Now both novice users and experts can easily, quickly, and accurately check the condition of rotating equipment throughout your facility. Equipping your maintenance and operations personnel with this rugged, ergonomic and easy-to-use instrument can provide early warning of potential machine problems before a costly failure occurs.
Multiple measurements with a single device
The SKF Machine Condition Advisor provides an overall “Velocity” vibration reading that measures vibration signals from the machine and automatically compares them to pre-programmed International Organization for Standardization (ISO) guidelines. An “Alert” or “Danger” alarm displays when measurements exceed those guidelines. Simultaneously an “Enveloped Acceleration” measurement is taken and compared to established bearing vibration guidelines to verify conformity or indicate potential bearing damage.
The SKF Machine Condition Advisor also measures temperature using an infrared sensor to indicate uncharacteristic heat.
Accuracy, flexibility and confidence
When performing measurements, the SKF Machine Condition Advisor’s acceleration sensor input signal is processed to produce two different measurements for each POINT on the machinery – overall velocity and enveloped acceleration. At the same time, the SKF Machine Condition Advisor’s non-contact infrared sensor measures the surface temperature of the measurement location and simultaneously displays all three measurement values.
Depending on the SKF Machine Condition Advisor’s System setting, the front-panel LCD simultaneously displays:
- Units in Metric or English
- Velocity in mm/s RMS or IPS derived Peak
- Temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit
- Acceleration enveloping readings in gE
Quick and easy - first time and every time
- Press “Select” or “Browse” button to turn the SKF Machine Condition Advisor “On”.
- Press the sensor tip against the point to be measured.
- When the readings stabilize, press the “Select” button to hold the reading.
- Read and record the measurement values.
LCD display in measurement mode
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Understanding and using guidelines for vibration
The SKF Machine Condition Advisor provides a means to evaluate machine health based on ISO 10816-3 and to evaluate the bearings according to general guidelines developed from a statistical analysis of existing databases.
How to choose the correct “Alarm Velocity Group” for your machinery
The Alarm Velocity Group (G2&4 or G1&3) determines the instrument’s “overall vibration” alarm limits. Therefore, select the Group that best describes the general size, type, and speed of the machinery being measured. Note that these machine group classifications are set forth in ISO 10816-3, which rates overall velocity vibration levels for standardized machinery classifications.
Groups 2 and 4 (default)
ISO Group 2 and 4 classifications define the following type of machinery:
- Medium-sized machines and electrical machines with a shaft height between 160 and 315 mm (6.3 and 12.4 in.).
- These machines are normally equipped with rolling element bearings, but may use sleeve bearings, and operate at speeds above 600 r/min.
- These machines include pumps with multi-vane impellers and integrated drivers.
Groups 1 and 3
ISO Group 1 and 3 classifications define the following type of machinery:
- Large machinery and electrical machines with a shaft height greater than 315 mm (12.4 in.).
- These machines are generally equipped with sleeve bearings, but may use rolling element bearings.
These machines include pumps with multi-vane impellers and integrated drivers.
Rigid or Flexible foundation?
An additional setting allows the specification (when defining the overall alarm levels) of measurements taken from machinery with Rigid (default) or Flexible foundations.