OREANDA-NEWS. April 05, 2010. EuroChem has begun implementing a system for monitoring the status of electric motors at Nevinnomyssky Azot, its plant in Nevinnomyssk, Stavropol Region. Under the project, the company is installing new diagnostic equipment worth more than RUR 5.5m. The new monitoring system is expected to be fully operational in September 2010.

The system for monitoring the stator insulation of high voltage electric motors will increase the service life of electric motors, ensure stable operation of production areas and the maintenance of production volumes at the appropriate level, while reducing the impact of chemical production on the environment. The installation of the new diagnostic equipment will also help reduce the number of unplanned work stoppages due to electrical failures arising from damage to the insulation of stator windings.

The system operates on the principle of analyzing partial discharges rather than conducting traditional high-voltage tests. Capacitive sensors and devices for periodic monitoring of partial discharges while the motor is running will be installed in the company’s production areas.

Special software will make it possible to analyze the condition of the insulation on the electric motors in the company’s production areas as well as maintain and repair the electric motors in real time. This will reveal hidden defects in the insulation on equipment while it is running and allow monitoring of wear in the insulation over time without switching off the motors.

The new equipment will be installed in the following production areas: Nos. 2A (urea), 8 (acetylene), 9 (acetaldehyde, methanol and butanol), 11 (air separation) and 12A (acetic acid).