CASE STUDY Vibration Trend Flags Gearbox Fault, Safeguarding Conveyor Uptime at Logistics Hub
At a major logistics hub, the bulk conveyor on the transfer line is essential for high-volume sorting and distribution. When Waites’ sensors flagged a rise in peak-to-peak vibration on a gearbox bearing, the risk of failure became imminent. A breakdown here could delay shipments, disrupt shift timing, and cost thousands in lost operational flow.
Waites’ vibration trend data showed increasing severity across both the Y- and Z-axes. Pk-Pk values climbed past warning thresholds, with Z-axis vibration exceeding 10g, indicating advanced wear on internal gearbox components, including gears and bearings. Maintenance teams confirmed the gearbox was deteriorating and scheduled replacement to avoid failure.
Consistent elevation in Y-axis pk-pk vibration revealed progressive gearbox wear, with values breaching warning thresholds and approaching failure conditions.
Z-axis vibration surged past 9g, clearly indicating severe imbalance or gear mesh deterioration, which required immediate maintenance attention.
Following Waites’ alert, the facility’s maintenance team promptly replaced the motor and gearbox. Post-repair vibration and temperature levels returned to normal. Waites’ analysts remotely verified the success of the intervention.