Three Ways to Incorporate Ultrasound into Lubrication Testing
When a bearing lacks proper lubrication, damaging friction can occur. Ultrasound equipment allows inspections to read the decibel (dB) levels of under or over-lubricated bearings and alert maintenance personnel to adjust lubrication as needed. Decibel levels can also indicate when proper lubrication has been achieved (when the dB levels are steady and constant).
Choose your path to lubrication efficiency!
No matter what your plant’s circumstances, there are lubrication programs that can improve your facility’s preventive maintenance (PM) practices, including those programs using ultrasound.
Good:
1. Lubricate equipment according to manufacturer’s recommendations
2. Calculate the proper amount of lubricant needed based on bearing type, bearing size and cavity size.
3. Use equipment runtime and operating conditions to determine the proper lubrication frequency schedule.
Better:
1. While continuing on a time-based lube PM schedule, implement ultrasound instruments for more precise lubrication
2. Use ultrasound equipment to let maintenance workers know when to stop applying lubricant
3. Usage of ultrasound instruments may also lead to the discovery of other problems
Best:
1. Combine ultrasound equipment with data collection to compile and compare the recorded history of both decibel levels and sound files
2. Use ultrasound equipment to establish baseline and alarm levels and lubricate equipment once a data point reaches the low alarm or lack of lubrication condition
There are ultrasound instruments available for whatever stage your lubrication program may be in.
From high-end instruments that store data, trend, set baselines and alarm levels, to more cost effective and easier to use instruments that lubricators can use to let them know when they have applied enough grease, an option is available that allows any plant to benefit from ultrasound assisted lubrication solutions.
Check for example UE Systems instruments for ultrasound assisted lubrication: the Ultraprobe 201 Grease Caddy and the Ultraprobe 401 Digital Grease Caddy Pro .
