The Lubrication Dilemma
Every year great investments of money and effort are made to determine what lubricants give the best performance to the different appliances we have in the industry. Storage rooms are built for lubricants and procedures are implemented worldwide to make sure that during the buying, reception, storage, and loading procedures the risks of the lubrication being contaminated is minimized, but when lubrication frequencies are being established, when and how much lubrication to apply, there is a void of information that may severely affect our bearings.
Like in many other everyday aspects in the industrial world, we understand there are many different lubrication methods exist. From greasing to pumping grease from one side to the other, or mathematically calculating the lubrication frequencies based on the size of the bearings and operative conditions, there is always a better option. The precision lubrication is based on asking, with an ultrasound detector, the bearing if it needs to be lubricated and how much lubricant it needs to be a reliable asset.
The InCTRL platform allows the user to analyze the friction index of each bearing in addition to allowing him to see the waveforms that provide the necessary information for maintenance personnel to make decisions.
The UL101 Ultrasound Detector and the InCTRL Platform
The ultrasound detector UL101, because of its sturdiness, weight, and ease of use, is the ideal option to compliment the InCTRL platform. Through a simple interconnection arrangement, this device will be able to transmit the bearing ultrasound signal in a very clear manner guaranteeing that the collected information is trustworthy and can be considered in making decisions.
The InCTRL platform is composed of two parts. The first one is based on a program that is in a set of servers that you can access through the internet (cloud), in the program we create inspection routes, mediation points, we store the information that is collected in the field and we analyze spectrally each collected fact.
The second part is an app for mobile phones with an Android operative system that allows you to connect the UL101 to record sounds, take notes, take pictures, and see linear references. This information is transmitted in real time by Wi-Fi or 4G network to InCTRL.
Airborne Ultrasound
Airborne & Structure-borne Ultrasound (AB&S) is a technology that allows the user to detect frequencies over the human audition threshold. The friction caused by the bearings, regardless of the type, size, speed, or weight, generate detectable high frequency acoustic energy. This acoustic energy can be represented with a mathematical value known as Root Mean Square (RMS). RMS is a measure of the magnitude of a varying quantity of delivered power in the acoustic emission generated by friction. In other words, it is possible to represent the friction index of each bearing in a precise and trustworthy manner by using a tendency based on a RMS linear scale, differentiating from a decibel tendency (dB uses the logarithmic scale), the RMS linear scale achieves to be a better representative of both the base line and the friction deviation index of the bearing.
CTRL Ultrasound Solutions
The ISO 29281-1 rule establishes that when an airborne ultrasound tool detects deviations related to the base line, these variations should be documented and the modulated audio signal should be analyzed to determine the severity and subsequent corrective actions. The use of the InCTRL platform will help the user not only determine the severity of abnormality, but also at the same time will provide a practical way to report findings of the bearings that are being inspected routinely.
By controlling the lubrication frequencies you will considerably lower the index of bearing failures. This type of programs will be able to maintain the assets of the plant in optimal operative conditions at the same time that it will reduce the operation and maintenance costs, incrementing the availability time of the process, diminishing the risks to the personnel and plant assets.
CTRL Systems Inc. has more than 25 years providing the civil and military industry the light weight, sensitive, sturdy, and friendly detection airborne ultrasound tools. If you wish to receive more information or know more about it, please contact us.
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