December 2017Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Many organisations do not have the ability to monitor and predict the condition of their rotating equipment. This includes electric motors, turbines, gearboxes, pumps, fans, etc.
The traditional method to monitor the condition of bearings was to embed a temperature sensor in the casing. Any fault condition like lubrication, worn bearings, misalignment, etc., will eventually cause the temperature to rise.
The thinking around machine condition monitoring has changed over the years and it is now stated that vibration is the better measurement over temperature because it gives an earlier warning and more information as the vibration signal contains many frequencies and many amplitudes, each pertaining to some moving part of the machine.
There are basically two ways to establish a predictive maintenance programme. An entry level programme where a portable vibration data logger is used to measure and record vibration levels. In order for this method to be effective, strict adherence must be kept to the measurement routine and record keeping. If not, then this programme will not be effective.
A much better way is to install fixed mount vibration sensors. These are then hard wired to a control room where the information can be logged and displayed as trend graphs or in real time. A further improvement would be to program the control software to incorporate warning and trip levels, which eliminates the human factor in decision making.
R&C Instrumentation is pleased to announce that it can now supply and support the RC range of vibration measurement products. These instruments are custom manufactured in Europe, and conform to European standards as far as manufacture, quality and reliability are concerned.
The standard range of RC vibration sensors is available with either mV/G or 4-20 mA velocity output, as well as the best of both worlds’ sensor with 4-20 mA vibration and 10 mV/°C temperature output. Portable instruments, raw data converters, and programmable vibration switches complete the range of products.
Alternative fuels for cutting, brazing, soldering and heating
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Bolt and Engineering Distributors, as an authorised distributor for the Harris Products Group, is helping South African industries transition from acetylene to safer, more cost-effective alternative fuels for cutting, brazing, soldering and heating applications.
Read more...Rethinking corrosion protection in process plants Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Remote monitoring is changing how cathodic and anodic protection systems are managed in process plants, giving operators continuous visibility of corrosion protection performance and enabling more proactive maintenance decisions.
Read more...Installation safety tester Vepac Electronics
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
A combination measuring device for testing electrical installations, offering safety tests including RCD, voltage, loop, low-resistance, earth resistance and insulation checks via a 3,5-inch TFT colour display.
Read more...Vibration sensor with CANopen interface for mobile machines ifm - South Africa
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
ifm’s 3-axis VMB301 condition monitoring sensor integrates into the vehicle network via CANopen, delivering real-time bearing, vibration and temperature data to help mobile machines avoid costly damage and downtime.
Read more...Linear regulated 2-channel laboratory power supply Vepac Electronics
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Vepac Electronics offers a dual-channel laboratory power supply built for safe, precise testing in laboratories and workshops.
Read more...When oil gets old Wearcheck
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
WearCheck explains how oxidation breaks down lubricating oils over time, and how routine oil analysis can catch the warning signs before equipment failure.
Read more...SEW-EURODRIVE brings intelligent energy optimisation to Electra Mining SEW-EURODRIVE
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
At Electra Mining Africa 2026, SEW-EURODRIVE will showcase its DriveRadar IoT platform for predictive maintenance and real-time energy optimisation, alongside plant energy surveys and an 1850 kW medium voltage motor display.
Read more...Thermal imaging camera with high thermal resolution Vepac Electronics
Temperature Measurement Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Vepac Electronics introduces a compact thermal imaging camera that helps technicians spot temperature problems before they become costly failures.
Read more...What your lubricant really costs
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
The purchase price of an industrial lubricant is only a fraction of what lubrication truly costs a business. Lubrication Engineers South Africa explains how shifting from unit price to total cost of ownership changes the equation significantly.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version