Selecting motor protection for plant and process optimization

In the past, the basic function of motor protection was to react to faults and failures. This protected the motor without regard for plant or process requirements. The result in many instances was unscheduled shutdowns and lost productivity and unusable products. The need for increased productivity and orderly shutdown of processes, has led to the development of modern electronic motor protection that goes beyond being reactive to faults and failures. By monitoring for abnormal operating conditions and having more data, such as motor temperature, it is possible to minimize downtime by taking preventive measures to eliminate shutting down. This paper reviews causes of motor failure and the various types of motor protection available. By appropriate analysis of the requirements of the plant the process and the motor, proper protection can be selected to guard the motor, while minimizing costs and optimizing the process and plant operation.