SKF has selected fibre-optic sensing specialist Sentea as its partner for the development and production of SKF Core, an integrated hardware platform for its SKF Insight bearing technology.
SKF Insight bearings are designed to measure operating conditions within the bearing, including loads, speeds, temperatures and vibration. The latest generation also provides information on lubrication conditions, contact pressures and bearing health.
The additional measurements are intended to provide maintenance and engineering teams with more information about bearing operating conditions and changes that could indicate developing problems. This can support condition-based and predictive maintenance by providing data from within the bearing rather than relying solely on external sensors.
The SKF Core platform integrates sensing, processing and communication functions into a single industrial unit. According to SKF, this is intended to simplify the installation of the sensing system and its integration into industrial equipment.
Fibre-optic sensing is suited to applications where conventional electronic sensors can be difficult to use, including environments where electromagnetic interference or other operating conditions can affect measurement.
“Customers are increasingly looking for ways to improve productivity, reduce unplanned downtime and maximise the performance of their equipment. SKF Insight bearings give them a new level of visibility into what is happening inside the machine,” says Mark Verbakel, Head of SKF Insight bearings.
The practical maintenance value of the technology will depend on the accuracy and reliability of the measurements, how the data is interpreted and whether the information provides sufficient warning to allow maintenance interventions to be planned before bearing failure.
