December 29, 2014 - In This Issue:
General Stuff

Safety Note!

Extension cords can be hazardous!  Not too long ago a nearby restaurant burned to the ground.  It was discovered that they had extension cords daisy-chained throughout the kitchen.  The overloaded circuit caught fire!

The rule is to never use more than one extension cord and that should be for temporary use.  When using equipment you should also consider using a GCFI extension cord.  


Additional Announcement!

If you have industry related or personal sport news that you would like included in this monthly newsletter, please email us directly at editor@motordoc.com

 
From the MotorDoc
The Need to Succeed!
 The second half of 2013 and through 2014 I stepped away from writing, traveling, and a few other things.  I di d concentrate on research, injury rehabilitation, helped several organizations with websites and social media, in addition to my day job at Dreisilker (OK, it's more than a 'day job') I opened a powerlifting and personal training gym with a few partners, took gold in three world powerlifting events, focused on SMRP (SMRP.org) including being elected as Secretary, IEEE work, and a few other things.  A lot has been accomplished.

In 2015 you can expect that I will be traveling significantly once again.  I am working on a handful of powerlifting meets this year while concentrating on meet promotion with my partners, fundraising for autism and children with life-threatening illness.  I will be doing a lot of writing once again.  A lot has been learned over the last 18 months!  There are also a few other areas related to energy, renewables, engineering and new electric machine materials that are being pursued.

Over the past 18 months I have heard over and over what I 'can't do.'  I have had pressure to stop performing in the sport that I love because I was injured.  I see that as a fluke, but always knew it was a possibility.  Will it happen again?  Who knows?  However, when I was 18 I was advised to stay away from the electric motor industry because I wouldn't succeed or amount to anything because of a poorly taught course in the Navy.  Well?  What do you think?

I hear and see a lot of people who tell others what they can and cannot do, that things are too different, don't try it, pursue something easier.  Give up.

My answer to those physically and mentally weak people is found in my success.  How is it done?  Simply this: be your own person!  I work with children who are told they will never amount to anything, or that they are going to die.  Yet they persevere.  Then I run into these adults who are too lazy to work to their potential (work, parenthood, sport, hobby, etc.) so they need to try to stop anyone else from succeeding.

Believe me, in a sport like powerlifting, this attitude towards the athletes are common - ESPECIALLY towards female athletes.

Learn from your own mistakes and the mistakes of others.  When you are down, adjust, pick your direction and go there.  Don't worry about the weak and passive-aggressive as they are really not in your way.  They can only talk at you as it would require effort to actually do anything to stop you.  For the most part, I find these types are a lot of hot air who can only succeed through back biting and are quite amusing when you meet them in person.  Let them be crushed under your success.  They can then complain about how successful you are and how you must have done something unethical to get there, or claim credit for your success.

Who cares?

I believe in people and their individual strengths and I don't care what it is.  If you are a great fast-food cook - be the best!  If you are a great athlete - be the best!  Whatever it is - be the best!  Surround yourself with people who support what you do, not 'yes' people, but people of a similar bend.  The old concept of 'opposites attract' or having someone around to 'balance' or 'keep you grounded' is actually bunk and a myth.

Pick yourself up, friend, and be everything you can be!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Howard W Penrose, Ph.D., CMRP
The MotorDoc 
Electrical Motor Diagnostics
2nd Edition

Available through SUCCESS by DESIGN's distributor, AtlasBooks, Amazon.com and others!  Preview the table of contents and link to our distributor: http://www.motordoc.org/published/electrical-motor-diagnostics-2nd-edition/ 

 

Developed for electricians, mechanics, students, and reliability managers, 'Electrical Motor Diagnostics' is an essential working tool for the new and experienced Electrical Motor Diagnostics professional. 

 

The Second Edition of 'Electrical Motor Diagnostics' provides the information, case studies, and materials necessary to interpret motor circuit analysis, motor current signature analysis, electrical signature analysis, and other standard testing technologies, including the use of voltmeters, ammeters, insulation testers and more, for AC/DC electric motors, transformers, machine tool motors, synchronous motors, and generators, including pass/fail values. 

 

Information on the development of a motor management program and the SUCCESS by DESIGN Time To Failure Estimation™ methodology for any technology are covered in detail.

 

Buy while supplies last!  This is the last printing before it is converted to eBook only for other than classroom use.

 
The Problem with Engineering
Machine Forensics Issues

More often than not, when something fails the immediate reaction is to correct the obvious or attack the symptom and ignore the problem.

 

For instance, if a motor fails several times in the same application, then it must be the motor, even if it is one motor after another.  Then what?  Put in a bigger motor?  Kick out the vendor and bring in another until someone figures it out?  Torture yourself for days, months or even years?

 

Well, that is what generally happens.

 

When a critical piece of equipment fails or a system fails more than once, then it is time to address the problem with at least a 5-why analysis, or even something more substantial.

 

The question is 'why' is the component failing?  You must be very careful not to make significant jumps and understand that there may be more than one reason for something to fail.  It is equally important that an analysis is not rushed.  I have had many times where I have informed people that an analysis will take a while and they start asking within an hour (OK, sometimes a day) when they will have conclusions.

 

I never let them rush me.  Period.

