If you cannot afford to have a rectifier out of service, then plan to service them regularly. In most cases, the maintenance for each rectifier can be done in less than a day.
For SCR and SMPS rectifiers – common maintenance items are:
- Use lockout / Tagout appropriately. Be sure the person who is doing the maintenance is a qualified worker as safety is always the top priority.
- Obtain system schematics and user manual for each rectifier and keep a copy with the equipment.
- With power secured, check your input connections for any loosening or discoloration. The heating and cooling as well as mechanical motion of the contactors can cause these connections to loosen up over time.
- In all high current / power circuitry, look for signs of excess heat or discolorations. This includes input fuses, cables, copper, and transformer connections. Re-terminate, clean connections, and replace parts as required.
- Once the system is re-energized, check the incoming line current while under load with a clamp-on amp probe. Uneven line current is a sign that there is a problem. If you measure more than 23A / phase difference, find out why.
- Track your maintenance in a log. It is important to know what has and has not been done. Make sure you log each PM and keep the log book handy. Preferably with the rectifier.
- Check DC voltage and current calibration. Most people have a planned yearly calibration visits. Keep in mind that when certain electronics are changed or repaired, calibration may need review.
- Check the remote operator panel for damaged or non-functional components. Potentiometers, push buttons, switches, and meters are subject to the most use and physical wear.
- Look over the wiring internal for loose connections, missing hardware, or anything that does not look right. If it does not look correct, it probably isn’t.
Air-Cooled Equipment: Clean inlet air filters, input air grating, fan blades and internal heatsinks. Keeping these items clean, will help remove heat from the rectifier and lengthen its life.
Water-Cooled Equipment: Look for leaks, drips, signs of condensation and missing clamps. Check inlet pressure and flow.
Most SCR rectifiers need a differential pressure of 30PSI. If you do not know what the requirements are then find out and monitor them during PMs. Plan replacement and refurbishments of your rectifiers. Secure a maintenance budget and plan your down time to make the most of your investments. These are just the basic maintenance considerations. Your specific rectifiers may have more items to review. Please contact our service team if you would like us to help you to create a custom preventative maintenance plan.
For more information visit our web store store.americanplatingpower.com or call Scott Brown, our Spare Parts Manager, at 239-275-5877. For sales inquiries please contact us at info@americanplatingpower.com.
