Condition Monitoring, Troubleshooting and Reliability in Rotating Machinery

5Troubleshooting Temperature Problems

By Robert X. Perez

One of the most common types of problem seen around process machinery are those related to high temperature indications. A high temperature can be indicative of a bearing failure, electric motor overload, a reciprocating compressor valve failure, internal leakage problem, gas turbine firing issue, etc. Temperature problems can appear as a temperature alarm, paint discoloration, an elevated reading taken with an infrared gun or contact thermometer, or an abnormal temperature sensed by hand. When a temperature issue is identified, the first questions are: Is the temperature normal? What has it been running? It is too high? Should I shut down now or can I continue monitoring the temperature?

Every process machine is unique and poses unique challenges based on its design and construction. Some machines have rolling element bearings and some have fluid film bearings, which have different temperature limits. There are also centrifugal compressors and reciprocating compressors that offer unique challenges based on process conditions and the gases they compress. Because the designs of process machines are so broad, so is the topic of temperature monitoring. We will break down the discussion in this chapter into two parts: a) bearing temperature assessments and b) compressor discharge temperature assessments.

Temperature Assessments

Temperature is a practical and straightforward indicator of internal machine problems [1]. It ...