Successful Lubrication with Ultrasound: A Process Water Pump Case Study
In this ultrasound lubrication case study shared by Luis Vasquez, the SDT340 LUBExpert was featured to support a condition-based lubrication task on the process water pumps at a Food & Beverage facility in Houston, Texas.
The setup begins before the technician reaches each asset. In UAS3, each asset is configured by first entering in the bearing number. UAS3 has a database of over 50,000 bearing references with all relevant information, including re-grease quantity, dimensions and fault frequency cursors.
Additional information configured before each greasing task includes the named grease guns, their output per stroke, and the type of lubricant used.
With that data loaded into the SDT340, the technician is then shown relevant information as they arrive at each asset. Before any grease is applied, the device prompts the technician to begin with an initial ultrasound reading.
This is where sensor placement is important. Establishing a repeatable data collection point ensures the most accurate data for your ultrasound lubrication program.
With a consistent measurement point established and historical data, the initial reading can be compared against previous measurements to help determine whether the bearing requires lubrication.
If lubrication is required, the technician can begin applying grease as the bearing response is monitored in real time. There should be a noticeable audible change as friction decreases.
In this case, friction dropped with each subsequent shot of grease until it increased slightly, this is when the LUBExpert prompted the technician to stop.
In total, the SKF 6316 drive-end bearing received 5 controlled shots of grease leading to a reduction in overall frictional energy of 40dBµV to 25dBµV
This lubrication task improved bearing condition while being performed quickly, efficiently, and with data to back it up.
With the SDT340 LUBExpert Mode, lubrication becomes a guided and documented maintenance task. This ultrasound data collector helps confirm whether a bearing needs grease supports the controlled application of grease and provides data that proves the task was done successfully.