Machine vibrations are important indicators when it comes to assessing the current condition of a machine. Damage to rolling element bearings and other machine components can be detected at an early stage before costly machine downtime occurs. ifm’s new and smart IO-Link vibration sensor helps to implement a simple and scalable condition monitoring approach using but a single device.
THE new VVB30x condition monitoring sensor, which ifm presented at the SPS in Nuremberg, continuously detects vibrations in all three dimensions.
From the measured values recorded, the sensor calculates proven indicators to evaluate the machine condition: information on fatigue (v-RMS), mechanical friction (a-RMS), impacts (a-Peak) and bearing wear (Crest factor).
As an additional wear indicator, the surface temperature is also transmitted. What is more, the sensor offers a whole range of other smart functions.
In the Basic condition monitoring version, the sensor can continuously analyse and, if required, reliably communicate any unbalance developing in the machine.
The sensor also calculates the machine operating hours based on the machine-related vibration level, which is another auxiliary variable in modern maintenance.
Last, but not least the DataScience condition monitoring version of the device also comes with a smart bearing demodulation process for reliable and continuous bearing analysis, known as BearingScout.
The new vibration sensor uses IO-Link for data transmission, device diagnostics and parameter setting. This enables users to implement vibration monitoring and analysis in a SCADA system by any manufacturer using standard fieldbus protocols.
Optionally, this can be done simultaneously via a standardised MQTT or HTTPS interface in any IT system. With the moneo IIoT platform, ifm electronic offers a whole range of smart additional functions for root cause failure analysis, making it easy to implement IT-based condition monitoring.
Configuration is also very easy via IO-Link. In agreement with the respective machine category according to ISO 20816-3, predefined limit value profiles are stored directly in the device and can be adapted to the respective target application using the corresponding system command. In the event of a limit value being exceeded, a detailed root cause analysis is easily possible, even without moneo, thanks to the integrated BLOB ring memory. Up to 12 seconds of raw data can be made available automatically if required. In addition, the sensor has an internal characteristic value history that provides an overview of the last nine days.
With condition monitoring, damage to pumps, fans, geared motors, vacuum pumps and many other rotating machines can be detected at an early stage. This means that maintenance work can be planned cost-effectively and in line with requirements, maximising machine availability.
Where vibrations in machines have an impact on the quality, condition monitoring also helps to improve the production process.
