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SKF developments in smart technologies now allow bearings to communicate their condition continuously, thanks to self-powered integrated sensors and signal acquisition electronics. Bearings have long been considered the heart of rotating machines. Today, SKF also makes it the brain.
"These innovations are designed to revolutionize bearing monitoring, particularly in critical equipment and the most technically demanding applications. SKF Insight technology will make conditional surveillance more widely available, especially in applications where it was previously impossible or difficult to achieve,"says Tom Johnstone, CEO of SKF. "Withour integrated diagnostic technology, our customers will have even better control over the entire lifecycle of their machines, leading to a reduction in total costs, while increasing the reliability and production capacity of the machine."
Live bearing monitoring
Conditional maintenance techniques can only detect damage that is already in effect. Now, by measuring turnover live, SKF is able to detect the onset of degradation from the first microscopic effect, and with this information, customers can take actions that address the causes of degradation - adding lubricant, easing transient overloads, etc.
In addition, measuring the load directly on the bearing allows SKF Insight to take into account the actual rolling efforts rather than those for which the bearing was designed. This information is of great value and can be passed on in return to design offices who will take it into account when designing new systems.
SKF Insight on-board bearing technology makes it easier and easier for customers to engage in conditional monitoring. Better knowledge of operational conditions, better maintenance planning, workforce optimization and spare parts management will lead to lower operating costs.
SKF Insight technology includes:
- miniaturization. The integration of detection technologies allows the measurement of critical parameters such as speed (tr/min), temperature, linear speed, vibration, loads and other characteristics;
- self-feeding. By using the application environment itself, smart bearings are able to generate the power they need to operate themselves;
- simplicity. The intelligent wireless technology embedded in the roll allows it to communicate in environments where the traditional WiFi protocol does not work;
- smart grid. The information transmitted through the various bearings connected to each other, via a wireless portal, with SKF Insight forms a mesh network communicating relevant information for analysis of state conditions.
SKF Insight is currently testing specific application solutions with key customers in various industries including wind, rail, metals, and SKF is extending application testing to other industries.
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