What results can be achieved in a pillow block bearing, for example?
With the HCP sensor system, the lubrication condition of the rolling bearing can be monitored live in the machine. Only minimal adjustments are made to the pillow block bearing for contacting the outer ring, the actual bearing and the shaft. ⚙
Our first image shows the capacity and resistance of a rolling bearing during run-up. These raw data of the electrical signal alone can be used to make statements about the lubrication condition of the rolling bearing. In the case of fluid friction (high speeds), when a fully formed lubricating film is present and the metallic surfaces are separated, the bearing behaves electrically like a capacitor. This is not the case with mixed and boundary friction (low speeds); there is metallic contact and the bearing behaves like an electrical resistor. 📈
Among other things, this information can be used to make statements about the suitability of the lubricant used, its ageing and degree of contamination. The algorithm also detects an insufficient amount of lubricant as well as damage and overload events. 💡
Figure 2
The diagnosis of the lubrication condition is shown in the second figure, in which you can see the lubricating film parameter determined by our diagnostic algorithm above the calculated kappa value. Regardless of load, speed and temperature, the lubricating film parameter increases sharply from a value of approx. kappa = 1. The transition from boundary friction to mixed friction is therefore reliably detected.
Only if a rolling bearing is correctly lubricated will it run safely and with low wear. Our customers receive uncomplicated live information about the lubrication status of their pillow block bearings. No calibration or additional sensors required – connect and go! 🚀