New improved handheld device makes condition monitoring easier for beginners

Many maintenance and plant engineers are reluctant to use condition monitoring devices for a variety of reasons. Some are put off by fear of the unknown or simply believe the devices are too complex and so they would rather leave the task to ‘experts’.

The maintenance management and condition monitoring division of Schaeffler UK, FAG Industrial Services (F’IS), is now offering customers a new and improved version of its FAG Detector III device, the company’s handheld vibration monitoring and balancing system. The latest FAG Detector III version 3.4 is now available with improved software functions that mean more engineers, regardless of their skill level, will feel comfortable using the device and interpreting results.

FAG Detector III is used for the early detection of damage in rotating machine elements such as rolling bearings. The device is available with an optional, extended operational balancing function. The customer can activate this function at a later stage after purchasing the basic unit. The device can be used to balance rotors and shafts in both static and dynamic balancing applications, on diverse range of rotating equipment, including machine tools, pumps, electric motors, fans, compressors, ventilators, gearboxes and spindles.

FAG Detector III version 3.4 comes with Firmware v3.4, and for further analyses of data, Trendline v3.4. Trendline software includes a database of more than 20,000 different bearing products from different suppliers, enabling the user to analyse measurement data recorded using the device.

The new software offers users a number of benefits. First, when identifying damage to machine components such as bearings, and misaligned shafts, engineers are now provided with a 3D view of measurement data. Diagrams can be rotated in all directions and analysis is made easier by adding ‘zoom’ and ‘cursor’ functions.

In addition, the new software incorporates waterfall diagrams, enabling comprehensive display of results via 3D illustrations in the Viewer. This means even slight changes in the frequency spectrum can be detected very easily.

The balancing of machines is also easier now, as more support tools have been added. Intelligent user guidance notes and prompts are now included and sensor positions can be displayed graphically. Also, the number of planes can be changed during the balancing process. Test weight calculations have been improved, with warnings given if test weights are too small – therefore eliminating any trial and error from the process.

Interpretation of measurement results has also been simplified. By adding ‘smiley faces’ and green (value OK), yellow (pre-alarm) and red (main alarm) borders around measurement values on the display, the user can quickly interpret the results. Operating the keypad on the device is also easier and now functions in a similar way to a mobile phone, with alphanumeric keypad typing options.

ISO 10816 is already configured on the device, which means that standard measurement tasks can now be carried out directly, without PC preparation. As Ian Pledger, F’IS Field Service Engineer at Schaeffler UK points out: “We don’t want engineers to be reluctant to use condition monitoring devices like the FAG Detector III because they think it is too complex or time consuming. That is why all the new features added to version 3.4 help simplify the vibration monitoring and balancing process for the user. We’ve even created a new website dedicated to the FAG Detector III, so that engineers can get advice and guidance on how to get the most from the device and its new software.”

FAG Detector III with integrated RFID technology is also available, which is ideal for maintenance teams that regularly collect and analyse vibration monitoring data from multiple, similar measuring points.