SKF launches the SKF Machine Condition Indicator, a low-cost vibration and temperature monitoring device designed for rotating machinery with constant operating conditions. It provides the ability to track basic machine health on assets that are not currently being monitored on a regular basis. The device can be used indoors or outdoors, in almost any industry where rotating machines are used, such as pulp and paper, power, food and beverage, hydrocarbon processing industry (HPI), oil and gas industry, machine tool, as well as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC).

The SKF Machine Condition Indicator periodically makes two types of vibration measurement. Velocity measurements are made to keep track of overall machine health and highlight potential problems relating to misalignment and imbalance. Enveloped acceleration measurements are used to detect possible bearing degradation. In addition, the device monitors machine operating temperature. The SKF Machine Condition Indicator also features built-in intelligence for measurement evaluations and to avoid false alarms, with an alarm status visually indicated via three LED’s. The indicator is fixed to the machine and runs on battery.

“The SKF Machine Condition Indicator is as simple as the ‘check engine’ warning light in a car,” said Torsten Bark, Product Line Manager at SKF Condition Monitoring Center, San Diego. “Once LED’s are illuminated, it alerts the predictive maintenance technician to do a root cause analysis on the machine to determine what kind of problem might be affecting its performance.” By utilizing the SKF Machine Condition Indicator, plant operators can save both time and money by freeing up maintenance engineers to spend less time on problem detection and more time focusing on root cause analysis and other more significant issues. In addition, maintenance schedules for non-critical machines can be assigned at less frequent intervals, as the installed SKF Machine Condition Indicator will provide feedback via its LED’s.

The device costs less than a standard industrial accelerometer, which makes the SKF Machine Condition Indicator a good solution for manufacturers looking for an economical way to make sure their semi-critical machine assets are kept up and running.  The SKF Machine Condition Indicator runs on a high energy lithium battery and has a life expectancy of more than three year (with one acknowledged alarm).