CASE STUDY Lubrication Improvement Restores Pump Performance at Glass Container Plant
A leading glass manufacturer, which produces bottles and jars for various industries, including food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and chemical packaging, detected a rise in vibration velocity on a vacuum pump. Left unresolved, the issue risked pump failure, process interruptions, and costly delays to customer deliveries.
Waites’ monitoring revealed an increase in RMS velocity and a dominant frequency of ~182 Hz in the FFT spectrum, likely corresponding to the blade frequency. These patterns suggested possible lubrication-related bearing issues. Maintenance was advised to inspect the pump’s operating mode, check for elevated noise, and ensure proper lubrication.
Velocity on the pump’s drive-end bearing rose steadily to 0.274 in/sec PK, signaling developing lubrication-related bearing issues.
Post-lubrication, velocity dropped to 0.035 in/sec PK and remained stable, confirming restored bearing health.
The maintenance team increased the lubrication frequency for the vacuum pump bearings. Post-maintenance monitoring confirmed vibration velocity levels had returned to baseline, and Waites’ analysts verified the resolution.