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Monitoring the Progression of Detected Damage by Visual Inspection – Azimuth Drives on Ships Represent a Typical Application
Herzogenrath, July 31, 2005 – FAG Industrial Services has
extended its online condition monitoring range and is now also offering
video endoscopy as a complementary full service. Carried out with the
help of a miniature camera, this visual inspection method enables
damage detected by vibration diagnostics to be verified. In addition,
it provides more-detailed information about the degree and progression
of damage on the defective component. Typical applications are
components which cannot be immediately replaced, such as azimuth drives
on ships. These systems, which are mounted outside the ship’s hull to
achieve a significant improvement in maneuverability, not only propel
the vessel but also serve as rudders. As the bearings incorporated in
these drives cannot be replaced at sea for design reasons, they are
usually monitored by online condition monitoring systems so that any
damage is detected at an early stage and replacement of the components
in a dry dock can be planned in advance.
In the video endoscopy procedure a movable optical system with
integrated CCD chip and light guide is inserted into the bearing
housing through special service openings to inspect the individual
bearing parts (inner/outer ring, rolling elements and cage). The video
images captured in the process can be followed on screen and stored on
a memory card for subsequent evaluation and analysis by the
Herzogenrath-based maintenance experts.
Considerable in-depth knowledge of the bearing design is needed for
this analysis method. It takes a great deal of experience to detect
actual defects in the reflecting environment produced by the polished
surfaces and residual oil. Given such expertise, video endoscopy makes
it possible to arrive at a much more precise assessment of the
remaining bearing service life.
The video endoscope deployed by the F’IS monitoring specialists is one
of the slimmest devices currently used in industrial applications. As a
result, it is also suitable for conducting visual inspections of small
bearings.
FAG Industrial Services GmbH (F’IS)
Headquartered at Herzogenrath near Aachen, FAG Industrial Services GmbH
(F’IS) offers its services, service products and training all about
maintenance on a manufacturer-independent basis, so helping customers
to save maintenance costs, optimize machine availability and avoid
unexpected machine downtime. F’IS takes responsibility for the
Schaeffler Group’s worldwide service business regarding the INA and FAG
brands. In 2004, the Schaeffler Group employed a workforce of about
58,000 at 185 locations worldwide and generated sales of €7.2 billion
with its three brands INA, LuK and FAG.
Contact
FAG Industrial Services GmbH
Ms. Christiane Reimer
Marketing & Communication
Tel. +49 (0)2407 9149-47
Fax +49 (0)2407 9149-88
Email: reimer_c@fis-services.de
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