Kimberly Clark improves speed and ease of route-based maintenance with Emerson”s portable vibration analyser

As one of Emerson’s beta test sites, Kimberly Clark’s Loudon, Tennessee, USA paper mill was one of the first plants to test-drive the recently released CSI 2140 Machinery Health Analyzer. After several weeks of using the new vibration analyser, the plant reported faster completion of its normal maintenance routes, easier and quicker data analysis, and an overall more comfortable experience working with the unit in the field.

Emerson had multiple facilities like Kimberly Clark that generously invested their time and experience in the beta test process. Their real-world applications validate the results that users will achieve with the analyser. “It’s very quick, especially with slow speed equipment,” said Dennis Keaton, maintenance mechanic at Kimberly Clark’s Loudon paper mill. “We run 1200 to 1300 points per week, so the speed of setting up and taking readings is very important.”

An integrated analysis tool provides the complete picture of asset reliability. With the CSI 2140, vibration tools coexist with balancing, temperature, trends and motor diagnostic tools. In addition, four-channel vibration analysis capabilities deliver insight into operating conditions in order to correctly diagnose complex machinery problems. Embedded intelligence guided Kimberly Clark technicians through testing and analytics. Even less experienced technicians could confidently monitor and diagnose equipment issues with minimal training.

In addition, the human-centred approach to the design of the CSI 2140 made an immediate impact. At Kimberly Clark, with approximately 8,400 measurements per month, the smaller size of the analyser made routes more comfortable. Measurements in the dark areas of the mill were much easier with the brighter screen.

“Our users realise they need to continuously improve their reliability processes in order to remain competitive and profitable,” said Nathan Pettus, vice president of Emerson’s Machinery Health Management business. “What has made them successful in the past may not be competitive today. Users like Kimberly Clark have applied integrated analysis to develop a clearer picture of equipment condition, translating into a strategic advantage in the market.”