MAINTENANCE LOG Editor's Note: This article is based on one that first ran in the November 2013 issue of Maintenance Technology.
Ease Of Use Highlights New Condition-Monitoring Tools As this overview of technologies points out, today’s maintenance technicians and operators have access to capabilities that were previously limited to monitoring specialists. Jane Alexander, Editor With Paul Michalicka, SKF USA Inc.
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eaturing streamlined designs and improved factory-floor functionality, next-generation condition-monitoring instruments and devices stem from advances in digital technology and electronics. Typically lightweight and portable, they require no special technical skills to operate. Personnel can, thus, become proficient in their use with little training and after only an hour or two of practice. These innovations include durable vibration analyzers, portable lube-analysis kits, versatile stroboscope/tachometers, non-contact thermometers and many more. Leveraging such tools, users can perform a range of basic monitoring activities and obtain valuable data on operating conditions with regard to the following issues: Vibration Maintenance technicians and machine operators can now take vibration readings during routine inspections using powerful handheld analyzers. One type, for example, takes both overall velocity and enveloped acceleration readings at each point on targeted machines. The velocity vibration measurements are automatically compared with pre-programmed ISO standards, triggering an alarm when the measurements exceed the guidelines. The enveloped acceleration measurements are compared with established bearing vibration guidelines. This analyzer is extremely durable and rated for use in industrial environments. Weighing less than a half-pound, the device fits in a pocket or on a tool belt and can be easily carried on inspection rounds. 20 | LUBRICATION MANAGEMENT & TECHNOLOGY
Lubricant quality Monitoring oil samples in the field has long been standard practice, but grease analysis has usually proved difficult. The introduction of modern grease-analysis kits, however, makes quick evaluation more feasible and affordable than in the past. In a recent case, a pulp and paper mill in Brazil implemented on-site grease analysis to speed up decision-making and reduce costs. The facility already had a fully functioning lube-analysis program in place. Grease samples were collected and forwarded to an independent laboratory at a cost of almost $60 per sample. Testing was completed in about a week. But the turnaround time caused delays and affected plant operations. Looking for a solution, the mill’s lubrication manager acquired two portable grease-test kits to let in-house personnel analyze fresh grease on the spot. The kits contained three different tests of grease quality: consistency, oil bleeding and contamination. No special expertise was needed to perform the tests—and they each required only 0.5 grams of grease for sampling. The testing was able to clear some samples immediately and identify others that required lab analysis. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013