Bearing condition monitoring - Part 5
October 2006
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Now that we are familiar with the shock pulse methodology, let us look at some examples of this powerful tool.
The shock pulse method is the only method that works effectively at all rotation speeds, from about 0,5 rpm to as high as you like. There is, however, a point where the normal rules do not apply and where trending and comparison is used. Let us look at one example. This is on a tilt furnace trunion bearing. The bearing diameter is about 1 m and the rotation speed 0,6 rpm. The unit cannot turn 360°, only about 270°. Measurements are taken using SPM's Leonova machine condition genius and a shock pulse probe. The furnace is tilted fully to one side. As soon as the rotation is started the measuring cycle is started. Consecutive measurements are taken by using the recording function where the instrument measures as fast as possible. It is possible to take 10 measurements before the furnace reaches its stop. When analysing the result, the maximum and minimum as well as the average is calculated from the 10 measurements for both the dBm and dBc values. These are presented in the graphs. The graphs clearly show the one bearing settling in after replacement and the other a bearing's deteriorating condition. Show me another method that is able to do this!
Next time we will look at more mundane cases, like fans and how one can have an effective monitoring and protection system without the normal problem of false alarms or undetected failures.
Further reading:
Engineering partnership delivers longer life for vibrating feeders in mining
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
: OST-Africa’s combination of VISAM vibrating motors and advanced rubber mounting technology has helped Euro Sales achieve a 30 to 40% increase in component life on vibrating feeders at several major mining operations, with zero mount failures in the first 12 months.
Read more...
When oil can’t take the heat
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Unlike the slow ageing of oxidation, thermal breakdown is the sudden chemical collapse of a lubricant under excessive heat. Steven Lumley of WearCheck explains how it happens, where it strikes, and how oil analysis detects it.
Read more...
Mini data loggers for temperature and humidity monitoring
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Testo’s range of four compact data loggers covers temperature and humidity monitoring for storage, refrigeration and transport applications, with USB-C or Bluetooth connectivity and capacity for up to 16 000 readings.
Read more...
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...
Bringing predictive maintenance to the next level in the pulp and paper industry
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
ennomotive has launched an international competition seeking innovative predictive maintenance solutions for conveyor belt systems, addressing a real operational challenge faced by pulp and paper company CMPC.
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...
printer friendly version