Early Detection of Fan Bearing Faults Using Remote Diagnostics

This case study outlines the early detection of fan bearing faults through remote diagnostics, focusing on a shipping company's experience with AVT Reliability. The document describes the challenges faced due to limited direct monitoring of the fan bearings, which are critical for maintaining airflow in the compressor room. It details the approach taken by AVT Reliability to implement a structured condition monitoring solution that accommodates equipment access limitations. By utilizing motor-end vibration signals, analysts identified spectral patterns indicative of bearing deterioration, allowing for proactive measures before failure occurred. The case study emphasizes the effectiveness of a tiered review process, enhancing data ownership and decision-making at the point of collection. This collaborative strategy improved diagnostic efficiency and demonstrated the practical benefits of shared responsibility among vessel, onshore, and vendor teams. The outcome included successful fault detection, timely corrective action, and the validation of the new data review workflow, ultimately avoiding unplanned downtime and potential secondary equipment damage.