IMI Sensors New Patented Bearing Fault Detector Senses Rolling Element Bearing Impacts; Offers Early Warning of Typical Faults Not Provided by Traditional Overall Vibration Level Monitoring Techniques

May 22, 2008 – Depew, NY, USA – The IMI Sensors division of PCB Piezotronics (PCB®) has released the patented Model 682A05 Bearing Fault Detector (US Patent 6,889,553), an industry exclusive, which senses impacts within rolling element bearings caused by bearing faults. This type of detection provides early warning of typical bearing faults such as cracked races, spalling, brinelling, fatigue failure, looseness, and loss of lubrication. The Bearing Fault Detector uses a patented true peak picking mechanism that is ultra sensitive to impacts in bearings, and thus provides warning of problems in their earliest stages of development. This type of warning is not generally provided by traditional overall vibration level monitoring techniques.

The DIN rail mounted unit accepts an industry standard ICP® accelerometer input. It outputs a 4-20 mA signal that is proportional to the peak acceleration, and a second 4-20 mA signal proportional to overall velocity, and also provides the raw vibration signal for detailed diagnostic analysis. The device is also effective for monitoring other problems that produce similar impacts and vibrations data, such as a chipped tooth on a gear. This unit is also compatible with IMI Sensors Model 682A01, a 24-volt power supply, allowing use of line power and greater ease of setup. The Model 682A05 Bearing Fault Detector is also a stock product, available to customers for immediate delivery.

For additional information, contact the IMI Sensors Division of PCB Piezotronics toll-free at 800-959-4464 (in the US and Canada) or 716-684-0003, fax email: imi@pcb.com, or visit www.pcb.com.

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