SPM HD solves problems with bearing damages on low speed machinery
Ortviken Paper Mill in Sweden, owned by SCA, produces coated publication papers, LWC and newsprint on four paper machines with an annual production capacity of 850.000 tons. For Ortviken, the SPM HD® measuring technique is the solution to years of problems with bearing-related breakdowns on low-RPM machinery like the twin wire presses, which are used for dewatering of the pulp.
Applications monitored were twin wire presses, used for dewatering of pulp, normally running at 6 to 15 rpm. None of the monitoring systems previously installed in the mill provided a dependable method for detection of bearing wear and damage, and bearing replacements therefore were carried out in conjunction with time-based maintenance. The lack of reliable bearing condition information often leads to the dismounting of the wrong bearings, in turn causing breakdowns on other bearings in worse condition.
In the summer of 2010, the Intellinova online system with SPM HD was installed on Ortviken’s four Andritz twin wire presses. Following a short period of system calibration, six bearing damages have been successfully identified, and the bearings have been replaced during planned stops. Examination of the replaced bearings have verified that SPM HD® does indicate the correct type of bearing damage, and bearing replacement costs are now significantly reduced.
"After a few months of bearing condition measurement with SPM HD, we conclude that it works completely and to our full satisfaction. We are now planning for the application of SPM HD on more low RPM machinery, and we can recommend SPM HD to other users with bearing problems on such machinery.” - Maintenance manager at SCA Ortviken