Recently, AEM completed an urgent in-situ repair of a generator for ASC - Australia's largest specialised defence shipbuilding organisation.

A team of technicians from AEM worked in confined conditions to re-lead the 1,487 kVA port generator on the Collins Class submarine HMAS Farncomb.

ASC were so pleased with the quality and service provided that they presented AEM with a Certificate of Appreciation.

AEM is honoured to recieve this recognition!

Common knowledge dictates we store motors in a dry area away from rain and the elements. However, a less apparent factor is vibration – something which is often neglected when motors are put into storage.

During regular operation of a motor, all rolling elements of the bearing are continuously regreased so there is no metal-to-metal contact. When not in operation, slowly the grease is pressed out until there is no protection between the metal contact points. In this situation, vibration causes repeated metal-to-metal strikes in the same spot. Over time, these repeated strikes cause microscopic pits to form.

The appearance of this damage is similar to that of brinelling, which is caused by overloading a bearing. As a result, the damage described above is commonly referred to as false brinelling, but is also known as fretting.

When the motor is put back into operation, the rolling elements of the bearings hit these pits, causing additional friction and wear debris. After some time, the friction and debris will eventually cause the bearing to fail.

Here are some suggestions to reduce bearing damage of motors in storage:

• Storage area should be dry and kept above dew point
• Avoid storage near other vibrating machinery
• Avoid storage near high traffic areas, eg. where trucks or forklifts regularly operate
• Have maintenance crew rotate motor shafts on a regular basis, we suggest fortnightly or as your schedule allows.

Special: Previous Model RainBanks!

Previous model Davey RainBanks, massive savings, over $250 slashed off RRP!!

Brand new RainBank KRB50 rainwater harvesting system, including RainBank Mk1 controller and HP45-05 pump.

RRP $1,078
One only @ $822

Brand new RainBank KRB60 rainwater harvesting system, including RainBank Mk1 controller and HS50-06 pump with higher pressure.

RRP $1,210
One only @ $923

We welcome any comments or complaints regarding the AEM newsletter or our email updates - it's as easy as replying to our email.