In the bustling food and beverage industry, every second counts. Whether mixing dough, pasteurizing milk, or processing meat, unexpected motor failures can throw a wrench in your operations.
VFD-induced electrical bearing damage is a common failure point in motors. But what if there was a way to shield motors from these pitfalls and ensure consistent uptime?
The Importance of Uptime
Uptime is more than a buzzword. Staying operational is the lifeblood of a food and beverage producer. Whether you're running a bakery, dairy plant, or meat processing facility, any unexpected halt can lead to significant losses. Lost revenue due to spoilage, delayed shipments, and customer dissatisfaction are just a few of the repercussions you might face.
The Role of Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
Variable frequency drives (VFDs) control motor speed and enhance energy efficiency in many motor-driven systems. From conveyors to mixers and pumps, VFDs help optimize performance while reducing energy consumption by 20 to 30%. But these drives have their downsides. VFDs produce harmful voltage on motor shafts, leading to electrical damage in bearings.
Understanding VFD-Induced Electrical Bearing Damage
VFD-induced electrical bearing damage occurs when voltage discharges through motor bearings. This can cause pitting, fluting, and eventually bearing failure. Without proper protection, this damage can negate the cost savings achieved through energy efficiency.
The Solution: AEGIS® Shaft Grounding Rings
AEGIS® Shaft Grounding Rings offer an effective solution for dissipating harmful voltage before it can discharge through motor bearings. By providing a low-impedance path to ground, these rings protect against VFD-induced electrical damage. This effectively prevents bearing damage and helps ensure uninterrupted operations.
These bearings help:
- Prevent bearing damage: Safely dissipate harmful voltage.
- Reduce downtime: Mitigate the risk of motor bearing failure due to electrical damage.
- Save on costs: Fewer losses due to unplanned downtime and maintenance costs of motor replacement/repair.
Real-Life Examples
These rings have a place across all segments of the food and beverage industry. We have several real-world case studies from the industry:
Invest in Continuous Uptime
Protecting motor bearings from VFD-induced damage with AEGIS® Shaft Grounding Rings helps ensure uninterrupted operation. This strategic investment helps minimize loss due to unplanned downtime and helps keep productivity high. For more information, contact us today.
AEGIS rings also come with a 2-year extended warranty against bearing fluting damage. No other form of shaft grounding comes with a warranty like this.
To learn more about AEGIS shaft grounding and best practices for electrical bearing protection, sign up for a training. We offer monthly live training webinars, and we can also visit your facility to review your exact application.
