Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) enable pump users to control motor speed, improve process control, and optimize energy usage. But with these advantages comes an often-overlooked reliability risk: premature failure due to electrical bearing damage.
For facilities that depend on operation, unplanned downtime is not an option. That’s where AEGIS® Shaft Grounding Rings come in—offering a proven, low-maintenance solution to premature bearing failure to help keep your operations running smoothly.
The Hidden Problem: VFD-caused Shaft Voltage
Drives induce high-frequency voltage onto the shafts of the motors they control. This shaft voltage tends to discharge through the motor or pump bearings, causing
- Premature bearing wear and failure
- Increased maintenance costs
- Unplanned downtime and lost production
So while VFDs can save money by reducing energy consumption, they also increase the risk of unplanned downtime and the huge cost of lost production.
AEGIS Shaft Grounding Rings: How They Protect Your Systems
The AEGIS Shaft Grounding Ring is designed to bleed voltage off the shaft, preventing it from building up enough to discharge through the bearings.
Key features include:
- 360° microfiber contact for continuous grounding
- Virtually frictionless operation with up to 200,000 hours of wear life
- Little to no maintenance after installation
- Multiple mounting options to fit diverse system configurations
Installing a shaft grounding ring on a VFD-driven system is a simple, effective step toward improving reliability and avoiding costly downtime.
FAQs: Shaft Grounding for Pump Systems
Q: Do all VFD-driven systems need shaft grounding rings?
A: Yes. Any VFD-controlled system is at risk of premature failure from electrical bearing damage. Installing an AEGIS ring is a preventive measure to protect system reliability.
Q: Will a shaft grounding ring improve my system’s efficiency?
A: No. Shaft grounding rings protect reliability by mitigating electrical bearing damage, but they do not directly affect energy efficiency.
Q: How long do AEGIS Shaft Grounding Rings last?
A: Based on lab testing, AEGIS rings’ conductive microfibers can last up to 200,000 hours. In the field, their lifetime will be significantly shorter, but they can still be expected to function much longer than the L10 life of the bearings.
Q: Can AEGIS rings be installed on existing pump systems?
A: Absolutely. While AEGIS rings will not repair any electrical bearing damage already done, they will greatly reduce the risk of further damage.
Next Steps: Protect Your Assets Before Failure Happens
AEGIS Shaft Grounding Rings have become the trusted solution for pump operators who can’t afford unscheduled outages. With a low-maintenance design and a proven record of success across many industries, they’re the smart choice for any facility using VFD-driven pumping systems.
AEGIS Rings also come with a 2-year extended warranty against bearing fluting damage. No other form of protection against VFD-caused bearing damage offers 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.
