SKF has begun to apply SKF Insight, its bearing health management technology, in several high-end industry applications. The technology uses self-powered, intelligent, wireless sensors in the SKF bearing to provide instant condition-monitoring data via the Internet and is undergoing trials in challenging projects in the wind turbine and railway industries. SKF Insight monitors dynamic parameters…
SKF introduces capability to manufacture custom machined seals for OEM or existing wind turbine applications
SKF introduces the capability to manufacture custom machined seals for all wind turbine applications, whether to meet OEM specifications or to fix or upgrade existing sealing systems. A variety of proven seal designs and sizes, proprietary high-performance materials, and flexible manufacturing processes combine to deliver robust wind turbine sealing solutions tailored and delivered in short…
SKF takes next step to “smartify” the industry
SKF is continuing its investments in “smartifying” its maintenance service offering, production and sales processes. As part of the investments, field maintenance engineers, production workers, and SKF sales force members in selected regions will be trained and equipped with smart devices with tailored-made software developed by SKF’s own connectivity team. Integrating SKF’s condition-monitoring technologies into…
Aren’t you curious? What top 11 products in Windpower Engineering & Development did readers look for most often in 2014?
As we round the annual circle to end 2014, it has become a tradition to look back on the products that garnered the most attention. And so for your entertainment, we present the top 11 products of 2014, ranked by the number of page views as Google analytics counts them. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays…
Lincoln lubricators and SKF combine for a more complete portfolio
Editor’s note: This article comes from the SKF literature, The power of lubrication, that details the product offerings of the new company. Studies show that half of all bearing failures are caused by lubrication issues, whether the result of poor lubrication, the wrong type of lubricant, or contamination of the lubricant by water, air, dirt…
SKF presents seals and wind initiative at Wind Energy Hamburg
SKF will showcase its HSS reinforced, all-rubber seals and present its latest wind energy initiative at Wind Energy 2014 Hamburg, Sept. 23–26, booth B6/374. HSS Seals The range of reinforced HSS seals was specially developed by SKF to protect large size bearings that function under tough operating conditions, such as those experienced within wind turbines.…
SKF introduces three new lubrication products
SKF recently introduced three new lubrication products for wind energy systems: Lincoln lubrication upgrade kit, Global System for Mobile Communications Lubrication Monitor, and Condition Based Lubrication. Lincoln lubrication upgrade kits An extension of SKF’s customized lubrication solutions for wind turbines, this retrofit kit provides a cost-effective, easy-to-install option for upgrading existing turbines to automatic lubrication.…
How black oxide coated bearings can make an impact on cutting wind turbine O&M costs
Black oxide coated bearings are one way to cut O&M costs. The enhanced black-oxidation process described here work in new and existing installations. Kenred Stadler / SKF Program Manager / Renewable Energy Application /Development Centre / Schweinfurt, Germany / www.skf.com Operation and maintenance (O&M) costs can constitute a significant proportion of running a wind turbine,…
SKF adds machinery protection condition monitoring system
SKF has launched the SKF @ptitude Analyst 2013 version 8.1 software upgrade, which further enhances the capability of this analysis and reporting software, as well as an upgrade to the on-line protection system—Multilog IMx-M. When used in combination to monitor plant semi-critical and critical rotating assets these two products offer both machinery protection and improved…
Two firsts for new SKF shaft alignment tool
SKF is launching the first of a new generation of shaft alignment tools. The new TKSA 11 is said to be the only instrument of its type featuring inductive proximity sensors, and an innovative, easy to use app for smartphones or tablets. This makes the TKSA 11 an ideal entry-level tool for maintenance or production…
SKF axial excluder seal offers alternative to rubber seals for protecting wind turbine bearings
The new SKF axial excluder seal introduces an ideal high-performance alternative to conventional rubber seals for protecting wind turbine main shaft bearings from contaminants. Ultimately, the seal represents an advanced first line of defense against any debris or contaminants the wind may carry and can help wind farm operators significantly reduce the risks of contaminant-related…
SKF black oxide bearings add surface layer of protection to promote higher reliability and performance for wind turbines
SKF black oxide bearings add a surface layer of protection to promote higher reliability and performance for wind turbines. The coating can be specified for all types of critical bearings in wind turbine systems to help promote higher reliability against widely varying temperatures, speeds, and loads and to resist contaminants, moisture, and chemicals that otherwise…
SKF Wireless MicroVibe provides data collection and analysis
SKF recently launched the SKF Wireless MicroVibe that allows users to safely, quickly, and easily assess any problems with their machinery. In conjunction with a tablet or smart phone, the new SKF Wireless MicroVibe provides the functionality of basic vibration data collection and analysis. This portable, compact, and lightweight versatile tool is the perfect entry-level,…
SKF launches condition monitoring sensor for hazardous environments
SKF has launched the SKF Wireless Machine Condition Sensor, which uses the WirelessHart communication protocol and provides dynamic vibration and temperature data for condition monitoring and machinery diagnostic applications. The product has ATEX Zone 0 certification, which means that it can also be used in hazardous environments, for example those found in petrochemical, oil and…
SKF signs strategic partnership agreement with Envision Energy
SKF has signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) with Envision Energy, a leading global provider of wind turbines. The partnership strengthens an ongoing and highly successful cooperation established during recent years, which has been focusing on bringing reliable, high performance wind turbines to the market. “SKF has a close development cooperation with Envision Energy,” says…
Condition monitoring from SKF @ptitude Connect
SKF @ptitude software has been extended to offer SKF @ptitude Connect, a cost-effective cloud computing resource. The service provides instant access to SKF condition monitoring software, enabling customers to improve plant performance and efficiency. SKF @ptitude Connect lets any business implement plant-wide – or enterprise-wide – Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) or Predictive Maintenance (PdM) program…
Trends in bearings 2014
Trends in the design of main shaft and gearbox bearings are driven by unexpected failures in these units. Unplanned main-shaft bearing replacement costs operators up to $450,000 and have an obvious impact on financial performance. One gearbox service company says certain gearbox models show a particular design weakness: use of a four row, cylindrical bearing with…
SKF TKDT 10 enables fast, effective temperature measurement
SKF has launched a new condition-monitoring thermometer that meets the market need across industry for a compact, high quality, accurate instrument for measuring temperature by direct contact. The device offers a wide measurement range from -200 to +1,372°C (-328 to 2,501°F), making it a powerful tool with which to increase plant efficiency. The TKDT 10…
SKF upgrades thermal cameras to improve condition monitoring
SKF has launched two upgraded thermal cameras that cut costs and enhance efficiency by enabling engineers to detect potential problems before they occur. The SKF TKTI 21 and TKTI 31 thermal cameras can be used in multiple applications to spot the unusual heat patterns that indicate machine problems, enabling prompt preventive maintenance to reduce production…
Extending wind-turbine life with SKF Condition Based Lubrication
SKF has launched the SKF Condition Based Lubrication that enables remote and automatic lubrication of a wind turbine’s hard to access bearing system, eliminating the need for an on-site service engineer to perform extra manual lubrication. SKF Condition Based Lubrication is an interface that allows a connection between the Condition Monitoring (SKF WindCon) and SKF…