Metso Insights Blog Mining and metals blog Unlocking the power of Cleansolv girth gear cleaning with digital gear inspections
Mining
Apr 25, 2024

Unlocking the power of Cleansolv girth gear cleaning with digital gear inspections

The significance of girth gear cleaning, particularly when paired with digital gear inspections (DGI), cannot be overstated. By eliminating the accumulation of contaminated lubricant, we mitigate variations in lift-off for the inspection probe, thereby enhancing sensitivity and consistency throughout the inspection process.

Variations in lift-off compromise the sensitivity of the inspection probe, leading to inconsistent data collection throughout the inspection process. This lack of consistency hinders repeatability in subsequent inspections, making it difficult to identify trends.

Our extensive experience using the Cleansolv cleaning program for over 20 years in implementing a rigorous gear cleaning program underscores its efficiency, taking less than an hour to clean a girth and pinion. This program, in conjunction with ASTM E2905 guidelines, ensures optimal conditions for subsequent inspections.

The superior capabilities of DGI, operating at higher frequencies, provide unparalleled 100% coverage of critical gear areas such as the addendum and dedendum, and root all in one pass across the gear flank. This surpasses the limitations of Alternating Current Field Measurement (ACFM) and Phased Array Ultrasonics (PAUT), allowing for more comprehensive inspections.

The ability to archive data with DGI offers valuable insights into surface and near-surface indications, aiding in the early detection of potential failure modes. This, coupled with the non-destructive examination enabled by ASTM E2905, optimizes downtime and increases production revenue by preemptively addressing issues before they escalate.

Moreover, providing final digital reports offers concise insights for maintenance teams and the insurance industry, facilitating informed decision-making and effective risk management strategies.

In summary, integrating efficient gear cleaning practices with ASTM E2905-compliant inspections ensures a robust approach to maintaining gear integrity, ultimately contributing to the reliability and longevity of gear-driven rotating equipment.

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