Georg Martin is co-founder and managing director of HCP Sense. He wrote his Ph.D. thesis at TU Darmstadt on the diagnosis of rolling bearing damage using HCP Sense technology. As Managing Director of HCP Sense GmbH, he supports machine manufacturers in identifying, monitoring and eliminating the causes of bearing damage. HCP Sense turns standard bearings into sensors that monitor forces, wear and lubrication. This enables predictive maintenance and process monitoring with real-time information, and bearing damage is not only detected but also prevented. HCP Sense GmbH is a spin-off of the Technical University of Darmstadt and has been on the market since 2021.
Bearing damage prevention through lubrication monitoring – a paradigm shift in condition monitoring and predictive maintenance
Presentation Abstract: Lubrication problems are the root cause of most bearing failures. Detecting lubrication-related failures at an early stage is essential to prevent costly machine breakdowns and ensure operational efficiency. While conventional vibration monitoring can only detect damage and thus give early warning, lubrication monitoring can prevent damage by tackling the root cause of the damage. This presentation explores the main operational potentials of this approach:
- Wear Prevention: Inadequate or incorrect lubrication accelerates wear and overheating, leading to reduced performance and premature failure.
- Cost Savings: Proactive detection of lubrication issues helps companies avoid expensive repairs and unplanned downtimes, making preventive maintenance a cost-effective strategy.
- Efficiency Optimization: Proper lubrication enhances machine efficiency, improving productivity while minimizing operational costs.
- Extended Component Lifespan: Maintaining optimal lubrication extends the service life of bearings and other mechanical components, reducing long-term capital expenditures.