At the Hannover fair, SKF will launch a range of tablets and smartphones that have been developed for use in hazardous areas, to allow mobile working. Mobile workers will now be able to take this kind of technology, which is often pre-loaded with a host of SKF condition monitoring and productivity apps, into previously inaccessible areas.
SKF, in partnership with ecom, is to launch a whole family of products, peripherals and accessories that are suitable for use in Zone 1/Division 1, Zone 2/Division 2 and harsh environments. ”These tablets offer SKF customers the ability to bring mobility to hazardous areas, using the most modern tools and apps,” says Christoffer Malm, Head of Connectivity Room at SKF. ”The products connect to SKF apps, which in turn connect to SKF knowledge and expertise.”
The products can be supplied as part of SKF Enlight, a package that includes: Data Collect, a powerful app that turns the tablet or smartphone into a data collection device; and WMCD, a special sensor that measures vibration and temperature data. These work well in conjunction with standard tablets and smartphones, but can now also be used in hazardous areas.
Features of the new hazardous area devices include: intrinsic safety, supporting Zone 1/Division 1 and Zone 2/Division 2; Android 4.4; suitable for use with gloves; connectivity via WWAN, 4G LTE* and WLAN, plus NFC technology for wireless applications; 1. 3 Megapixel front camera, 3 Megapixel rear camera with flash, plus barcode scanner; and GPS.
SKF Enlight is also new, a package that combines a powerful new mobile app with a special Bluetooth-enabled sensor. It allows non-expert staff to gather expert data such as vibration and temperature information, using standard mobile devices on an on-demand basis, gaining access to SKF specialist analysis.
There are three key elements to SKF Enlight. Data Collect is an app that turns a standard mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet into a data collection device. Data can be sent directly to the SKF cloud, for expert analysis by the global SKF Remote Diagnostic Centre (RDC) network. The second key element is the SKF Wireless Machine Condition Detector (WMCD), a special sensor that measures vibration and temperature data – and relays it to Data Collect via Bluetooth. Finally, the third element is specially built Atex Zone 1-compliant tablets and smartphones, if users need to collect data in hazardous areas.
“The app is extremely simple to use, allowing non-vibration experts to collect expert data,” says Malm. “The user is only one button push away from RDC experts, who use their extensive knowledge to provide detailed analysis of a machine’s condition – and provide recommendations to rectify faults.”
The WMCD sensor, mounted magnetically to a machine, measures vibration and temperature data. This is then sent to the app – via Bluetooth – for visualization. Vibration levels are benchmarked against ISO standards. The user sees the assessment as a simple ‘traffic light’ (red, amber or green) indicator.
In addition, the WMCD takes a simultaneous measurement of the bearing’s condition – using patented SKF algorithms to assess the severity of damage and wear. Again, results are displayed in traffic light format. In the event of a warning or alert in any of the measured parameters, the user can request an ‘On Demand Diagnostic’ directly from the measurement screen. Collected data is sent wirelessly to an SKF RDC, where a vibration expert can analyze the data and send a report as to the cause of the high vibration directly to the users email account.
Dedicated vibration analysers require a high level of competence, and are expensive for one-off measurements. SKF Enlight provides low-cost, easy to use instrumentation, with instant connection to SKF expertise through its RDC network. It will help users carry out vibration monitoring in a way not currently fulfilled by systems such as route-based or dedicated high end analysers. Repair shops are likely to be the first beneficiaries.
Also new is an intuitive app-powered shaft alignment tool from SKF that allows operators to use the TKSA 51 at first sight and confidently align machinery with great precision. The TKSA 51 is the first instrument designed for intuitive shaft alignments using tablets and smartphones. The app makes it quick and easy to set up of motors, drives, fans, gearboxes, pulleys and couplings, even by operators who use the instrument for the first time.
The new TKSA 51 comprises two compact and lightweight laser measuring units, designed to suit almost any application. Using the versatile shaft brackets, the instrument can be mounted on small machines with limited space, whilst extension chains, rods and magnetic holders are supplied for mounting the tool on large machines.
Connected wirelessly, the app uses real time data to provide a live 3D view of the measuring units. This gives operators the possibility to rotate the virtual machine at their convenience in all directions, making the alignment as intuitive as possible. Measurements are made by a simple touch of a button or by the hands-free automatic measurement function which just needs the shaft to be rotated to the next measurement position.
Jens Kammann, Product Manager at SKF Maintenance Products, points out that, “Shaft misalignment is one of the main causes of machine failure. It creates additional forces and vibration that can damage machine components such as bearings, seals and couplings, adding considerably to operating and maintenance costs. Often, we find shafts not being aligned correctly because the applied method or instrument is time consuming and difficult to use, leading to mistakes and incorrect alignments. The TKSA 51 eliminates these problems, making it the ideal companion for every alignment task. As a result, engineers can significantly increase uptime, with the confidence that machines are correctly setup for efficient and cost-effective operation.”
The great measurement freedom is just one of the core features of the systems, allowing alignments in confined spaces as measurements can start at any start at any angle and only require a total shaft rotation of 40°.Further alignment adjustments are possible with alignment targets that, for example, can be set to compensate the thermal growth of the machinery. After each alignment check or correction, a comprehensive report is created that can easily be customised, emailed or uploaded to a cloud service for future reference. To aid the user, notification and helpful guidance menus are displayed if a problem occurs during set up, such as the detector being off centre or the laser beam being too close to the edge of the detector.
The TKSA 51 is supplied by SKF as a comprehensive system for all alignment tasks. The app can easily be downloaded and offers a fully functional demonstration mode for trying the TKSA 51 before purchase.