ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses three phases of gearbox operation: testing, initial field startup, and condition monitoring. During the procurement process the gearbox manufacturer and the user must agree on the type of testing the completed unit will be subjected to prior to acceptance. Several factors must be considered when determining the degree of test program complexity: cost of testing, confidence in the gearbox design and consequences of gearbox failure. In many cases a full-speed, light-load test is considered sufficient to qualify a gear unit as acceptable. For gear units transmitting high horsepower, power absorption testing is expensive and sometimes impractical. Quite often a suitable prime mover or power absorption device is not available to the gear manufacturer. The effort expended in conducting a test may be wasted if the test procedures and results are not carefully documented. The test items should be documented with part and serial numbers. Test setups should be described with photographs and sketches.
