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CASE STUDY Predictive Vibration Monitoring Prevents Vacuum Pump Motor Failure at Forest Products Facility

pulp-and-paper-pump-sensor
INDUSTRY
Pulp and Paper
EQUIPMENT TYPE
Pumps
FAILURE MODE
Lubrication
IMPACT
$314K saved 
16 hours of downtime avoided 
2 days from initial alert to verified resolution 
THE CHALLENGE

Vacuum pumps play a vital role in pulp, paper, tissue, and packaging production—supporting moisture removal and process stability. At a major forest products manufacturing facility, Waites' sensors detected an increase in vibration on a vacuum pump motor. Unresolved, this issue could have halted production, delayed shipments, and caused substantial financial losses.

PROBLEM IDENTIFIED

Waites’ vibration analysis identified rapidly rising acceleration levels, particularly on the motor’s drive-end (DE) bearing. Diagnostic charts revealed significant vibration spikes, clearly indicating insufficient lubrication. Analysts recommended immediate bearing inspection and lubrication to prevent bearing failure.

pulp-and-paper-pump-before

Acceleration levels reached critical points (2.2236 g), clearly signaling urgent bearing lubrication concerns on the motor's drive-end bearing.

pulp-and-paper-pump-after

Following lubrication, vibration acceleration returned to normal operating levels (0.3218 g), validating the effectiveness of preventive maintenance.

QUICK RESOLUTION

Responding promptly to Waites' alert, the maintenance team completed a routine lubrication cycle for the vacuum pump motor. Subsequent vibration monitoring confirmed a swift return to normal vibration levels. Waites' analysts remotely verified the improvement and updated vibration baselines accordingly.

$ 313,936
COST SAVINGS
16 Hours
DOWNTIME AVOIDED
2 Days
ALERT TO RESOLUTION

RAPID RESULTS

Early predictive maintenance intervention by Waites enabled the facility to avoid 16 hours of downtime and save approximately $313,936. This proactive resolution protected production schedules, ensuring continuous operation of the critical vacuum pump system.

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