The Air Gap fault zone describes the measurable distance between the rotor and stator within the motor. If this distance is not equal throughout the entire circumference air gap eccentricity occurs. The varying magnetic flux within the air gap creates imbalances in the current flow, which can be identified in the current spectrum.
Eccentricity analysis using the MCE® Rotor Influence Check (RIC) test is most successfully applied in troubleshooting if pre-existing data is available so that trends can be observed. Eccentricity analysis using EMAX technology is performed through a high frequency spectrum of the current signal. If the number of rotor bars and the speed are known, the MCEGold® software automatically places an (X) at the four peak locations which identify eccentricity.