MAINTENANCE LOG
This on-site analysis program helped reduce the number of samples sent out for testing by 25%, which, in turn, helped cut overall costs. It has also given the mill greater control over lubrication decision-making.
One such thermometer has dual-laser sighting to precisely define the area being measured. It senses temperatures ranging from -60 to 1000 C (Fig. 2). Users can program this instrument to emit audible alarms at specified high or low temperatures.
Motion and speed Technicians monitoring the motion of operating machines can turn to portable stroboscopes that “freeze” the movement of rotating or reciprocating machinery like fan blades, couplings, gear wheels and belt drives. Doing so allows machines to be safely inspected while they are running. The latest offerings include a new instrument that functions as a dual stroboscope and tachometer (see Fig. 1). The device has a stroboscopic flash rate of nearly 300,000 pulses per minute, enabling it to monitor most high-speed applications. Its ergonomic design allows users to set the flash rate in seconds. The versatility of this device is enhanced by a remote optical sensor that allows the tool to operate as a tachometer. In this mode, the instrument measures rotational speeds up to 300,000 rev/min with an accuracy of +.01%. Fig. 2. A non-contact infrared thermometer makes accurate measurements by sensing thermal energy radiating from machines. (Source: SKF USA Inc.)
Another heat-sensing technology, thermography, has also been improved—and become more affordable—over the last decade. Thermal cameras with imaging capabilities allow technicians to visualize machine hot spots from a safe distance. Some cameras can even operate unattended with images taken and saved at regular intervals.
Fig. 1. This versatile stroboscope monitors the motion of rotating machines and, with the help of its optical sensor, can operate as a tachometer. (Source: SKF USA Inc.)
Temperature There are a number of new-generation devices for remotely sensing heat and thermal energy. These include noncontact infrared thermometers that provide accurate measurements from a distance. They incorporate an infrared detector to sense thermal energy radiating from operating machinery. The detector produces a signal that is translated into a reading on the device’s display screen. NOVEMBER 2013
Sound Air leaks in HVAC systems and other applications produce high-frequency sounds due to turbulence near the leak site—sounds that can be pinpointed by ultrasonic detectors. One such instrument has a sensor mounted on a long flexible tube, allowing access to hard-to-reach areas. It helps guide the operator to the loudest point, revealing the leak’s location. This detector is compact enough to use with one hand and requires no special training. There are also handheld instruments for measuring noise levels in industrial facilities. The instruments, usually battery-operated, pick up sound using built-in microphones and indicate the sound level in decibels. MT Based in Ontario, Canada, Paul Michalicka is a North American Area Manager for maintenance products, SKF USA Inc. For more info, enter 05 at www.MT-freeinfo.com MT-ONLINE.COM | 39