SKF Axios Technical FAQ

For any technical issues with SKF Axios, contact SKF Technical Support Group:

• Self-help portal
• Phone: [phone] within USA or [phone] from outside USA
  Monday through Friday, 5:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pacific Time
  
  

FAQ – General

1. What type of machines can be monitored with SKF Axios?
   SKF Axios is designed for a variety of rotating equipment in safe operating conditions such as motors, pumps, fans, simple gearboxes, bearings, etc. It is not intended for use in consumer appliances and is currently not available for hazardous area applications such as power generation and offshore oil and gas stations.

2. Can SKF Axios monitor mobile equipment?
   SKF Axios sensors must be connected to a gateway, via Wi-Fi or Ethernet connectivity, to transfer data to the cloud. With mobile equipment, maintaining a stable connection may be a challenge. SKF Axios hasn’t been tested yet on mobile equipment.

3. Does SKF Axios monitor variable speed applications?
   SKF Axios detects machine anomalies based on a change in equipment behavior. Currently, speed is not taken into consideration when looking for anomalies and the same models are applied for all drive type applications. SKF Axios has been tested on variable speed applications and showed positive results.

4. Is SKF Axios suitable for low-speed applications?
   SKF Axios is not designed specifically for slow-speed applications. However, since it is a trending/anomaly detection solution coupled with Machine Learning, it may be used in such applications.

5. Is SKF Axios suitable for low-speed applications?
   Yes. SKF Axios measures vibration and temperature while the machine is on or off, but only triggers a warning or alarm based on the “on measurements”. If the velocity RMS measurement is above 0.02 in/s (0.5 mms), the machine is considered on. SKF Axios takes 2 to 3 weeks to establish a baseline for Machine Learning. 

FAQ – Sensors and gateways

1. What data is collected with SKF Axios sensors?
   SKF Axios sensors measure velocity in 3 axis and temperature.

2. What is the SKF Axios sensor battery life?
   The typical battery life of SKF Axios sensor is 5 years with a measurement frequency of one reading per hour. SKF Axios sensors are covered by a five-year limited warranty.

3. What is the frequency range?
   SKF Axios sensor Fmax is 6 kHz. For full technical specifications, please see SKF Axios Product Brochure. 

4. How do sensors communicate with the gateway?
   SKF Axios sensors communicate with SKF Axios gateways using Bluetooth Low Energy 5.

5. How many sensors can connect to one gateway?
   The number of SKF Axios sensors connecting to one gateway depends on your plant topology. Sensors connect automatically to the closest gateway. SKF recommends using 1 gateway for up to 50 sensors.

6. What is the typical range between SKF Axios sensors and gateways?
   The typical range is 20 to 30 m (65 to 98 feet), depending on your plant topology. 

7. Do SKF Axios sensors collect enveloped acceleration measurements?
   SKF Axios collects velocity (RMS) and temperature measurements. At this time, it does not collect enveloped acceleration measurements. SKF Axios is a first line of defense for your assets, intended to alert you when anomalies are detected.

8. Is SKF Axios water/fluid resistant?
   Yes. SKF Axios sensor is IP69 rated. SKF Axios gateways are IP65 rated.

11. Can SKF Axios gateways be used with other devices?
    No. SKF Axios gateways are specific to the SKF Axios solution and can only connect to SKF Axios sensors.
12. Can a sensor be reset?
    Yes. A sensor can be reset by deleting it in the app and adding it back in. To recommission the sensor, the user must be physically close to the sensor.

13. Is the 5-year battery life valid in cold temperatures?
    The sensor's operating temperature range is -20 to 80 °C (–4 to 176 °F). The battery life is guaranteed for 5 years in this temperature range.

14. What are the x, y, z axes for SKF Axios sensor?
    The axes are marked on the sensor.

14. When the sensor battery runs out after 5 years of operation, and a new sensor is installed on the machine, will historical measurements be deleted from the app?
    No. When a new sensor is installed and commissioned, historical measurements are maintained (if the measurement position is not deleted in the app). With a new sensor, a new Machine Learning model is built, which takes 2-3 weeks to complete.

15. How does SKF Axios sensor know when to take readings?
    SKF Axios collect data as soon as it's commissioned and once an hour after the first measurement.

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17. Will data be collected if there is no internet connection?
    If internet connection is lost, SKF Axios sensors will not collect data. Data will be collected once the internet connection is restored.

16. What happens if I unplug my SKF Axios gateway?
    If the gateway is unplugged, the sensors will be unable to transmit data as an internet connection is required with the system.

17. Can the SKF Axios gateway be exposed to a wet environment?
    SKF Axios Wi-fi and Ethernet gateways are IP65 rated (i.e., full protection against dust, protection against low-pressure jets of directed water from any angle). Direct high pressure jets are not suitable. It is not recommended to install the gateway in an enclosure as this has the potential to attenuate the signal and reduce the range between the sensors and gateway (e.g., metal enclosure). Ensure the power and ethernet connector are pointing down to avoid water pooling.

