Background
The Condition Monitoring program uses routine Wear Debris Analysis to monitor the condition of the Shovel Hoist Drum bearings. The program detected excessive ferrous and non ferrous wear in the Right Hand Drum Bearing in early November 2002. The defect continued to be monitored with routine Wear Debris Analysis, which resulted in the determination of the deterioration rate.
In late November 2002 a physical inspection was recommended to accurately determine the amount of damage to the bearing. There was damage to the inner race surface as well as numerous rolling elements.
The bearing was scheduled to be changed out mid-December 2002 however the change out was deferred to the end of January 2003 due to production obligations.
With increased Wear Debris monitoring and realistic maintenance recommendations, the shovel was able to meet the production obligations and allowed the bearing change out to be re-scheduled.
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