Balancer Results in Fewer $200,000 Motor Rebuilds for U.S. Steel
The U. S. Steel Fairfield Works facility in Fairfield, Alabama was experiencing vibration of the basic oxygen furnace, or Q-BOP, ID (induced draft) fans. Since the furnace heats the steel to approximately 2,800-degrees-Fahrenheit, the fans are critical to a successful steel-making process. U. S. Steel was forced to respond to the scenario by cleaning and manually balancing the fans at least every three months. Since the installation of three LORD Corporation Balancing Systems, U.S. Steel averages one scheduled maintenance shut- down and one interim cleaning per year. Considering the typical shutdown lasts between eight and 12 hours, the savings are significant. But beyond saved revenue and time from reduced shutdowns, the online balancing technology continuously maintains the balance level of the fans below 0.8 mils, as compared to the previous 1.0 mils low level field balance. Additionally, the motor and bearing life has been increased, resulting in fewer motor rebuilds at approximately $200,000 each.
