problems arise. Whether through age, neglect or other instance, it is essential to look at replacing or repairing the machinery. For rotating equipment, a repair may be necessary under several circumstances. Two of the major issues resulting in this action being taken are imbalance and misalignment. This is not acceptable with machinery that must be reliable and precise, no matter what the application or industry.
Unbalance/Imbalance
When it comes to the petrochemical and chemical industries, imbalance or unbalance is the most common problem. The issue occurs within the rotating assembly when each section features an unequal or unbalanced mass distribution. As a result, the mass centerline of the rotor fails to coincide with the rotation axis. Unbalance vibration takes place.
Misalignment
Rotor misalignment is the second most common problem requiring rotating equipment repair services. The force displaces the rotor. Once pushed out of its original position, it creates irregular or eccentricity. The machinery may vibrate as the rotor proceeds to rotate in an irregular or odd configuration, e.g. bow pattern. Misalignment is not the result of a singular cause. Misalignment can create the right conditions for bearing degradation.
Rotating Equipment Repair
If you work in a refinery or chemical factory, the term rotating equipment is a familiar one. These are the devices that carry along various liquids, solids or gases, transporting them to their destination. While regular maintenance may prevent many issues, there comes a time when this is not enough. In many instances, rotating equipment repair will prove to be the best solution. For other cases, the only solution will be replacing the affected component.
