Aggregates Manager Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/93285
EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT 9 Gear backlash is the amount of clear- ance between the ring gear and pinion gear. Maintaining the proper amount of backlash is important. If it is too tight, you'll wear the gears out, which will not only reduce the lifespan of the gears, but it also can result in top bearing problems in the gear unit. An annual check of the backlash in the gears is imperative to maximize the life of the gears. Again, consult your owner's manual for proper backlash amounts and procedures. Gear unit backlash in 90-degree gear drives. 10 Bearing temperature. High bearing tempera- tures and wear are generally not an issue because classifiers are relatively slow-speed machines and don't handle the aggressive work of pulverizers. How- ever, a high bearing tempera- ture can be an indication of an impending bearing failure and could save you from having a major failure. Bear- ings have been known to fail simply because they were not properly monitored. As part of an expanded preventive maintenance pro- gram, a vibration analysis expert can take a vibration reading as a baseline and then compare it to annual readings. They can identify and isolate any suspect bearings. Remember, wear and tear is based on the characteristics of your specific mate- rial. For instance, silica sand applications may have to be inspected every 30 to 60 days to troubleshoot any wear problems, whereas soft limestone-like materials will give you a much more generous An annual check of the backlash in the gears is imperative to maximize the life of the gears.c maintenance schedule. Each deposit from each territory is different depending on the chemical property of the material, so always be aware of the silica or quartz content. Keep on top of your maintenance sched- ule and your air classifier will earn its keep, doing what it was designed to do — turning common stone into common currency. AM William Chapman is lab manager and William MacNeil is lab service technician, both with Sturtevant Inc. Introducing the new Metso Lokotrack ST2.4 mobile screen High capacity, fuel efficient The new Lokotrack ST2.4 combines high capacity with top-quality end products. The ST2.4 delivers the lowest cost per ton in its size class through better fuel efficiency, higher output and low operating costs. For reliable, cost-effective screening, contact your Metso distributor today. metso.com email: minerals.nam@metso.com Lokotrack ST2.4 mobile screen Write 109 on Reader Service Card or visit www.aggman.com/info AGGREGATES MANAGER October 2012 25