Automatic condition monitoring system prevents unplanned downtime of pumps at water treatment plant

  • Increased noise and vibration levels on two centrifugal pumps at the Perlenbach water treatment plant in Germany were causing bearing defects, which could have led to pump failure, posing a threat to water supplies.
  • To prevent this, Perlenbach changed from regular patrol pump monitoring to a continuous online system from Schaeffler. The SmartQB, which now detects any signs of wear or damage to the bearings early before the pumps fail.
  • Unplanned downtime of up to several weeks combined with significant damage amounting to several thousands of euros was therefore prevented.

Sutton Coldfield, UK. 26th September 2016. “Conventional systems for machine monitoring are costly and complicated. In contrast, the FAG SmartQB is so easy to use that our employees do not require any specific knowledge of vibration diagnosis. They can get started right away,” explains Joachim Dankwardt, deputy manager, water treatment department at the Perlenbach water supply association.

The Perlenbach water supply association supplies fresh drinking water every day to around 50,000 residents across seven municipalities in the Eifel region of Germany. This equates to around 2.4 million cubic metres of water per year, which needs to be filtered and treated using complex methods.

Increased noise and vibration levels on the centrifugal pumps are often caused by bearing defects, which can result in pump failure, posing a threat to water supplies. To prevent this, Perlenbach decided to change from regular patrol pump monitoring to a continuous online system – the objective being the early detection of any signs of wear or damage to the bearings before the pumps failed.

Schaeffler and its local partner KSA recommended the FAG SmartQB system. As part of a pilot project, two centrifugal pumps were fitted with two SmartQB sensors (for measuring vibration and temperature) and connected via one FAG SmartQB. In the event of any bearing defects, the FAG SmartLamp installed next to the FAG SmartQB illuminates red and the system generates an alarm message. With only two additional clicks on the touchscreen display, the maintenance technician can view more detailed information about the fault and is provided with specific recommended actions.

After a short period of time, the system has proven itself. Due to the information provided by FAG SmartQB and its automatic fault assessment feature that gives an early warning of the onset of any bearing damage, maintenance personnel are now able to react quickly and in a targeted manner.

Both bearings in the 8-stage centrifugal pump were replaced in a very short time, which prevented severe damage to the facility. Unplanned downtime of up to several weeks combined with significant damage amounting to several thousands of euros was therefore prevented.

The pilot project was so successful that Perlenbach is currently considering fitting sensors to additional pumps and integrating the FAG SmartQB system into its internal maintenance alarm management system. In this way, all condition monitoring data can be centralised as well as viewed locally on the FAG SmartQB display.

Local data to cloud-based diagnosis

Vibration monitoring systems are one of the most reliable methods of monitoring the condition of rolling bearings and for detecting the early onset of damage to bearings and other machine components. However, as the use of sensor technologies becomes more and more prevalent, the volume of measurement data available is increasing.

Schaeffler’s FAG SmartQB is an innovative standalone system for monitoring the condition of rotating plant and equipment with fixed or variable speeds from 100 to 15,000 rpm. Due to its unique automatic fault assessment feature, the system can be operated by maintenance staff with little or no expertise in vibration monitoring technology.

The FAG SmartQB is a ready-to-use, pre-configured condition monitoring system for electric motors, pumps, fans, compressors and gearboxes, which is simple to install (commissioning takes just five minutes) and requires no specific skills or knowledge of vibration diagnosis. When changes occur in the condition of the equipment, FAG SmartQB automatically generates plain text messages on its 7-inch display – a genuine innovation on the condition monitoring market.

The FAG SmartQB early warning system comprises of a FAG SmartQB sensor unit, a cube-shaped housing with touchscreen display, and a cable for power and data transmission (Power-over-Ethernet).

The system was developed for detecting faults in electric motors, pumps, fans and other rotating plant and equipment that are supported by rolling bearings. The system is supplied with ready-to-use, preset measurement configurations. Five causes of faults can be identified and displayed using the system: bearing damage, imbalance, friction/cavitation (for centrifugal pumps), temperature increases, and general changes in vibration patterns that cannot be clearly attributed to one of the aforementioned causes and so may require additional analyses. The automatic fault assessment feature provides clearly understood plain text messages on its display, giving users clear instructions for action, enabling them to immediately undertake any corrective maintenance work and order any replacement parts if required.

Installation and initial operation of the system are remarkably simple. FAG SmartQB can be installed and operated by any in-house maintenance technician or electrician without any expertise in vibration technology. The 7-inch touchscreen display provides all the relevant information, from assembly and set up instructions to recommended actions if a fault occurs and the contact details of technical support at Schaeffler.

When starting FAG SmartQB for the first time, the customer selects one of the 16 languages provided and, if required, replaces the preset standard contact details of Schaeffler’s technical support with their own details. After selecting the component on which the FAG SmartQB sensor is mounted (i.e. a motor, pump or fan), the user then specifies whether the machine operates at constant or variable speed, and enters the individual name of the drive system/ assembly. FAG SmartQB then automatically selects the best measurement configuration. The system is immediately ready for the automatic learning mode. This self-learning (Teach-In) mode enables the device to automatically adjust alarm thresholds. After set up and commissioning, FAG SmartQB operates autonomously. The relevant machine parameters are measured and saved continuously in the system, creating a substantial database of historical data over time.

A total of six sensors can be connected to one FAG SmartQB and allocated to multiple machines, individual machine components or sub-assemblies as required. Sensors can be easily added using the display – in a similar way to initial system installation. After initial operation, FAG SmartQB displays relevant information such as operating hours counter, fault frequency, maximum values, average values, trend curves, and the alarm status of each individual FAG SmartQB sensor. If an alarm due to a change in vibration signals occurs, which cannot be attributed to one of the five main causes, the system makes a recommendation to maintenance staff via the display, to send the measurement data to Schaeffler’s technical support centre, who can provide a more in-depth analysis.

Due to its 24/7 monitoring capability, FAG SmartQB can help companies reduce machine downtime and maximise plant availability. The system is therefore suitable for use in a wide range of industry sectors including cement, paper, steel and water, as well as other process manufacturing and mechanical engineering industries. The system is currently being trialled in various customer projects in these sectors.

For more information, please contact Schaeffler UK’s Communications & Marketing Department on

Pictures: Schaeffler

The two centrifugal water pumps are fitted with two SmartQB sensors (for measuring vibration and temperature) and connected via one FAG SmartQB.

The FAG SmartQB early warning system comprises of a FAG SmartQB sensor unit, a cube-shaped housing with touchscreen display, and a cable for power and data transmission (Power-over-Ethernet).

The 7-inch touchscreen display provides all the relevant information, from assembly and set up instructions to recommended actions if a fault occurs and the contact details of technical support at Schaeffler.

About Schaeffler

The Schaeffler Group is a leading global integrated automotive and industrial supplier. The company stands for the highest quality, outstanding technology, and strong innovative ability. The Schaeffler Group makes a key contribution to “Mobility for tomorrow” with high-precision components and systems in engine, transmission, and chassis applications as well as rolling and plain bearing solutions for a large number of industrial applications. The technology company generated sales of approximately EUR 13.2 billion in 2015. With around 85,000 employees, Schaeffler is one of the world’s largest family companies and, with approximately 170 locations in over 50 countries, has a worldwide network of manufacturing locations, research and development facilities, and sales companies.

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