ON-GUARD Automated Lubrication System Forewarns Lubrication team of BPFO

The LUBExpert ON-GUARD is an 8 Channel Automated Precision Lubrication System. For the past 18 months, the latest product release from SDT Ultrasound Solutions has been rigorously tested in a number of different industries and environments all around the world.

The Data from this Case Study comes from a Canadian Pulp & Paper Manufacturing Facility.

In Figure 1, (Pump DE) we can observe the ON-GUARD Configuration on this motor. A CONMONSENSE Sensor affixed to the Grease Line for the most accurate ultrasound readings, and a pressure gauge to monitor for blockages and other pressure related issues.

In Figure 2 (Pump, NDE), we can see the CONMONSENSE drilled and tapped into the side of the bearing housing. The grease line & pressure gauge are not shown in this picture as they’re on the other side of the bearing housing.

In response to the Suspected Bearing Failure, additional follow-up dynamic measurements were recorded using a LUBExpert. We can observe this dynamic data in Figure 4 where we can see the suspected bearing failure was proven correct. The fault frequency cursors indicate this bearing had a BPFO.

By continuously monitoring RMS (overall friction) values of a rotating asset, the ON-GUARD determined that the bearing on the Pumps NDE had a suspected failure.

Rather than blindly pump unnecessary grease into the asset, the maintenance and reliability team were alerted to conduct additional measurements. Their follow-up data acquisition confirmed the findings of the ON-GUARD. Maintenance was scheduled for this bearing during the next planned shutdown!