What Should You Look For With a Power Generation Trainer?

Quality field service and power generation training is difficult to come by, especially if your organization is not familiar with rotating equipment, preventative maintenance and power generators. The training of operators on power generators and field service is a complex topic. Here is a decent litmus test you should use when selecting a contractor to provide service for your company.

Shaft Alignments

When you begin the selection process to find a contractor to work on your generators, you want to be absolutely certain they can correctly align rotating equipment. Improper alignment leads to high vibrations that cause bearing failures. Most contractors are equipped with laser alignment tools that calculate what size shim to place on each foot of the machine. You will want to feel out your contractor and ask them about difficult alignment problems such as countering “soft foot” to ensure they won’t cheap out and provide a subpar alignment that damages your equipment.

Vibration Analysis

Vibrations that are measured from machinery are much like the pulse and blood pressure of humans. Vibration analysis is an indispensable tool that is used to both protect, and diagnose your rotating equipment to include power generators. Depending on the waveform, it is even possible to determine what sort of bearing or shaft damage is present with the machine. There are numerous manufacturers of vibration measurement instrumentation, so ensure that your service provider is using one such as Windrock to acquire their readings. One of the first questions you should use when gauging a potential contractor or trainer for your company is, “Describe what a node and anti-node are.” This allows you to gauge how comfortable their organization is with setting up vibration measurements.

Thermal Imaging

Many individuals believe that using thermal imaging such as FLIR is as simple as pointing a camera at a piece of machinery or wire way and investigating hotspots for problems. The reality is that thermal imaging as a diagnostic tool is much more complicated than that. You will want to ensure the contractor you select as a service provider is familiar with the different thermal absorption and reflectivity of different materials are to avoid false positives during the troubleshooting process. Additionally, ensure that the service provider is also aware of various camera settings that help filter out background thermal radiation. The goal is to ensure that your contractor is providing the best possible service for the money.

About the Author:RLN Energy Services is an Edmonton, Alberta based company that specializes in the sale and resale of heavy power equipment. It is a privately held corporation with a team of highly experienced & skilled technicians in mechanical and electrical industries. RLN Energy Services provides sales of various power system equipment that includes natural gas equipment, portable power plants, diesel generator sets, turbine powered equipment & more. Along with the sale of power equipment, they also focus on training specific services for the maintenance, safety, switching operations & associated tools in the industry.

Rln Energy Services is an Edmonton, Alberta based corporation providing sales of heavy industrial or commercial power equipments.