When it comes to storing your motor for any duration, ensuring it is done correctly is crucial to avoid potential damage to your valuable equipment. This article addresses key questions, such as the ideal storage duration, preparation steps, and essential considerations for optimal motor storage.
How Long Should I Store My Motor? Storing your motor for one month or less is ideal. For this short period, protecting the motor from weather and maintaining the winding temperature 10-20°F above ambient temperature is sufficient. However, if the storage period exceeds one month, additional precautions are necessary.
Preparation for Storage:
- Choose a clean, dry, warm indoor space. If outdoor storage is inevitable, use a tarp for cover, allowing proper circulation to prevent condensation.
- Measure and record the insulation resistance (IR) of windings before storage, correcting it to a standard temperature.
- Keep the motor away from ambient vibration sources like railroads or construction areas.
- Position the motor as it would be during operation to prevent fluid movement.
- Ensure windings remain clean and dry, using approved space heaters to preserve insulation properties.
- Guard against pests, applying rust preventive coatings and fungicides in humid environments.
- For grease-lubricated bearings, regrease before storage; for oil-lubricated bearings, drain the oil before moving, and remember to refill before starting.
Periodic Maintenance in Storage: While in storage, regular maintenance is crucial to prevent deterioration. Follow these intervals:
- Monthly: Inspect oil for moisture, oxidation, or contaminants; replace oil when needed or at least every 12 months.
- Every 1-3 months: Rotate the shaft to maintain a lubricant film on bearing races and journals, protecting against ambient vibration.
- Every 2-3 months: Measure IR and compare to baseline readings, adjusting as necessary.
- Every 3 months: Inspect grease-lubricated bearings for oxidation, contaminants, and moisture.
- Every 5 years: Consider replacing grease and/or roller bearings, as deterioration may occur.
Starting Back Up: After prolonged storage, conduct a thorough inspection before restarting the motor:
- Inspect and clean the exterior for leaks, cracks, or signs of damage.
- Remove rust inhibitors or fungicides applied before storage.
- For oil-lubricated bearings, drain and replace the oil before moving.
- Inspect all bearings for damage, rust, or grease breakdown, replacing old grease.
- Test winding insulation resistance (IR) and dielectric absorption ratio (DAR), comparing to baseline readings.
- Run the motor briefly, listening for unusual noises and detecting any unusual odors.
- If everything appears normal, allow the motor to reach full speed before shutting off power.
By adhering to proper storage and maintenance practices, you can ensure your motor remains reliable and ready for operation after any duration of storage.
