Hand-held instrument monitors plant-floor conditions

A portable predictive-maintenance instrument, which stores up to 500 points of machinery data, performs multiple condition-monitoring functions. Called the CMVL10 Picolog Data Logger, the instrument performs fast, accurate vibration analysis and condition monitoring of bearings and rotating machinery such as pumps and fans. It lets technicians detect early signs of deterioration in machine components so corrective action can be taken during scheduled maintenance periods, thus reducing downtime and boosting productivity. The pocket-sized device weighs just 6 oz and is 6-in. long. Operators take measurements in seconds by applying a sensor to a machinery point and pressing a button.

The device performs three types of measurements: enveloping, standard vibration, and “SEE” acoustic emission monitoring. Enveloping isolates high-frequency acceleration signals amid general machine noise so the operator can detect incipient damage to bearings, gears, and other rotating components before catastrophic failure occurs. Both enveloped peak and enveloped average data are available.

In performing standard vibration analysis of rotating machinery, Picolog provides velocity levels to an ISO standard, in either mm/sec (rms) or in./sec (equivalent peak) modes.

SEE is a new acoustic emissionmonitoring technique that detects early bearing defects, lubrication problems due to contamination or breakdown, and fretting. It detects high frequency emissions in the 250,000 to 350,000-Hz range.

Picolog can also be linked, through a PC, to Prism2 Jr., a predictive- maintenance software package that processes the collected data and displays it in chart form. Data displayed includes a historical record of machine conditions and projections of measurement data. In this way, the software warns the user of potential machine problems and predicts when measurements will reach unacceptable levels.

SKF Condition Monitoring, San Diego.

Right-angle speed reducers

Combination helical and bevel-gear speed reducers offer energy savings through high efficiency (94 to 96%). Standard Unicase modular units, for either double or triple reduction, are available from 1,500 to 25,000 lb-in. output torque. Backlash of double-reduction units can be controlled down to 30 min. Cast-iron housing mounts vertically, horizontally, or upside down. Mounting options include foot or flange, solid input shaft, or NEMA C-face motor. The output shaft can be solid single, double extended, or hollow with torque arm.

Standard Industrial Products Co., Houston.

Liner-type doctor bearing: good medicine for shakes, abrasions

“Simplicity” doctor bearing is for linear and rotary-motion uses as an OEM or replacement component in wet or dry-end paper machine use. The bearing cartridge spreads the internal load to relieve high surface pressures occurring in rolling-element bearings. A liner of Frelon, a Teflon composite, provides low friction and wear, and self-lubrication. The liner can also damp vibration through the bearing before it can transfer to the doctor blade. Lower vibration means fewer web breaks.

According to the maker, the design eliminates shaft tracking and bearing material cold flow. Also, the liner withstands applications where the bearing is immersed. A combination of constant, even pressure, scraping, lubrication grooves, and a double-lip seal keeps dirt from entering and damaging the shaft.

Sizes can be as large as 13-in. length; 1-ft OD, and 8¹/₂-in. ID.

An optional induced-lubrication assembly applies oil from a reservoir through a wick. Even if the reservoir is empty, oil in the wick keeps lubricating the bearing.

Pacific Bearing Co., Rockford, Ill.

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