An Internet of Things solution for the relubrication of rolling bearings which enables targeted maintenance of automated relubrication systems – eliminating the need for manual, route-based checks – has been launched by Schaeffler.
The new OPTIME C1 system promises to simplify complex lubrication management in industrial production plants by using intelligent, automatic lubricators which integrate with Schaeffler’s OPTIME app to communicate with maintenance crews.
Personnel are provided with an overview of all lubricators that have critical fill levels or lubricant supply problems. Thanks to an integrated temperature sensor, the system also gives an overview of lubricators that are running at elevated temperatures.
This means maintenance crews do not need to spend time on scheduled inspection runs or dealing with complicated tables or software for planning relubrication of rolling bearings in their plants. Instead, they can focus on targeted maintenance activities in response to automated notifications from the app, says Schaeffler.
The company says the system will reliably prevent incorrect lubrication due to using too much or too little lubricant, using the wrong lubricant, lubricant contamination, blocked bearing lubrication channels, or empty lubricators.
Each battery powered OPTIME C1 Internet of Things unit is designed to be screwed on to a Schaeffler Concept 1 automated lubricator. The unit includes a communication module and a temperature sensor.
The OPTIME C1 units automatically connect the lubricators to form a mesh network, which captures and computes key operating data – such as the number of days remaining until the next lubricant refill – and sends it to the OPTIME app via the Schaeffler cloud.
Schaeffler claims it takes less than two minutes per lubrication point to install the components and configure them in the app. This means dozens of lubrication points on pumps, fans, compressors, machines, conveyor drives and other equipment can be fitted with OPTIME C1 in a short space of time, the company says.
The lubricators at these points are now ‘intelligent’, meaning the maintenance team only needs to attend to them when they actually require maintenance, the firm adds.