ProLink FAQs and HowTos: Analytics

Yes, ProLink can monitor multiple components. You can define multiple measurement jobs, which will be measured sequentially. Each job can monitor a different component with its own configuration. As long as ProLink can “see” the vibration of component, it can monitor it. For example, if you have a machine with multiple bearings, you can place the sensor on the housing and configure multiple jobs to monitor each bearing individually.

There is no fixed limit on the number of configurations or components that ProLink can monitor. However, we advise to keep the number of configurations reasonable, say 5-10 per sensor position, since each configuration adds complexity to the setup and maintenance of the system. Also, the more configurations you have, the longer it will take for ProLink to cycle through all the measurements, which might affect the timeliness of the data.

With ProLink, it is possible to monitor machines that operate at dynamically varying speeds. To effectively monitor such machines, you need to setup the following:

• a digital (pulsed) speed signals, preferably with multiple pulses per revolution, e.g. from an encoder disk.
• measurement jobs that use order analysis as the measurement method. This method allows you to analyze vibration data in relation to the rotational speed of the machine, making it ideal for machines with variable speeds.

Beware, that the order analysis checkbox is disabled, when the selected speed input is not suitable for order analysis, i.e. when no digital pulse input is selected.

Monitoring machines with variable speed or load can be challenging, as traditional vibration analysis methods often rely on constant operating conditions. However, in ProLink you can use several mechanisms to effectively monitor such machines:

• Most measurement templates use speed dependent KPIs. For this a speed input has to used. The speed can be provided by a tachometer input (pulses), from an analogue speed input or from an external source like a fieldbus.
• A machine running at a higher speed or a higher load will usually have higher vibration levels. For this reason, the alarm levels should be adapted to the current operating conditions. In ProLink this can be done by using alarm maps. These can be configured in the measurement job configuration wizard in the “Set alarms” step. More information about configuring speed dependent alarm limits can be found in the Manual

There are several ways to provide a speed signal to the ProLink for its measurement jobs:

• When you know the speed of the machine, you can enter it manually in the input configuration as an “Input with a fixed” value. In the measurement jobs, this can be used as any other speed input. Should the speed of the machine change (e.g. when there is a change in the machine), you can edit this fixed speed input.
• Use a digital input when you have a pulse signal, e.g. one pulse per revolution or multiple pulses per revolution with a pulse wheel.
• Use an analogue input when you have a 4-20mA or 0-10V signal representing the speed of the machine.
• Use a fieldbus input, when the speed is provided by a PLC or other device via a fieldbus like SLMP or PROFINET.

When you have multiple speeds depending on each-other, e.g. in gearboxes or belt drives, you can add scaling factors to a speed input, directly in the input configuration. This way you can calculate the speed of a shaft based on the speed of another signal. These scaling factors can be used in the measurement configurations as if they were real speed inputs.

If the signal of your IEPE vibration sensor looks like static noise, it could be that the supply current of the sensor is not activated. Please check, if the input settings of the vibration input are set to “IEPE” and not to “AC” or DC. See the Manual for more information.

The ProLink can monitor a wide range of roller bearings from various manufacturers. It has a bearing database which already includes all roller bearings from Schaeffler, including the brands FAG and INA. Unfortunately, Schaeffler is not allowed to provide bearing data of other manufacturers because of legal restrictions.

But bearings of any manufactured can be added manually, via Settings –> Bearings. Here you can enter a new bearing with it’s kinematic frequencies, which usually can be found in the datasheet provided by the manufactured. Another way is to calculate these from the mechanical data of the bearing. A calculator for this is also included in the window when entering a new bearing.

With ProLink, you can monitor all sorts of mechanical components like bearings, gears, fans, pumps, belt drives, etc. The devices comes with a configuration assistant, which already includes templates for more components. This makes it very easy to configure the measurement configuration for a specific component, since the wizard will ask you all the necessary questions and set up the measurement parameters accordingly.

The ProLink can monitor not only static machines. It can be set up to monitor machines with variable speeds and loads as well. Also special applications, for example machines which only run for a short time and then stay idle for a long time, are no problem. With the right input signals and configuration, ProLink can handle these applications as well.