Root cause AC motor failure analysis

The squirrel cage induction motor remains the workhorse of the petrochemical industry because of its versatility and ruggedness. However, it has its limitations, which if exceeded will cause premature failure of the stator, rotor, bearings or shaft. This paper is the final abridgement and update of six previous PCIC papers presented over the last 24 years and includes the final piece dealing with shaft failures. A methodology is provided that will lead operations personnel to the most likely root causes of failure. Check-off sheets are provided to assist in the orderly collection of data to assist in the analysis. As the petrochemical industry evolves from reactive to time based, to preventive, to trending, to diagnostics, and to a predictive maintenance attitude, more and more attention to root cause analysis will be required. This paper helps provide a platform for the establishment of such an evolution. The product scope includes low and medium voltage squirrel cage induction motors in the 1 to 3000 horsepower range with anti-friction bearings. However, much of this material is applicable to other types and sizes.