Solutions for chemical industries

SPM Instrument is a supplier of condition monitoring equipment to chemical industries worldwide. Condition monitoring has become a natural and vital part of operations, for example, in companies employing Six Sigma to improve process variations systematically.

Chemical industries are generally sensitive to production stoppages. Due to long production chains in the lines, breakdowns have a significant negative impact. Also, because special-purpose machines are used in production, spare part delivery times tend to be long.

Each chemical industry sector has its unique condition monitoring equipment and installation demands. Companies working with biotechnology have tough requirements regarding clean air. If an air system fan breaks down, all production in the area is wasted and the company suffers significant economic loss. A common factor for all sectors is the existence of Ex-classified production areas where safety is very important. Any equipment used in Ex environments must be certified by ATEX or similar organisations.

Condition monitoring solutions for chemical industries

The technical solution is online measurements and evaluation of trends with SPM Spectrum and applying the Shock Pulse Method for monitoring bearing condition. On slowly rotating machinery, the SPM HD® measuring technique can be used with benefit. SPM HD uses RPM-based sampling frequency and algorithmic correlation techniques to ensure the highest possible signal quality and razor-sharp spectrums for analysis.

SPM offers every piece of hardware and software equipment needed for an efficient condition monitoring solution, from the point of data collection all the way through to evaluated measurement data. Our measuring techniques for bearing and vibration monitoring are efficient and well-proven solutions for chemical industries.

Typical applications in chemical industries

  • Electric motors and pumps
  • Large extruder gearboxes
  • Ventilation fans

Portable instrumentation

Our range of handheld instrumentation includes equipment for shock pulse measurement, vibration severity measurement, and vibration spectrum analysis.

Intellinova online systems

With Intellinova, our unique HD condition-monitoring technologies can be fully utilized to successfully provide earlier warning of mechanical problems than any other monitoring technology.

Condition monitoring in explosive environments

Our high-performance portable and online equipment are also available for potentially explosive environments.

HD Technologies

High-definition condition monitoring technologies provide exceptional pre-warning times, maximizing the planning horizon for maintenance and repairs. In turn, this enables fully utilizing asset life, cutting repair costs, and minimizing the consequences of unplanned downtime.

Case studies

Bearing damage in ball mill gearbox

This case study from the Agropolychim AD chemical plant in Bulgaria showcases the effectiveness of the HD ENV vibration monitoring technology, which detected bearing damage in a gearbox in a production-critical ball mill.

Reciprocating compressor failure

In this case study from a chemicals and fiber company in Taiwan, a reciprocating compressor failed due to carbon residue on the piston rods.

Ultra-long forewarning on drying drum

An international chemical company in Finland has monitored the condition of low-speed drying drums since 2012 using HD technology. This case study describes the detection of a bearing damage whose development was monitored over the course of three years.

News

Ashland maximizes reliability and ensures BRZO risk management compliance with SPM

Worldwide specialty chemicals company Ashland’s facility in Zwijndrecht, Netherlands, is a long-standing SPM condition monitoring equipment user. The plant recently pl...

Plastipak Italia Preforme chooses Intellinova Parallel EN for condition monitoring of multi-material injection molding machines

Based on many years of positive experience in condition monitoring with SPM equipment, Italian packaging and recycling technology company Plastipak Italy recently star...

Case study: Three years’ pre-warning time for low-RPM drying drum with HD technology

In a chemical plant in Finland, the Intellinova Compact online condition monitoring system detected the first signs of bearing damage on a carrying wheel bearing in a...

Online monitoring of low-RPM drums with HD technology at Yara Finland

Chemical fertilizer manufacturer Yara Finland implements online condition monitoring with SPM’s new HD technologies on low-speed fertilizer drums with great success.

Aditya Birla-Domsjö Fabriker to invest in SPM HD for its production of cellulose

Swedish biorefinery Domsjö Fabriker is in a phase of rapid development, driven by the world's increasing demand for sustainable products. The company is investing to r...