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:
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