Reduce downtime, equipment failure & energy use

22nd May 2015

Rittal

Jordan Mulcare

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Running manufacturing automation systems at high temperatures will have a major negative impact on the system’s performance and reduce its service life according to Rittal. By not keeping drives at or close to optimum operating temperature, manufacturers risk huge consequential costs when the production line grinds to a halt as a result of system failure.

A typical electrical component’s life expectancy is approximately halved for every 10°C increase in its ambient temperature. Controlling the temperature within enclosures is therefore critical for manufacturers to avoid premature component failure and the interruption to production if the automation system falls over.

A Rittal RiAssure3 survey will identify the likely risk of a system overheating which could lead to equipment tripping or failing. The survey will review any existing cooling solution and determine how suited it is to that particular working environment. It will then provide recommendations around remedial action, for example changes to the system’s service and maintenance regime to help improve its efficacy or the need to invest indifferent climate control technology.

If equipment is tripping or failing, enclosures feel hot to touch or there is an inadequate chilling of process fluids then it is necessary to conduct a review of climate control in the manufacturing system.

As summer approaches, ambient temperatures will rise which could push operating temperatures beyond the limit of the existing equipment, so tackling the issue now could be a timely call.