MACHINE vibrations are important indicators when assessing the current condition of a machine. Damage to rolling element bearings and other machine components can be detected at an early stage, preventing costly machine downtime. Ifm’s new and smart IO-Link vibration sensor helps to implement a simple and scalable condition monitoring approach using a single device.
The new VVB30x condition monitoring sensor, which ifm will be presenting 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’s 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. Furthermore, 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 imbalance 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 accordance with the respective machine category as defined in ISO 20816-3, predefined limit value profiles are stored directly in the device and can be adapted to the 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. Additionally, the sensor maintains an internal characteristic value history, providing an overview of the last nine days.
