Troubleshooting Loose Belt Issues in an Induction Motor-Driven Chaff Cutter: A Case Study

 

Motor Model: 3.0 HP / 1440 / B / 1 PH - Induction Motor

 

Client: Dairy Farm Owner at Bhagalpur, Bihar, India

 

Lubi Induction Motor
Lubi Induction Motor

 

Our Induction Motors play a critical role in enhancing the efficiency of any machine that requires an induction motor for its functioning. With their high torque and reliable performance, these motors ensure smooth and consistent operation, contributing to improved productivity and overall performance of the machine. With their robust design and impressive power output, these motors are a perfect fit for a wide range of industrial tasks, offering dependable and efficient motorization to propel machinery with ease.  

Situation:  

 

In the bustling town of Bhagalpur, Bihar, a dairy farm owner relied on our high-performance Induction Motor, to drive his Chaff Cutting Machine. This Induction Motor played a crucial role in finely chopping nutritious fodder to feed his herd of dairy cows, ensuring their well-being and optimum milk production.
However, a sudden disruption in the machine's performance left the dairy farm owner perplexed and concerned. With his farm's productivity at stake, he swiftly reached out to us through our toll-free helpline, seeking a solution to restore the machine's functionality.

 

Note:
 

  1. Customers can register a complaint by calling our toll-free number, after which they will receive a text message with information about the complaint as well as the contact details of our service engineer.
  2. Our Engineer usually calls up to fix an appointment as per the electricity schedule of the area - as there are frequent power disruptions in some places. 

 

Observation: 

 

Upon reaching the site, our service engineer immediately commenced the inspection to validate the reported problem and identify its root cause.

 

  • Power Supply Check: Following standard operating procedures, our engineer assessed the power supply to ensure it met the required levels.
  • Motor Functionality Test: Next, our engineer switched on the motor to assess its smooth operation and functionality.
  • Performance Testing with Grass: Our engineer instructed the client to feed grass into the chaff cutter and started the motor to observe its performance.
  • Grass Quantity Adjustment: To further investigate the issue, our engineer asked the client to reduce the quantity of grass and repeat the process of feeding it into the chaff cutter while starting the motor.

 

Findings:

 

After a thorough inspection, our engineer uncovered the following findings:

 

  • While examining the power supply, our engineer confirmed that the power supply from the mains was adequate and met the necessary requirements.
  • The motor exhibited normal and reliable functioning during the test.
  • As soon as our client fed some grass into the chaff cutter, the machine stopped working. 
  • When our client reduced the quantity of grass and again fed it into the chaff cutter, it stopped again. 

 

A glimpse of the on-site
A glimpse of the on-site

 

  • Considering these observations, our engineer suspected that the issue did not lie with the motor but rather with some another component. Upon examination, it was discovered that the belt connecting the motor to the chaff cutter's pulley was loose.

Solution:

 

With the loose belt identified as the likely cause of the chaff cutting machine's malfunction, our engineer promptly tightened the belt. 

As soon as he was finished with it, he requested the client to feed grass in the chaff cutter and check. 

This time, the machine operated smoothly and effectively, resolving the initial issue.

Before concluding the visit, our engineer provided valuable recommendations to the operator to prevent any potential future problems:

 

  • Firstly, he emphasized the importance of constructing a sturdy and well-levelled foundation for the motor.
  • Secondly, he recommended using robust and sturdy baseplate or supports for the machine, to enhance its durability and longevity.
  • Furthermore, he suggested regular inspections of the pulley and belt, urging prompt replacement if signs of wear and tear are detected, ensuring optimal performance, and preventing potential malfunctions. 

Remarks:

 

  1. The recommended power supply for a single-phase induction motor ranges from 180 to 230 Volts.
  2. Ensure that the belt and pulley are properly fitted and that the tension is appropriate before starting the motor.
  3. The length of the belt in a belt-driven pulley system connected to an induction motor is crucial for maintaining proper power transmission, speed ratio, and minimizing slippage, wear, and vibration. Ensuring the correct belt length and tension is essential for efficient and reliable operation.
  4. Ensuring proper motor connection in accordance with the machine direction is essential to ensure optimal performance, prevent damage to the equipment, and ensure the correct rotation and functionality of the machine driven by the motor.
  5. Ensuring regular lubrication of the motor is vital for maintaining its peak performance.
  6. Performing routine inspections and maintenance on the motor can proactively identify potential issues before they escalate

 

For smooth and uninterrupted working of your motor, always follow the instructions and standard operating procedure issued by the manufacturer in the user manual.