The combination of SKF's GX Series portable maintenance instruments and Machine Suite software, offer a solution for plant asset management. The recently launched GX Series Microlog is an advanced, modular, route-based condition monitoring datalogger and field service instrument. The standard package allows for on- and off-route datalogging, analysis, and field balancing.
GX Series
The GX Series is part of the new generation Microlog family and adopts an open-architecture approach. This enables the SKF research team to continue with the improvement of existing capabilities and the development of new application modules to meet customer needs, without requiring the unit to the factory for upgrades.
Machine data collected on the GX Series can be submitted to the worldwide SKF Remote Analysis Network, where SKF expert analysts are available around the clock - every day of the year. This means that customers can avoid the expense of having to employ a qualified analyst.
With advanced mobile computing capabilities, the GX offers:
* Fast, high resolution measurement capability.
* Seamless connectivity to the PC environment and industry standard peripherals through Microsoft's Windows CE.Net operating system and USB communications.
* 64 Mb internal memory and digital storage options.
* Transflective 12 mm VGA display.
* Step-by-step on-screen instructions.
* Image display of actual machinery or transducer locations.
* Hard copy print-out to a field portable printer.
The ruggedly designed GX is built for harsh industrial environments, with IP65 sealing against dust and water, and has been drop tested to 2 m.
Software and services
SKF's Machine Suite provides a common software platform for integration of data from the company's condition monitoring hardware platforms such as Marlin, Microlog and On-line Systems.
The software solution integrates inspection, vibration and process data from multiple plant condition monitoring systems. It is capable of managing data from several individual handheld instruments as well as permanently installed on-line vibration condition monitoring systems, allowing users to consolidate data and share machine information throughout the company.
This enterprise solution yields benefits like:
* Incorporation of other capabilities such as Remote Route, human machine interface (HMI) and TrendOil into existing systems.
* Integrated vibration, inspection, and process data manipulation.
* Flexible definition and modification of alarms.
* Database with high data content storage capacity.
* Architecture based on Microsoft Component Object Model (COM) 'plug-in' technology.
* Multiprocessing operating environment allowing simultaneous background and foreground processing.
* Generation of shared customised reports to enhance inter-departmental communications.
* Multiclient networks.
* Interface with SAP and other computerised maintenance management systems.
Machine Analyst, part of the Machine Suite, couples with @ptitude, SKF's advanced Industrial Decision Support System. This enhances a client's ability to keep plant machinery running at optimum efficiency. It systematises the reliability maintenance decision-making process by automatically identifying probable faults with an asset or process, then prescribing appropriate action, enabling a consistent methodology among employees locally and globally.
Route-based maintenance
In legacy maintenance systems there is typically a job card or work order for each task or piece of equipment which requires attention. In route-based maintenance systems, multiple tasks and assets are assigned to a single work order in the logical order in which they are to be serviced. This simplifies scheduling and reduces paperwork and administration while simultaneously yielding gains in productivity and labour savings.
Chris Otto, manager of SKF Condition Monitoring Products, outlines SKF's total solutions concept: "Our dedication to produce leading-edge technology hardware, highly flexible and sophisticated software, coupled with SKF's focus on ‘Value Based Solutions’, are the reasons why SKF Condition Monitoring Products and Services rate as the benchmark in the industry."
For more information contact Chris Otto, SKF Condition Monitoring Products, +27 (0)11 821 3500, [email protected],
| Tel: | +27 11 821 3500 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| www: | www.skf.co.za |
| Articles: | More information and articles about SKF South Africa |
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