Machine reliability inspection and monitoring developed
April 1, 2000
The SKF Marlin (machine reliability inspection system) enables plant personnel to identify, prioritize, and plan to reduce typical problems that result in lost productivity and unplanned stoppages, while also virtually eliminating errors in data gathering and reporting.
The Marlin system consists of a hand-held computer for automatic recording of machine and process data, a condition sensor data collection probe, a series of quick connect mechanical and smart studs for data recording, and integral data manager user and analysis software.
Marlin's computer can store up to 2,000 points and its condition detector probe captures data on velocity and enveloped acceleration, vibration, flow level, and pressure, as well as temperature. This enables the overall health of a machine to be assessed against pre-set parameters and alerts the operator via a series of displays when normal limits are exceeded.
Within the computer is SKF's data management software that accepts, stores, and reviews machine condition and plant process data. It will display current, past, and baseline values, allowing a quick sign of trends. It also accepts operator notes to the database.
The Windows-based data management software entitled Prism Surveyor, which allows the users to fully analyze collected data and generate rapid screening of reports such as historical trend plots, standard or user-defined to meet special needs. It will interface with bearing frequency data bases and management systems.
To simplify the identification of measurement points, an internal memory chip in Marlin's optional smart study attachment point enables the condition detector probe to instantly identify the monitoring point. It then automatically displays and compares reading against programmed alarm levels. Marling also incorporates and integral bar code scanner to allow inspection points to be instantly identified against predetermined formats.
A mechanical condition detector, also available that can be used independently as an integrated component within Marlin inspection routines and provides two reliable "health" monitor parameters for vibration and temperature. The unit can be programmed with up to six alarm levels and provides instant LED indication of machine status.
