Protecting motors in dusty environments

Problem: Corrosive material eventually fills in the grooves between fins of totally enclosed fan cooled motors operating in dusty environments. Windings end up burning out prematurely because of excess heat caused by a lack of cooling air.

By Staff February 1, 2000

Problem: Corrosive material eventually fills in the grooves between fins of totally enclosed fan cooled motors operating in dusty environments. Windings end up burning out prematurely because of excess heat caused by a lack of cooling air. Developing a regular cleaning program for this type of situation is often not practical. Is there a way to protect the motor?

Solution: Clean the grooves thoroughly, and then unscrew the lifting lug of the motor. Place a length of old conveyor belt over the motor and screw the lug back in through a hole cut in the belt. The fin grooves are now protected from airborne dust, while cooling air prolongs the life of the windings.

Contributor: S. Raghava Chari, Consultant Learning Center, Reliance Petroleum, Ltd., Motikhavdi, India