The SKF TKST 21 Stethoscope is a high-quality handheld instrument that monitors noise in bearings, machines and components. “The ability to ‘listen’ to rotating equipment and machine components, detect errors, and reliably identify the possible cause of the noise at an early stage, allows for preventive maintenance before costly failures can occur,” says business development manager, Eddie Martens. The device can be applied in a wide variety of industry sectors including power plants, automotive, recycling, materials handling, food and beverage, and paper mills.
The TKST 21 consists of the handheld instrument, a headset with an adjustable ten-level volume control, two probes of differing lengths (70 mm and 300 mm) for easy access to hard to reach areas, two AA Alkaline batteries, and an instruction manual. Everything is neatly packed inside a sturdy carry case for easy portability, handling and storage.
The Stethoscope is able to pick up noise in a range of components such as bearing housings, gears, valves, vents and pumps. The device captures the most common problematic bearing noises such as damaged bearings and balls, damaged inner and outer rings, and ash contamination and cavitation; valve chatter, tappet noise and piston slap can also be monitored.
Once the acoustic data (noise) is captured by the probe, the recorded audio is transmitted to a sensor, converted into an electrical signal, processed and amplified, and then fed to the headset or a recorder. Operators have the option of listening in live mode through the high quality, noise-cancelling ear defender approved headset, or recording the sounds for replay and comparison with the live sound. “The excellent sound quality enables the operator to identify the sound of problematic parts reliably, clearly and accurately, even in extremely noisy environments,” adds Martens.
The device is lightweight (1670 g) and ergonomically designed for convenient and comfortable one-hand operation. A large, backlit colour display, a unique feature for this type of device, facilitates viewing.
The user-friendly settings menu allows for easy navigation through a host of functions such as changing the display brightness, switching the volume limiter OFF, etc. The Stethoscope can even be muted if required. The instrument operates in a frequency range of 30 Hz to 15 kHz and will perform optimally in temperature extremes of -10 to 45°C. The battery lifetime will provide a minimum of ten hours of operation during continuous use.
Telco sensors in conveyor belt monitoring
Sensors & Transducers
Gail Norton Instrumentation Agencies has developed a low-maintenance conveyor belt monitoring unit built on robust Telco infrared sensors, detecting belt tear and misalignment reliably in harsh coal mining environments.
Read more...SKF extends remanufacturing expertise to bearing clearance modification SKF South Africa
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Using its clearance modification expertise, SKF helped a mining equipment OEM salvage spherical roller bearing inventory that would otherwise have been scrapped, confirming a new capability within its remanufacturing services and avoiding redundant procurement.
Read more...Inductive ring sensors monitor material flow in feeding technology ifm - South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
ifm’s inductive ring sensors detect metallic parts such as screws and nuts as they pass through tubes at speeds up to 35 m/s, enabling precise counting, flow control and blockage detection, with sensitivity and output functions configurable via IO-Link.
Read more...Reliable 1D and 2D code reading made simple SICK Automation Southern Africa
Sensors & Transducers
SICK’s new sensingCam SEC200 image-based code reader brings supermarket-checkout simplicity to logistics and industrial identification, reading 1D and 2D codes reliably with quick browser-based setup, rugged IP65 construction and CRA-compliant cybersecurity.
Read more...Market opportunity for sensors in humanoid robots
Sensors & Transducers
A new IDTechEx report forecasts the market for sensors in humanoid robots will exceed $6,59 billion by 2037, driven by perception sensors, force/torque sensors, encoders and inertial measurement units across a growing range of commercial robot platforms.
Read more...The wireless route to safer, more efficient mining operations Emerson Automation Solutions
Editor's Choice Sensors & Transducers
Modern wireless level measurement technologies are helping mining operations improve process control, increase safety and reduce installation costs. Emerson’s Rosemount 3408 wireless non-contacting radar level transmitter uses 80 GHz frequency-modulated continuous wave radar with HART communication to reach remote assets where cabling is impractical.
Read more...Premium slewing rings from SKF SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
SKF’s slewing bearing portfolio spans standard and customised designs across a wide range of types and sizes, backed by advanced monitoring, remanufacturing services and application engineering expertise for demanding industrial applications.
Read more...Telco sensors for harsh environments
Sensors & Transducers
Telco sensors are designed to operate where moisture, particulate contamination and surface fouling would disable conventional sensors, with a range including an adjustable five-metre infrared proximity sensor for harsh industrial environments.
Read more...The data-driven path to sustainable manufacturing ifm - South Africa
Editor's Choice Sensors & Transducers
Smart automation is closing the gap between operational efficiency and environmental responsibility, and the data to do it is already inside the plant. With ifm’s sensing and digitalisation technologies, manufacturers can turn machine intelligence into measurable sustainability gains.
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