Cooling Tower Fan - Bearing Defect Detection and Vibration Monitoring Using the Machine Condition Transmitter (MCT)

Cooling tower fans and associated gearboxes incorporating rolling element bearings are ideal candidates for monitoring with SKF’s Machine Condition Transmitters (MCT’s). Using a single CMSS 2110 accelerometer with integral over-braided cable, the customer can realize the cost effectiveness of multi-parameter monitoring with a complementary pair of CMSS 590-ENV (enveloped acceleration) and CMSS 530-VEL (velocity) MCT modules. Multi-parameter monitoring encompasses monitoring a single bearing for two parameters. These parameters are enveloped acceleration for rolling element bearing and gearbox defects and velocity for rotational deficiencies, both of which are explained in this application note.