Mobile app and vibration sensors monitor machinery
SKF USA
The SKF Enlight platform combines a new mobile app with a Bluetooth-enabled vibration sensor to enable staff to collect machinery data with no special training (photo). This allows standard mobile devices, such as smartphones or tablets, to function as data-collection devices to gather critical machinery data. In the event of a parameter warning or alert, the user can then request an “on- demand diagnostic,” whereby the data are sent wirelessly to the SKF Remote Diagnostic Center network, for expert analysis and reporting. This approach offers a user-friendly alternative to dedicated, high-end vibration analyzers that require a high level of staff competence and are particularly expensive for one-off data measurements, says the company. For data collection in hazardous areas, specially built and intrinsically safe ATEX Zone 1-compliant smartphones and tablets can be used. The SKF Wireless Machine Condition Detector (WMCD) is a sensor that mounts magnetically to a machine and measures vibration data. It takes a simultaneous measurement of bearing condition using patented SKF algorithms to assess the severity of any damage or wear.— SKF USA Inc., Lansdale, Pa.