SKF launches the SKF Machine Condition Indicator, a low-cost vibration and
temperature monitoring device designed for rotating machinery with constant
operating conditions. It provides the ability to track basic machine health on
assets that are not currently being monitored on a regular basis. The device can
be used indoors or outdoors, in almost any industry where rotating machines are
used, such as pulp and paper, power, food and beverage, hydrocarbon processing
industry (HPI), oil and gas industry, machine tool, as well as heating, ventilation,
and air conditioning (HVAC).
The SKF Machine Condition Indicator periodically makes two types of vibration
measurement. Velocity measurements are made to keep track of overall machine
health and highlight potential problems relating to misalignment and imbalance.
Enveloped acceleration measurements are used to detect possible bearing
degradation. In addition, the device monitors machine operating temperature.
The SKF Machine Condition Indicator also features built-in intelligence for
measurement evaluations and to avoid false alarms, with an alarm status visually
indicated via three LED’s. The indicator is fixed to the machine and runs on
battery.
“The SKF Machine Condition Indicator is as simple as the ‘check engine’ warning
light in a car,” said Torsten Bark, Product Line Manager at SKF Condition
Monitoring Center, San Diego. “Once LED’s are illuminated, it alerts the predictive
maintenance technician to do a root cause analysis on the machine to determine
what kind of problem might be affecting its performance.”
By utilizing the SKF Machine Condition Indicator, plant operators can save both
time and money by freeing up maintenance engineers to spend less time on
problem detection and more time focusing on root cause analysis and other more
significant issues. In addition, maintenance schedules for non-critical machines
can be assigned at less frequent intervals, as the installed SKF Machine Condition
Indicator will provide feedback via its LED’s.
The device costs less than a standard industrial accelerometer, which makes the
SKF Machine Condition Indicator a good solution for manufacturers looking for an
economical way to make sure their semi-critical machine assets are kept up and
running.
The SKF Machine Condition Indicator runs on a high energy lithium battery and
has a life expectancy of more than three year (with one acknowledged alarm).
Gothenburg, 12 November 2012
Aktiebolaget SKF
(publ)
”
For further information, please contact:
Nia Kihlström, SKF Group Communication,
tel: +46 31-337 28 97, mobile: +46 706 67 28 97, e-mail: nia.kihlstrom@skf.com
Colin Roberts, SKF Group Communication,
tel +31 30 6075608, mobile: +31 653 944 111, e-mail: colin.roberts@skf.com
SKF is a leading global supplier of bearings, seals, mechatronics, lubrication systems, and services which include
technical support, maintenance and reliability services, engineering consulting and training. SKF is represented in
more than 130 countries and has around 15,000 distributor locations worldwide. Annual sales in 2011 were SEK
66,216 million and the number of employees was 46,039. www.skf.com
