Detection of Inadequate Lubrication in ID Fan of a Super Thermal Power Plant Using Vibration Analysis

Availability of electrical power round the clock and throughout the year is the most essential requirement for industrial and economic growth of any country. In the present era of fierce competition and financial constraints, the reliability and availability of operating power plants are becoming a challenging issue. The reliability and availability of the plant highly depend upon its maintenance planning and strategies. Appropriate maintenance can sustain continuous and consistent operation with reduction in downtime. In spite of high initial investment, condition monitoring is implemented to reduce the downtime and increase the safety of the plant. Among all the techniques, vibration analysis is the most reliable one, for the diagnosis of the machinery faults. The present study is condition monitoring of an induced draft fan (ID fan) of a super thermal power plant. The vibration of ID fan was measured and analysed to diagnose the defect in it, and remedial action was taken.