Seals, Bearings, & Lubrication Process, Controls & Plant smooth operation, optimises performance, and minimises downtime, ultimately enhancing productivity and reliability in the manufacturing process. Applications for smart bearings The advantages of smart bearings with builtin sensors have seen them gain popularity by being widely used in automotive anti-lock braking systems (ABS) for years. In early systems, the sensors were mounted near the tires, exposing them to contamination such as water, dirt, and grit. However, modern systems have integrated the sensor into the bearing housing which protects it from the elements. For example, SKF manufactures groove ball bearings with integrated sensors that are capable of measuring various factors such as speed, acceleration, number of revolutions, and direction of rotation. These bearings are utilised in applications including electric motors, gearboxes, linear actuators, and shafts, where precise control and monitoring are essential. The bearings can be integrated with a second sensor to determine the direction of rotation, allowing for comprehensive monitoring of machinery movements. Furthermore, the bearings are designed to withstand a wide temperature range (minus 40 to plus 120 degrees Celsius), making them suitable for industrial environments. This data aligns with the scenario described, showcasing the practical application of smart bearings in an automated manufacturing facility for continuous supervision and optimised equipment operation. Smart bearings with built-in technology also have potential uses in motors, pumps, and fans, which are essential parts of many machines. For example, if dirt contaminates a fan's blades, it causes vibration. Detecting these vibrations early can help adjust the system quickly, reducing the risk of equipment failure and costly repairs. In industries like mining, if a fan supplying fresh air breaks down and air quality suffers, all work stops immediately. Furthermore, smart bearings can be part of the "data transmission, storage, and analysis technologies" outlined in the EC’s report. Bearings with integrated sensors can send signals to an external monitoring unit. This unit records performance data and predicts how much longer the component will last. Operators can then receive alerts in real-time wirelessly, removing the need to be on the shop floor constantly as information can be accessed remotely. Going forward, and in tandem with the increased used of IIoT sensors and evolving technologies like generative AI, industrial bearings will remain essential to the effective performance of plant machinery. As the EC’s vision for Industry 5.0 takes shape, integrating sustainability, human-centric values, and resilience into industrial practices, sensor-equipped smart bearings will emerge as a pivotal technology. For further information please visit http://www.smbbearings.com @PWEma 9 on Follow gazine1 us Plant & W on Link w Follo Plant & W Facebo Join us F c Works Engineering kedIn us k Works Engineering ok on Engineering orks Plant & W E www.pwe the PWE Forthe t PW emag.co.uk website t news visit lates WEw g g
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ0NzM=