High-tech acoustic monitoring

The technology behind condition inspection and condition monitoring of slow-running roller bearings using damage-induced ultrasound.

acoustic emission

All materials consist of atoms arranged in a specific structural configuration. When this structure changes energy is released in the form of microscopic vibrations between the atoms, due to stress, friction, deformation, or damage. These vibrations propagate through the material as stress waves, a phenomenon known as acoustic emission.

By detecting and analyzing these acoustic emissions, it is possible to gain insight into structural changes occurring within the material, providing valuable information about its condition and behavior.

When applying this principle to roller bearings, the complexity lies in the geometry of the bearing and in the variation and combination of damage mechanisms. Wear, crack growth, and contamination of the lubrication increase in varying composition over the service life and, as damage increases, act as sources of ultrasonic stress waves. These waves propagate through the various components of the bearing, undergoing reflection and transmission at interfaces.

our applications

By measuring parameters such as load distribution, structural deformation, and bearing performance, potential issues can be detected long before they lead to failures.

Offshore & heavy lift

Bearings in these applications must withstand high forces, slow rotational movements, and continuous exposure to saltwater, humidity, and temperature variations.

Infra- structure

By monitoring loads, movements, and wear over time, infrastructure managers gain the information needed to make data-driven maintenance decisions.

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