temporarily tilting vertical motor on its side prior to installation

[electricpete]

We have a motor located at a hard-to-reach location in the plant. When replacing the motor, we will have to temporarily maneuver the new motor horizontally to get past obstacles prior to final installation in upright position. The old motor (not as critical, but still important) will also have to be maneuvered horizontally for removal.


Motor information: 300hp, 460vac vertical motor with GREASED upper and lower bearings.

Bearings for new motor: 6318 upper and back-to-back 70BZ03 / 70BT03 lower. I think it has approx 30 mils endplay (the internal clearance of split inner ring 70BZ03).

Bearings for Outgoing motor: 6322 lower, 90BT03 upper. I think it is adjusted for 5 – 10 mils endplay.

QUESTION 1 – Is it acceptable to tilt the motor?
QUESTION 2 – How much care is required when tilting the motor to avoid damage?
QUESTION 3 – Is it required to block the shaft when tilting the motor.


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(2B)+(2B)' ?

 

[electricpete]

I don't think it makes a difference to this thread, but I seriously messed up the description of the motor bearings, so I am going to correct it here so I don’t hopelessly confuse myself.

Bearings for new motor: 6318 upper and back-to-back 70BZ03 / 70BT03 lower. I think it has approx 30 mils endplay (the internal clearance of split inner ring 70BZ03).

Bearings for Outgoing motor: 6322 lower, 90BT03 upper. I think it is adjusted for 5 – 10 mils endplay.

should have been:

Bearings for new motor: 6318 lower and back-to-back 70BZ03 / 70BT03 upper. I think it has approx 30 mils endplay (the internal clearance of split inner ring 70BZ03).

Bearings for Outgoing motor: 3222 lower, 90BC03 (6318) upper. I think it is adjusted for 5 – 10 mils endplay.


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(2B)+(2B)' ?

 

[MiketheEngineer]

Call the mfg??

 

[electricpete]

Thanks. Both the motors are somewhat unique designs manufactured 20+ years ago and I have not had any luck opening a communication channel with the OEM so far. I am still interested if any forum members have experience or thoughts in this matter.

I can’t see any problems other than potential bearing dings from rattling around within the endplay if handled roughly. I can’t imagine the rotor contacting stator. I’m inclined toward allowing to carefully tilt only with rotor blocked.

Can anyone see any problems with this approach?


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(2B)+(2B)' ?

 

[waross]

I have always understood that the main issue was the support of the end weight of the rotor and any supported objects. Given the magnetic forces on the rotor, if the bearings are capable of keeping the rotor centered during starting I don't see a problem with supporting the weight of the rotor alone, not running. Avoid shocks and jars.

Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter

 

[MiketheEngineer]

My guess is that you want to lock the rotor - but I guess my concern would be any lubricating issues.

Not sure how all that works - but tipping it might drain it or cause all the oil to pool in one area.

Maybe a "rest period" after movement is in order?? Like moving a refrigerator. If you tip it on its side - you are supposed to place it upright for 24 hours before power up??!!

 

[KllrWolf]

IF the motor does not have any fluids in it, just the greased bearings, I would say it would be no problem. Certain precaustions should be taken as a just in case insurance, like locking the rotor and avoiding shocks and bangs.

 

[dArsonval]

The motor in question with this thread has likely been installed by now, so I acknowledge this potential fact.

QUESTION 1 – Is it acceptable to tilt the motor?

Yes. It's a "greased" ball bearing motor, hence it's mechanical attributes hold fast. (If it were oil lubricated, additional precautions would be necessary such as replenishing any lost oil as a result of the equipment being tilted.)

QUESTION 2 – How much care is required when tilting the motor to avoid damage?

Many times electrical connection boxes fastened to a motor are in the way, and may have to be removed. So, protecting the exposed leads is always important. Utilizing straps, as opposed to chains in hanging on to the motor during the rigging process is also helpful.

QUESTION 3 – Is it required to block the shaft when tilting the motor?

Again, with it being a "greased" ball bearing motor, movement of the shaft during its installation is not a factor... UNLESS it's a thrust type bearing using oil to be lubricated.

 

[ScottyUK]

"If it were oil lubricated, additional precautions would be necessary such as replenishing any lost oil as a result of the equipment being tilted."

More to the point, drain any oil before it gets somewhere it shouldn't like all over the windings!


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If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!

 

[racookpe1978]

Greased bearings (top and bottom) implies very low probability for problems for several reasons.

The grease is (by definition) sticky and injected into the bearing cavity and between the bearing covers (not gravity fed, nor with a oil reservoir or liquid storage for the oil), so its not likely to cause problems - particularly not when going from a vertical (running and stopped position) into a horizontal on-crane position.

Same is true for lifting it when sideways: don't go upside down, but clamping the rotor, then turning a vertical shaft motor 90 degrees sideways will be only a "rigging" problem, not a motor problem.

 

[786392]

Dears Hello/Good afternoon,
Although not at all a E/motors expert,but rather a novice.

In case the greasing is properly stuffed up and voids/air pockets etc. and thoroughly sealed greased enclosures.

There should not any serious envisage-able problems

Hope prove helpful!



Best Regards
Qalander(Chem)