 

Unfortunately, with instant news and information these days, while making our jobs easier with information a few keystrokes away, it gives the mindset that problems can be resolved instantly.  The other problem is a lack of information provided, incorrect information, or withheld information with the intent to 'guide' the findings.

 

Another key issue when performing an analysis is the EXPERT.  I recently ran into an equipment problem that, when I figured it out, was stunned by how obvious it was.  Seriously, wasn't the problem discussed?  Sure was!  And when others had brought up the same thing that I did, they were shot down because a representative from the manufacturer said that the improper application was just fine.

 

Which it wasn't.

 

Don't let so called experts sway your analysis.  Their opinions must be as based in facts and analysis as is the forensic you are performing.  Don't be afraid to question anything and anyone.

 

For more information: http://www.motordoc.com in the archives section.  Several papers on machine forensics.

 
Physical Asset Management for the Executive
Caution: Do Not Read This on an Airplane

You can find 'Physical Asset Management for the Executive' online by searching it on your favorite online bookstore both in the USA and abroad. 

 

The 10-digit ISBN is 0-9712450-6-1 and the ISBN-13 is 978-0-9712450-6-8.

 

If you have any difficulty purchasing it through one of those outlets, you can buy direct from our distributor AtlasBooks, Inc. at http://www.atlasbooks.com/marktplc/02128.htm

 

Buy a copy for yourself, your boss, and/or the executives of your company today!  Based upon requests for multiple copies, we have made an agreement with our distributor that any purchase of 10 or more books will have a 45% discount applied when purchased directly from them: AtlasBooks, Inc. at http://www.atlasbooks.com/marktplc/02128.htm

 

This is the final hard copy printing of this book prior to it being converted to eBook in January, 2015.

 

 
Asset Management: Motor Management
What Part do Motors Play in Asset Management?

 

One of the key components to asset management is understanding the complete life-cycle of systems, equipment, financials, etc. etc.  Basically, everything!

 

Electric machines as the prime energy converter of most systems must be considered when reviewing the systems, as do fans, pumps and compressors, which are relatively common, making up 60% of all motor-driven equipment.  When considering that 93% of the electrical energy in a typical corn miller comes through motor-driven equipment, and 94% of all energy put into an average candy bar, the electric machine becomes something a little more important.

 

However, as we are looking at asset management, the complete motor system from incoming power and components to the driven equipment must be considered.  A simple solution to the physical asset management part of the equation is to perform an RCM analysis on the systems as they are put into place.

 

In an existing system, you should consider taking 'small chunks' starting with your most critical systems.  I have seen far to many programs fail because an organization takes on too much all at once!  Sometimes, it might even be a good idea to look at supporting systems first.  I have equally seen organizations ignore 'facility' systems because they are not 'front line' production, only to lose production because of the failure of a compressor.

 

I have even seen some companies, in the effort to keep costs down, make a critical equipment list so restrictive that only one or two machines out of hundreds are considered critical.  Yeah, you know the rest of the story, but I digress.

 

With some of the requirements of ISO 55000, not too much actually changes based upon recommendations for physical asset management of systems such as electric motors.  Sure, consultants and training organizations would like to push that they are huge new things, but they aren't that different.  What certifications such as ISO 55000 do for YOU is provide justification for the implementation of a successful program, such as motor management.

 

Curious?  Go to http://www.motordoc.com in the archives section and drop to the BOTTOM of the page.  Motor Management articles and resources put out since the 1990s will help you get on your way!

 

Note: all MotorDoc.com articles and resources are there to help your program succeed.  We only ever ask that you keep the articles and resources intact.

 
The MotorDoc Invited to Invite-Only Powerlifting Meet and Fundraising Program
Relentless MN and Relentless Detroit

 

Immediately following his victory at WPC Worlds in Florida, Dr. Penrose was invited to lift on March 27-28, 2015 at the Relentless Minnesota fundraising invitational.

 

The Relentless program is a fundraiser held in Minnesota during March and Detroit in November each year for children with life-threatening illness.  100% of all funds donated to Relentless go to the charities that support the families and the competitions are fully funded and operated by volunteers.

 

In 2014, both Relentless MN and Relentless Detroit raised over $210,000 each (more than $425,000 total) for the children and their families.

 

"I need your help.  A donation of any amount will help us towards this goal and we will also welcome any corporate sponsorships.  To date a few corporations have helped with the majority coming from individuals.

 

"Help us 'raise the bar' for these children and make their burden a little lighter."  Says Howard Penrose.

 

To donate to the program, please go to my athlete page on FirstGiving: http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/HowardPenrose 

 

To read a little more about what Relentless is about, please go to: http://www.thepress.org/minnesota-strength-sports/tag/Relentless/

 

Dr. Penrose will be paired with a family 'for inspiration' at the end of January at the 2015 kick-off event.  Relentless 2015 will also represent Howards return to 'full power' powerlifting following a full recovery from his 2013 injury.

 

Howard may be contacted directly at howard@motordoc.com for more information on Relentless!
End Matter
Motor Diagnostics and Motor Health News Support

 

 

Howard W Penrose, PhD, CMRP
howard@motordoc.com

Doing what everyone else just talks about!.
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