Vibration monitor detects rolling element failures

A cost effective predictive maintenance vibration monitor detects rolling element bearing failures and shaft imbalance conditions even where there is an explosion hazard.

The 'efector octavis bearing condition monitor' from ifm electronic isatisfies ATEX equipment category 3D/3G, and is therefore suitable for zone 22 or zone 2 explosion-hazard areas.

The monitors are also rated at IP69K for the wettest of applications.

Until recently it was very costly to continuously monitor rolling element bearings.

The efector octavis recognises, displays and signals bearing condition.

These affordable sensors allow condition monitoring to be applied economically to all bearings - not just critical ones - and the user won't have to undergo extensive training in vibration frequency analysis.

* Continuous monitoring - the efector octavis vibration monitor detects rolling element bearing failures and shaft imbalance conditions on pumps, motors, mixers, compressors, fans and spindles.

An octavis is permanently mounted on plant equipment to continuously monitor a machine's operating condition through vibration analysis.

The octavis has the processing capability to analyse a vibration signature and to predict failures in advance by sending an alarm output signal to a PLC or relay.

This can optimise machine availability and plant up-time.

* How it works - the efector octavis monitor incorporates an accelerometer, analog-to-digital (A/D) converter, digital signal processor (DSP) and diagnostic electronics in a compact 40x40mm package.

These electronic components enable the monitor to gather, process and interpret vibration data.

* Simple set-up - configuration software is used on setup to input application parameters such as bearing types, shaft speed and output conditions via an RS232 cable.

These parameters allow octavis to monitor only critical damage frequencies in the vibration spectrum and ignore all external noise.

One efector octavis monitor can detect up to five different rolling elements on a machine or 20 individual frequencies.

* Alarm display - an alarm display provides early warning and critical alarms.

Pushbutton programming includes a teach button with an integrated alarm display.

The alarm display provides two switching outputs that indicate an early warning alarm and a critical alarm.

* About ifm electronic - ifm electronic specialises in the application of advanced electronic technology to produce innovative and effective solutions for industrial control applications.

Products include flow sensors; pressure transmitters and switches; temperature switches and transmitters; capacitive, inductive and photoelectric proximity sensors; and a full range of AS-i I/O modules and masters.

The ifm company is committed to working closely with its customers to develop products which precisely match their needs, and the company provides expert, readily accessible technical support to help users maximise the benefits they gain from ifm products.

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