Leading automation manufacturer, WEG has agreed to form a collaborative partnership with Applied Maintenance Technology (AMT) to promote and use its wireless WEGscan® monitoring system in the UK. Condition based monitoring and predictive maintenance specialists, AMT will work closely with WEG to bring this innovative technology to a wider market, enhancing maintenance strategies and operational efficiencies in industrial processes.
WEGscan is a cutting-edge sensor that enables predictive maintenance on a range of industrial equipment, designed to extend lifespans and increase system availability in a cost-effective way. This performance monitoring solution ensures operational excellence through real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance of the industrial drive fleet, significantly reducing the risks of unplanned downtime.
Now in its second generation, WEGscan outperforms competing products in the marketplace with enhanced technical specification, sensor performance, battery life and analytical software tools. This cloud-based solution uses Bluetooth 4 sensors communicating with IP66 rated gateways as internet access points. Each gateway can support approximately 40 sensors with an impressive 100m line of sight wireless range. Gateways connect to the internet via SIM card and dongle. Users connect to the WEG Motion Fleet Management (MFM) software platform via web browser with unique username and password access.
Optimised for motors, the system is suitable for any rotating element machine. Relevant bearing numbers can be input or selected from the software library and the machine can be configured accordingly. Simple information is presented on a measurement dashboard for non-professional users, while analysts can access a vibration measurement section with analysis suite, to carry out in depth reviews as required.
Wideband frequency range to 13.5 kHz in all three monitoring planes, allows the sensor to measure vibration in three different directions simultaneously, enabling effective bearing fault identification. This occurs at an early enough stage to prevent catastrophic failures and avoid costly breakdowns. Reliable signal strength, combined with overall readings collected in five-minute intervals are perfect for fault alarm indication. Daily notification reports identify alarm conditions to the user, indicating undesirable equipment condition.
“We’d been searching for years for a wireless monitoring system to complement our wired monitoring solutions and complete our portfolio,” explained Graham Simpson, managing director at AMT. “After a thorough review, we realised WEGscan was game changing in the wireless monitoring arena, addressing the major shortfalls of wireless monitoring solutions we’d previously investigated.
“In addition, it is competitively priced and offers a highly affordable monitoring solution for a wide range of industries and equipment users. It’s a wonderful tool for service providers, allowing remote access from the office and limiting the need to attend customer sites. This cyber secure solution will be attractive to our customers for all the above features and we look forward to a long and healthy partnership ahead with our friends and associates at WEG.”
“Partnering with AMT has allowed us to leverage their application expertise to extend the reach of our WEGscan technology in the UK,” explained Fernando Velloso, application engineer for digital solutions at WEG. “With a compact footprint, the sensors are easily and quickly installed, allowing a complete diagnostic of any rotating asset’s condition — including vibrations, surface temperature, data on running hours, speed, and lubrication, while also calculating any misalignments.
The system is perfect for equipment operators, maintenance engineers and professional analysts. Carefully compartmentalised data displayed on relevant dashboards presents the correct complexity of information right where it is required.
Learn more about WEGscan by visiting WEG’s website.
