Schaeffler showcases digital technologies at AIMEX

On display at the stand were two integrated condition monitoring technologies highly relevant to the mining industry: FAG SmartCheck and SmartQB. SmartCheck vibration monitoring technology comprises an innovative, modular online measuring system for continuous monitoring on a decentralised basis to optimise productivity and overall process management.

The technology is suitable for early detection of rolling bearing damage, imbalances, and misalignments, among other faults, on diverse machinery and plant, including electric and geared motors, gearboxes and compressors, vacuum and fluid pumps, ventilators and fans, spindles and machine tools, separators and decanters and vibrating screens.

The SmartCheck then plugs into the SmartQB, which is a ready-to-use monitoring solution that displays plain text messages on the 7 in. display. It is very easy to install and does not require any specific knowledge about vibration diagnosis, including for common installations, such as vibratory, grinding and rolling processes.

“The simplicity of the SmartQB makes it a genuine innovation in the market. It comes preconfigured for the capture of anomalies in common industrial components such as motors, pumps and fans and can be completely commissioned in five minutes,” said Mark Ciechanowicz, Industrial Services Manager, Schaeffler Australia.

“The mining industry can truly benefit from the 24/7 condition monitoring that the SmartQB provides, which will help optimise plant uptime and availability,” he said.

SmartCheck and SmartQB are one component of Schaeffler’s new Drive Train 4.0, which was also introduced at AIMEX. Schaeffler Drive Train 4.0 – part of the Schaeffler Smart EcoSystem suite of digitally integrated products – expands conventional condition monitoring approaches by linking diverse digital information sources into a single platform with new options for increased efficiency, machinery lifespan and sustainability, reduced downtime, reduced energy use and reduced total cost of ownership (TCO).

“Schaeffler’s Drive Train 4.0 links existing technology with new digital services to take a big step further into the digitalised production and machine monitoring of the future,” said Ciechanowicz.

Drive Train 4.0 is the product of extensive research and development of the global Schaeffler organisation which employs more than 86,000 people globally, including more than 6000 at 16 research and development centres dedicated to high-performance, low-maintenance bearing technology. Schaeffler’s 170 locations in 50 countries include long-established Australasian operations whose capabilities include new system engineering, refurbishment and extensive technical support for systems such as Drive Train 4.0.

“As digital technologies rapidly advance, there are real benefits for industry in using an integrated condition monitoring system. It can optimise efficiency and uptime as well as improve the overall performance of industrial machinery by identifying faults before they occur,” concluded Ciechanowicz.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/product-news/05092017/schaeffler-showcases-digital-technologies-at-aimex/