Technical data are subject to change without notice.
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SPM Instrument AB • Box 504 • S-645 25 Strängnäs • Sweden
Tel +46 152 225 00 • Fax +46 152 15075 • info@spminstrument.se • www.spminstrument.se
Measuring intervals
Unpredicted, very rapid damage development is rare. The breakdown described on the previous
page could have been prevented if the scheduled reading had been taken after the onset of
surface damage, or if an unscheduled check had been made on detecting the contaminated
lubrication oil. Normally, surface damage develops slowly, over a period of many months. These
are the general guidelines for selecting the interval between periodic readings:
• The bearings should be checked at least once every three months.
• The bearings in critical machinery and heavily preloaded bearings (e.g. spindle bearings)
should be measured more often than "normal" bearings.
• The bearings should be measured more frequently when their condition is unstable (rising or
irregular readings).
• Damaged bearings should be closely watched until they can be replaced.
This implies that one has to allow time for extra checks on bearings in dubious or bad condition.
With Condmaster
®
Pro, it means that you should put measuring points with abnormal readings into
extra measuring rounds with short measuring intervals.
Check stand-by equipment
Vibration and corrosion can damage the bearings in stand-by machines. Check bearing condition
each time such machines are being tested or used.
Synchronize with lubrication
It may be necessary to synchronize regreasing and measuring intervals. Grease lubricated bearings
should not be measured until they have run for approximately one hour after regreasing (except
when doing a lubrication test).
Keep in mind that bad bearing condition is often connected with lubrication problems. For grease
lubricated bearings, a lubrication test usually provides the final proof for bearing damage. Make
sure that the right type and quantity of grease is used. Condmaster
®
Pro provides entry forms
where you can store all relevant lubrication data.
Measuring personnel
should know about:
• lubricant type
• maximum quantity
• lubricating intervals
1-3 months
several days,
one week
measure
often
General remarks on SPM measurement 29
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