Through the intelligent interconnection of its products, Schaeffler Industrial Aftermarket will make it possible in the future to combine the monitoring and condition-based lubrication of rolling bearings in one innovative system that combines grease and vibration diagnosis with a lubricator that is activated by the monitoring devices. This allows every critical change during operation to be detected and rectified at an early stage before damage to the rolling bearing occurs. This means comprehensive monitoring and a constant, optimum supply of grease without the need for somebody to be in the vicinity, especially for machines that are difficult to access or critical in the event of failure. The intelligent interaction of monitoring and lubrication systems ensures reliable machine availability and also saves resources. When a rolling bearing has a low consumption of lubricating grease, its operating life is increased and the costs arising from expensive on-site maintenance work are dramatically reduced.
Monitoring and lubrication in harmony
Until now, it has not been possible to reliably analyze the lubricating grease in rolling bearings during operation. Schaeffler is setting a new standard here with the FAG GreaseCheck. The sensor reliably detects whether the condition and quantity of the grease are sufficient and sounds the alarm as soon as any changes occur. In addition to the conversion from time-controlled to requirement-controlled lubrication, this also makes it possible to take action before the bearing is damaged due to insufficient lubrication. When this is combined with the FAG SmartCheck – the compact system for measuring vibration and other parameters – the rolling bearing is completely under control. The final piece of the comprehensive monitoring puzzle falls into place with the integration of the new FAG CONCEPT 8 lubricator. This has eight outlets that can be activated by the condition monitoring devices and, depending on its requirements, supply the rolling bearing with the Arcanol lubricant developed specially by Schaeffler. Schaeffler’s monitoring experts will be on hand to provide support in installing the new complete system, which will be available on the market from the second half of 2013 onwards.
Even on its own, each system has advantages for the customer The components with their innovative features and functions have many advantages for the customer, even when they are operated individually. For example, the compact design and attractive price of the FAG SmartCheck mean that smaller machines which are less critical in the event of failure can be monitored cost-effectively for the first time ever. Schaeffler has delivered another first with the FAG CONCEPT 8 lubricator, which is able to dispense different quantities of lubricant and therefore provides a unique solution for electric motors, machine tools, printing machinery, wind turbines, and the food industry that can replace centralized lubrication systems. The characteristics of the lubricants are also decisive when it comes to achieving a long operating life for rolling bearings. FAG’s Arcanol rolling bearing greases were designed and tested for a wide range of applications and have better characteristics than normal greases in all areas. The FAG GreaseCheck grease sensor was specifically developed for the Arcanol grease range. Four parameters can be detected using the optical infrared reflection method: Water content, cloudiness, thermal or mechanical wear, and temperature. The intelligent evaluation electronics generate an analog signal from these values that keeps the operator constantly informed of the condition of the grease.
