DC Drive problems

[Triadnc4u]

I am having a problem keeping clean air on our 18.5Kw DC motors. The air is an oily environment, which causes the commutators to wear out and the motors fail due to the dirty air ingested. The air is a mix of lubricating oils, and a kerosene based degreaser which keeps a mist in the immediate area of the motors. We attempt cleaning of the motors on a regular basis, but are limited in the time we are allowed to service them. Is there a way to protect these motors in another way? I have installed filter boxes on the blower motors, and change the filters approximately once every other week. If anyone has any ideas as to another approach to either keeping the air clean ( we cannot duct the air in due to restrictions in space ) or a better filter medium, or any way to coat the commutator so as to limit damage...

 

[busbar]

"...cleaning of the motors on a regular basis, but are limited in the time we are allowed to service them."

The motors will schedule their own downtime, if left to nature—but rest assured in that case, downtime and recovery will rarely be cost effective.

 

[Triadnc4u]

The company I work for seems to feel it is less expensive to let the machines run until the motors are trash, then pay to have them removed, rebuilt, reinstalled, and set up again. As long as we have the spare, they seem not to feel it is a threat to production numbers. I know, venting here. I am just trying to figure out a better system to keep them clean. Thankssssssss

 

[cbarn24050]

Hi, replace them with sealed brushless motors, its expensive but you only do it once.

 

[jbartos]

Suggestion: What about circulating some airconditined air inside the housing you built for those motors?