FAQ – Web and mobile apps

1. With what type of devices/operating systems can I use SKF Axios?
   SKF Axios is available in web-based and mobile apps. The mobile app is designed to be compatible with devices running iOS 14 or later and Android 8 or later. The SKF Axios mobile app can be downloaded from the Apple iOS App and Google Play Stores.

2. Is there a limit to the number of assets I can enter in the app?
   When you first get started, SKF will create an SKF Axios project for you and provide access details. You can add up to 50 sites per project and up to 100 assets per site. Additional projects may be added as required. If extra sites or assets are needed, please contact SKF Technical Support Group.

3. Is there a limit to the number of users who can use the app?
   You can add up to 100 users to your SKF Axios project. 

4. What trends does the app show?
   The app displayed velocity (RMS) and temperature trends.

5. Can I adjust the measurement frequency in the app?
   The sensor automatically collects vibration and temperature measurements once an hour. At this time, it is not possible to modify this frequency. However, you may take a manual measurement with the mobile app by selecting the “Take measurement” option and tapping your phone on the sensor device using NFC technology (Near Field Communication).

6. How should I name my assets in the app?
   When naming assets, it is important to note that there is a 60-character limit. It is recommended to use this format in the name: Physical Location / Driver or Functional Location ID / Name of the Machine or Asset Train. Example: Main Filter Room/12-3456/Hydraulic Pump. This helps create uniformity and allows you to easily identify or search for assets. For more details, see Appendix C in this link.

7. How are thresholds set in the app?
   When users add assets to SKF Axios, they must select the asset class. Based on the class selected, thresholds are set based on ISO 20816-1 standard. Within 2 to 3 weeks, SKF Axios Machine Learning models establish a baseline defining the asset’s "normal" behavior. SKF Axios continues to fine-tune the baseline, building a better picture of "normal" as the sensor collects more data and as users provide feedback in the app.

8. Can I export data from the app?-
   Yes, data export from SKF Axios is possible in .csv format or set live data export with SKF Axios data integration service. To find out more, click here.

9. Do I need to install or replace anything if there are software or firmware updates?
   Sensor and gateway firmware updates happen Over the Air (OTA) and require no action from users. Software updates implemented in the mobile app would require updates to be pushed from the app stores.
   
   

10. Can I manually adjust SKF Axios alarm levels for vibration and temperature?
    No, SKF Axios alarm levels are based on the ISO 20816 standard and Machine Learning. If a warning or alarm is triggered and the user determines it to be non-valid, the user can resolve the issue by selecting No failure detected. This will teach the system that the machine behavior is normal and automatically adjusts the Machine Learning baseline to reflect this user input.

FAQ – Installation and commissioning

1. Where can I find instructions to mount sensors and gateways?
   For quick instructions to install and commission SKF Axios and gateways, go to SKF Axios Quick Start Guide. Click on “Learn more” to access more detailed instructions on sensor and gateways installation: 

• Sensor installation – Learn more
• Ethernet gateway installation – Learn more
• Wi-Fi gateway installation – Learn more

2. How do I know where to mount sensors on my asset?
   To achieve the best measurement accuracy, if possible, mount the sensors directly onto a rigid surface closest to the target component. Minimize the length of the vibration transmission path (the distance between the source of vibration and sensor).
   
   For more details, click here.

3. Does my phone need to be connected to the internet to commission the sensors?
   Yes. It is mandatory to have your mobile phone connected via Wi-Fi or Cellular connectivity to the internet to be able to commission the sensors.

4. Can I commission the sensors in an office environment, then install them on machines?
   It is possible to do so, however, this requires the sensors to be accurately labelled to be installed in the right machine positions. SKF recommends to first install sensors on machines, then commission them, to avoid potential errors.

5. How many sensors can be installed in an hour?
   Over 20 sensors were prepared, installed, and commissioned in under an hour, with a small team during pilot projects.

6. What adhesive should I use to mount sensors?
   SKF recommends using industrial adhesive Loctite 454  for flat surfaces and Loctite 3092 curved surfaces. These adhesives are proven not to impact vibration measurements nor mislead the sensor/software into incorrect readings.

8. What is the appropriate height to mount a gateway?
   Mounting the SKF Axios gateway higher than the sensors (2 m / 7 ft or above) can improve coverage and signal transmission.
9. Why must the Ethernet gateway be installed with the cable facing down?
   Installing the cable facing down prevents dust or water accumulation on the cable's port.
   
   

10. Is there a difference between mounting the sensor horizontally and vertically?
    Both options will work, however, SKF recommends being consistent with sensor placement / orientation.
    
    

11. How many sensors should I install on a single machine? (example: electric motor, pump, etc.)
    For small machinery (Class 1 and 2 according to ISO 20816 standard) and for the purpose of simple anomaly detection, 1 sensor per machine may be sufficient. For larger machinery (Class 3 and 4 according to ISO 20816 standard), 2 sensors per asset may be warranted. For large and critical machinery, more advanced solutions such as SKF IMx-1 or SKF IMx-8/16 should be considered.
    
