A Guide to keep your bulk material handling variable frequency drives (VFDs) operating efficiently

Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) play a vital role in the bulk material handling industry. By adjusting the frequency and voltage supplied to electric motors based on the specific needs of each application, VFDs allow businesses to work more efficiently and prolong the life of their equipment. Don't underestimate the importance of simple preventative maintenance. Monitoring your equipment and taking a few simple steps can provide years of trouble-free service.  Here is a simple quick guide that can help:

1. Inspect your VFD’s regularly. Even a quick visual scan can detect signs of moisture, loose connections and potential hazards. It is also a good idea to check internal components, such as fans and DC bus capacitors, for signs of bulging, leakage or excessive wear.
2. Regularly record VFD status information. Keep a table of component and heat-sink temperatures, also keep track of VFD displayed motor currents, voltages and speeds for increased telltale signs of mechanical and/or electrical failures.
3. Avoid dust contamination and keep the VFD clean. As with any electronic device, dust can be an enemy that can cause malfunctions and diminish airflow and performance. A layer of dust can be enough to affect circulation fans and cause problems that can quickly begin to snowball.
4. Maintain climate control equipment to prevent overheating and avoid moisture from accumulating in drives and causing breakdowns. Excess condensation can cause the circuit boards to erode and high temperatures can also place unnecessary stress on the electronic components. To enjoy optimal performance, make sure that your VFD is kept housed in a clean, cool, and dry location.
5. Regularly check and make sure all electrical connections are tight. Vibrations and standard use can cause connections to become loose. Bad connections can lead to arcing and increased heat sources. From this, protective components can easily become damaged, overvoltage and overcurrent faults can occur and fusing may clear. It is equally as important to avoid overtightening connections, causing unplanned equipment repairs.

Setting aside time to inspect and maintain your VFDs can significantly extend the life of your equipment and prevent serious failures that disrupt productivity. Fortunately, most models are manufactured with easy to read equipment status displays and other tools that make it easy to monitor the vital signs of your VFD and motor combination. Take advantage of these tools and employ your own inspection process for optimal efficiency.

Richmond Engineering serves companies along the countries major transportation routes and provides cutting-edge solutions that are designed to improve operations. From engineering, unique solutions to upgrading existing equipment and making repairs, their experts can do it all. To learn more about their services and how they can help, contact Richmond Engineering today.