Monitoring of Slow Speed Bearings Using the SKF Microlog Analyzer CMVA 60 ULS

With the advent of Enveloped Acceleration, it is possible to monitor the operation of slow speed equipment and its rolling element bearings. For purposes of this paper, we will consider slow speed to be anything rotating less than 100 r/min. The author has collected and analyzed the condition of bearings in a range from 0,1 to 8,3 r/min with satisfactory results. This involves the use of the time domain as well as the frequency domain. This paper will discuss techniques for setting up the data collection and give examples collected in the field. With the release of the SKF Microlog CMVA 60 ULS (Ultra Low Speed), slow speed equipment may be monitored, in velocity, down to 6 r/min. Examples will also be shown using this equipment.