A scrubber fan at a steel tube mill was experiencing increased vibration due to a blockage in the ductwork. FitMachine, an online condition monitoring system, first detected anomalies in the fan's condition and the deterioration continued over several days. When operators inspected they found significant dirt buildup on the fan and in the ductwork. Cleaning the accessible areas allowed the machine to continue running and avoid an unplanned shutdown while a full ductwork clean was scheduled. FitMachine provided cost-effective condition monitoring to support routine vibration surveys and identify the developing issue.

1. 1 Right Solutions • Right Partner
Right Solutions • Right Partner
www.alsglobal.com
ALS – FitMachine Case Study:
Scrubber Fan Blockage
Steel Tube Mill, April 2019

2. 2 Right Solutions • Right Partner
Application
Scrubber Fan Application
• FitMachine implemented on
scrubber fan provide continuous
condition monitoring in-between
routine vibration surveys.
• Fan is crucial to keeping plant
operating

3. 3 Right Solutions • Right Partner
Finding
Scrubber Fan – Ductwork
Blockage
• FitMachine alerted to a change
in condition.
• The AI condition trend
continued to deteriorate over
the next few days.
• Operators were sent to
investigate.
• Conventional VA confirmed
increased vibration related to
fan running speed
FitMachine first detected anomaly
Deteriorating Condition

4. 4 Right Solutions • Right Partner
Result
• Operators inspected the fan and found significant dirt build-up on the fan and within the
ductwork.
• Accessible areas were cleaned immediately to keep the machine running.
• The customer was able to avoid costly prolonged downtime and schedule full ductwork clean
for a planned shutdown.
• MOVUS FitMachine provides cost effective online condition monitoring of rotating equipment
that supports handheld vibration data collection and analysis.

5. 5 Right Solutions • Right Partner
Contact
Braham Breytenbach
Reliability Systems Lead
T +61 7 3816 5500 D +61 7 3816 5529
F +61 7 3282 0118 M +61 438 743 673
braham.breytenbach@alsglobal.com
7 Brisbane Road
Riverview, QLD 4303
Right Solutions • Right Partner
www.alsglobal.com
Peter Caldwell
Senior Engineer, Industrial
Western Region
T +61 8 9232 0300 D +61 8 9232 0343
F +61 8 9232 0396 M +61 0 437 862 138
peter.caldwell@alsglobal.com
109 Bannister Road
Canning Vale WA 6155
Right Solutions • Right Partner
www.alsglobal.com