Mechanical Component

Check to make sure you have enough oil in your Gear Boxes. You also need to do some oil analysis from time to time to check for wear and foreign particulates. Check your seals to see if they are leaking. Examine backlash and endplay to make sure all shafts, gears, and hardware are working correctly.

Examining Drift Shafts and Couplings for proper alignment is critical to your system. You should also check the condition of your bearings to see if they are tightened properly to the shaft. You will want examine for rust and stress fractures including weakened elastomeric flex areas. Maintenance or service technicians can help in these areas.

Fan Systems need to be checked frequently as these are some of the first areas to be replaced. Blades always corrode or experience erosion. Look out for welds and hub areas in the blades, because these are great areas for rust to develop. You need to always check the bushings in your hub and shaft area to make sure they are not loose. Include the bushings on the motor shaft and joints on your motor mounts. Tighten belts as needed.

With today’s ever increasing demand for immediate sustainable MW power, the importance of the best heat rejection methods at the Combined Cycle Plant level should always continue to drive maintenance decisions. The old adage is true, and should be part of the power plant lexicon, “If you take care of your Cooling Tower it will Take Care of You.” Pay me now or pay me later.