Bearings, which have long been considered the heart of rotating machinery, are now the brain as well thanks to SKF Insight, a smart technology developed for machine condition monitoring.
SKF’s development in various smart wireless technologies that are integrated into SKF bearings, enable the units to communicate their operating conditions continuously through internally powered sensors and data acquisition electronics.
SKF Insight is ideal for condition monitoring of critical machinery and technically challenging applications. The technology makes condition monitoring more widely available, especially in applications where it was previously impossible or impractical. With SKF’s integrated diagnostic technology, customers can get even better control over the life cycle of their machinery, leading to lower total costs with higher reliability and machinery uptime. The technology realises the company’s vision of an integrated, self-powered sensor package that wirelessly communicates the condition of a bearing by sending a message when something happens to it.
Following extensive R&D work, including miniaturisation, solving power generation challenges and developing unique packaging of sensors and electronics, SKF was the pioneer. Prior to SKF Insight, condition monitoring techniques could only monitor damage after it has occurred. Now, by sensing directly on the bearing, SKF is able to monitor the damage from the first microscopic effect as it is happening, and with this information, customers can take remedial action to reduce the reason for damage in the bearing – adding lubricant, mitigating transient overloads, etc.
In addition, by monitoring the load directly on the bearing, it is possible to measure the load the bearing actually experiences rather than what is was designed for. This valuable information can be routed back into the design phase to improve both the system and bearing design. Other features include:
• Miniaturisation – packaging of sensor technologies enables measurement of critical parameters such as RPM, temperature, velocity, vibration, load and other features.
• Self-powered – using the application environment itself, smart bearings can generate their own power needed to operate.
• Simplicity – intelligent wireless communication technology packaged inside the bearing enables it to communicate within environments where traditional Wi-Fi cannot operate.
• Smart networks – communicating through each other and via a wireless gateway, bearings with SKF Insight form a mesh network and can send information relevant to their condition for analysis.
SKF Insight is designed to ensure better operational knowledge, better maintenance planning, optimised manpower and spare part management, which lead to lower cost of operations.
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