SKF Idler Sound Monitor Advantages

The Idler Sound Monitor (ISM) is designed to detect problems in long distance conveyor belts associated with bearing wear in the idler rollers (A) or material build up on the roller surfaces (B).

Since vibration is not a practical measurement for this application, a solution is achieved by measuring the sound being emitted from the rollers in the frequency band of 5 to 40 kHz. This band encompasses “sound”, which is sound that can be heard by humans, and “ultrasound”, which is high frequency sound beyond the range of human hearing.

This choice of frequency range has distinct advantages and limitations that should be taken into consideration when using the ISM, especially if using it on applications other than long distance conveyors.