New Marlin™ condition detector is a simple but effective way of checking the health of a machine

Citation

(2001), "New Marlin™ condition detector is a simple but effective way of checking the health of a machine", Sensor Review, Vol. 21 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.2001.08721daf.002

New Marlin™ condition detector is a simple but effective way of checking the health of a machine

New Marlin™ condition detector is a simple but effective way of checking the health of a machineKeywords: Condition monitoring

BSL's extensive range of condition monitoring equipment has been extended with the introduction of the Marlin™ condition detector (MCD) from SKF (see Plate 2) The MCD provides a simple but extremely effective means of checking the health of a machine, measuring vibration and temperature to assess its operating state.

Convenient to use, the hand-held Marlin condition detector provides factory and maintenance engineers with an easily learned first step into condition monitoring, and is also ideal for users unfamiliar with machine diagnostic measuring techniques. At the same time, when coupled with an extensive range of sister units and accessories, the condition detector can be integrated into broader plant wide condition monitoring strategies. The effectiveness of the Marlin system is such that, even where plants have existing condition monitoring techniques in place, it can improve results. By putting MCD into the hand of plant or maintenance personnel, the frequency of checking can be increased, warnings can be received earlier and plant condition experts can be freed to focus only on specific problem areas. The Marlin system comprises a condition detector, with its own on-board computer, and a programmable stud, which is a sensor with in-built memory. The stud is attached to the machine at a suitable measurement point and the condition detector is attached via the stud. Because the stud is fixed to the machine, readings are always taken from the same point and are, therefore, inherently consistent.

Plate 2 BSL's extensive range of condition monitoring equipment has been extended with the introduction of the Marlin™ condition detector (MCD) from SKF

By using the MCD to measure vibration velocity, the user can identify mechanical problems on a machine, such as imbalance, misalignment, mechanical looseness or wear. The measuring process is aided by a specially developed vibration monitoring technique that involves the use of acceleration enveloping. This provides direct benefits to the user in that gear and bearing wear is easier to detect.

The second reliable indicator of general machine health, and also of bearing or lubrication problems, is temperature. When operating in this mode the MCD employs a unique sensing magnet to detect and signal temperature values outside the acceptable range.

Operation of the Marlin condition detector is transparent to the user as the probe is equipped with three LED indicators that show green for no problems, amber for an alert to investigate further and red for a warning condition. In addition, as a further operating benefit, the detector can be programmed with up to six alarm settings.

In cases where readings from the MCD have to be recorded for subsequent analysis and trending, BSL supplies SKF's hand-held, pen-operated, Marlin data manager (MDM). Data is downloaded from the condition detector via a single cable. The powerful computer within the data manager displays charts and measurements on a clear LED screen using SKF's PRISM⁴ Surveyor data management and analysis software. If transferred to a PC, the data can then be shared throughout the plant as part of overall condition monitoring practices.

Contact Ged Steenson, BSL Marketing Department, Claverton Court, Claverton Road, Wythenshawe, Manchester, M23 9NE, UK. Tel: +44 (0)161 953 8633; E-mail: gs@bsl.co.uk Visit BSL on the Internet at: www.bsL.co.uk