    

FAQ – Managing notifications

1. What actions are needed when SKF Axios detects an anomaly?
   When SKF Axios detects an anomaly, the mobile app sends a push notification to the phone. Next, user may acknowledge the warning or alarm which changes the asset status to “Maintenance”. Users must investigate the issue through visual inspection or by using other data collection devices to diagnose the issue. Once the issue is identified, users may return to the app and resolve the issue by selecting the appropriate failure mode and action taken from a drop-down menu. User feedback contributes to continuous improvement to SKF Axios Machine Learning models.

2. What happens if no issue is found or if the root cause is not identified?
   If no issue was found, users may select “No failure detected”. SKF Axios Machine learning model learns that this is normal operating conditions. Asset status will return to “Healthy”. And users will no longer receive notifications related to this event. If the issue is validated but no root cause is identified, users may select “Undetermined (keep monitoring)”. Asset status will return to “Healthy” but users will continue receiving notifications related to this anomaly.

3. What level of expertise is required to investigate an issue detected with SKF Axios?
   When machine anomalies are detected by SKF Axios, further investigation is required to apply proper maintenance. Investigations may be done by machine operators, maintenance personnel or more experienced predictive maintenance staff or contractors who can diagnose the issue.

5. If there is no bearing information input into the SKF Axios app, is the system able to tell if there is a bearing issue?
   SKF Axios is a simple solution that uses machine learning to detect machine anomalies. It processes overall vibration and temperature data to look for changes from an established baseline. If anomalous behavior is detected, the system triggers a warning or alarm. SKF Axios is not designed to diagnose machine faults such as bearing faults. For applications requiring machine diagnosis, other SKF technology solutions such as SKF Microlog or SKF QuickCollect sensor may be used, as a complement, to collect more detailed vibration data and identify machine faults and recommended corrective actions. More advanced solutions such as SKF IMx-1 or SKF IMx-8/16 may also be considered, depending on asset criticality.
6. What are SKF Axios’ true positive and negative rates?
   SKF Axios is not designed to diagnose machine faults but rather to detect anomalies based on vibration and temperature levels, which are followed up by further investigation. SKF Axios’ performance is not measured by true positive and negative rates.
   
   

7. Can I receive notifications via text message or email?
   Currently, this is not an available feature.

FAQ – Data management

1. Is SKF Axios secure?
   Yes. SKF Axios is powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS). AWS encrypts data at rest and in transit. Encrypted content is rendered useless without the applicable decryption keys.

2. Who owns the data hosted in the AWS cloud?
   Data collected with SKF Axios is owned by the customer. SKF can provide all measurement data at the customer’s request.  

3. Can I export my data or integrate with other systems?
   Yes. It is possible to export data from SKF Axios in .csv format or set live data export to other systems using AWS Kinesis. More information on AWS Kinesis can be found at the following link.

FAQ – Troubleshooting

1. I am having issues installing my sensors and gateways, what can I do?
   Download the SKF Axios Quick Start Guide and follow the instructions to install and commission sensors and gateways. Click on the links below to access more detailed instructions and tips:
   
   Sensor installation – Learn more
   
   Ethernet gateway installation – Learn more
   
   Wi-Fi gateway installation – Learn more
   
   If you continue facing issues, please contact SKF Technical Support Group.

2. I’m having connection problems; how do I troubleshoot?
   Download the SKF Axios Quick Start Guide and ensure that the important network considerations (page 5) have been communicated to your IT department to connect your Wi-Fi or Ethernet gateways. For more troubleshooting tips, click here.
   
   If you continue facing issues, please contact SKF Technical Support Group.

3. I am having issues commissioning a sensor, what can I do?
   For sensor troubleshooting tips, click here (section 8.1.1).

4. My sensor stopped sending data, what can I do?
   For sensor troubleshooting tips, click here (section 8.1.2).

5. My sensor fell off, what can I do?
   Try remounting the sensor. Ensure that you are using the proper adhesive (Loctite 454 or Loctite 3092) and consider using more adhesive if mounting on a curved surface.

6. My phone cannot detect the gateway, what can I do?
   For gateway troubleshooting tips, click here (section 8.2.1).

7. My gateway went offline, what can I do?
   For gateway troubleshooting tips, click here (section 8.2.2).

8. Why can I only see one site on the project?
   Depending on the rights given to the user by the Project Admin, some users will only have access to one site.

9. I can't access the SKF Axios project through the link in the email, what should I do?
   Ensure your account is activated first by setting your password, before attempting to access your SKF Axios project.

10. The link to create my password does not work, what should I do?
    If the link is older than seven days, it is expired. Contact SKF Technical Support to reset your password, allowing you to activate your account and set your password.

11. I am unable to change my password, what should I do?
    Users cannot change their password if they never activated their account. Contact SKF Technical Support to ask for a password reset.

12. I created my password successfully, but I am still unable to access SKF Axios project, what should I do?
    Ensure that your Project/Site Admin has added you to the Project/Site and emailed an invitation to access the Project/Site.