Maintenance of Motor After Submersion
In industrial settings, submerging electric motors in water may sometimes be necessary or unavoidable. For example, a motor may become submerged as the result of a flood, water short circuit, or any other water related event. In this situation, an electric motor must be taken apart and thoroughly inspected.
Inspect the Insulation: The insulation inside the electric motor is the most important part to inspect after a submersion event. This is because when an electric motor is submerged, the water can cause the insulation to become saturated, leading to a short circuit. Due to this, water can seep in and cause the motor to short circuit and spark. This can potentially cause a serious safety issue, as the electricity produced from the short circuit can cause accidents or fires.
To check the insulation, start by removing the windings of the motor and inspecting them underneath a microscope. If the insulation looks damaged or cracked, replace it with new insulation immediately. If the insulation looks intact, then proceed to drying it. Place the insulation outside in direct sunlight if possible, otherwise using a hairdryer or fan can also work to dry the insulation.
Inspect the bearings and connections: While checking the insulation, it is also important to check the bearings and connections of the electric motor. Since these parts may also have been exposed to water, they must be checked for signs of corrosion. If corrosion is present, repair or replace the part as soon as possible.
Lubricate the Motor: After all of the above steps are done, it is important to lubricate the electric motor. This will help to ensure that it runs smoothly and efficiently. Be sure to use the correct type of lubricant, as not all lubricants are the same. This lubrication can be done manually or through the use of an automated lubrication system.
Test the Motor: After the electric motor has been inspected, dried, and lubricated, it is important to test it. This can be done by connecting the motor to an external power source and then running it through its range of speeds. If all tests are complete without any issues, then the motor can be declared safe to use.
The process of maintenance of a motor after submergence is very important in order to ensure the safety and reliability of the motor. In this article, we discussed the most important steps in maintaining a motor after a submersion event, including inspecting the insulation, checking all bearings and connections, and lubricating the motor before running tests on it. By following these steps, you can help to ensure that your motor is safe and reliable for use.
