Top 5 Plant Engineering articles, March 16-22: ac motor repair, top signs of a reliable plant, strategies to bridging the skills gap, more

Articles about ac motor repair, the top 5 signs of a reliable plant, strategies for bridging the skills gap, maintaining the human machine, and selecting and applying VFDs were Plant Engineering’s five most-clicked articles from last week, March 16-22. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra March 23, 2015

Plant Engineering Top 5 most read articles online, for Mar. 16-22, covered ac motor repair, the top 5 signs of a reliable plant, strategies for bridging the skills gap, maintaining the human machine, and selecting and applying VFDs. Link to each article below.

1. A systematic approach to ac motor repair

The only national standard for repair of motors and generators is ANSI/EASA AR100-2010: Recommended Practice for the Repair of Rotating Electrical Apparatus (AR100). 

2. The top 5 signs of a reliable plant

Having visited hundreds of manufacturing plants in the last 15 years, someone recently asked me if there were any traits the most reliable plants all had in common. 

3. 6 strategies to bridge the skills gap

Because of the changing economy and American culture, many industries are experiencing a long-term shortage of skilled tradespeople: including the pipefitters, mechanics, machinists and electricians who have kept American facilities producing. 

4. Maintaining the human machine

In the same way as you maintain your equipment, workers need updates on new strategies and technology. They need to operate efficiently. Above all, they must be part of a safe operation, and that safety must be ingrained in the production process. 

5. Selecting and applying VFDs

Clear understanding of the application, noise sources, and configuration parameters ensures peak variable speed drive (VFD) performance, efficiency, and reliability. 

The list was developed using CFE Media’s web analytics for stories viewed on plantengineering.com, March 16-22, for articles published within the last two months.

– Chris Vavra, production editor, CFE Media, cvavra@cfemedia.com.


Author Bio: Chris Vavra is web content manager for CFE Media and Technology.