Failure analysis of air cooled condenser gearbox

Abstract

Gears are very reliable components and normally work 5–6 years without failure. This article is a case study of failure analysis of a gearbox which was failed in three months after its installation. The problem was identified by maintenance engineers through vibration monitoring of gearbox. Hardness measurement of case and core revealed that the core was harder than case and the applied load was sufficiently high for failure of gear. Recommendations were given to improve the fatigue life of gearbox.