22Jun

Finding Insulator Electrical Faults on Utility Poles

Powerlines are found in almost every place on Earth with a human population. As our planet becomes more and more reliant on technology, power becomes increasingly important. In many areas, powerlines are located above busy roads or residential areas, and keeping them in proper working...
17Jun

SDT340 – Integrating Condition Monitoring & Lubrication Data (Real Example)

The SDT340 LUBExpert Mode Upgrade helps integrate asset condition monitoring and lubrication management data in one connected platform. The simple SDT340 workflow walks users through executing lubrication work orders, monitoring bearing response, and logging the condition monitoring data. Users start by building their asset hierarchy to...
11Jun

Lubrication Data Reveals Suspected Fan DE Mechanical Looseness

The SDT340 LUBExpert Mode guides technicians through lubrication tasks while collecting dynamic data that can be reviewed later as part of a larger condition monitoring investigation. This case study follows a motor direct-drive fan assembly at a rock crushing plant. There was no historical ultrasound,...
01May

Condition Monitoring with Airborne Ultrasound for Grid Couplings

Using airborne ultrasound is a great method for condition monitoring grid couplings. Although vibration analysis can be effective at identifying 1x shaft speed and harmonic frequencies in the velocity spectrum, it’s hard to determine whether the forcing frequency is due to misalignment, imbalance, or damage...
01May

Motor Cooling Fan Failure Analysis 

Even a small motor cooling fan plays a critical role in the production process. It does more than just regulate temperature, it prevents overheating, extends motor bearing life, and keeps the paper machine running efficiently. Without proper cooling, the motor risks premature failure, leading to...
29Apr

Finding Heat Exchanger Condenser Tube Leaks with Ultrasound 

Heat exchangers come in many shapes, sizes, and configurations. Their purpose; to efficiently transfer heat energy from one medium to another while keeping those media separate. Sometimes called “surface condensers”, these installations are used in a variety of industrial applications. We find them in refineries, water...
22Apr

The Hidden Costs of Over-Greasing — And How to Stop It 

Walk into almost any plant and you will hear it. If a little grease is good, more must be better. That belief has quietly cost industry millions. Over-greasing does not protect bearings. It creates excess pressure, increases friction, raises operating temperatures, and pushes grease past seals....
08Apr

ON-GUARD Automated Lubrication System- Two Month Monitoring Trend

The LUBExpert ON-GUARD from SDT Ultrasound Solutions is the latest addition to a line of best-in-class, precision ultrasound condition monitoring data collectors.   The ON-GUARD is an automated precision lubrication system designed to monitor friction levels of critical rotating production equipment and inject grease precisely as needed to ensure an optimal separation of surfaces.  The...