Today, more than 50% of all motor operated machine failure is caused by faulty bearings. This one problem not only amounts to severe production downtime but significant profitability loss as well. Ultrasound is among the most widely used and most precise technologies to inspect warning signs in bearings and hundreds of other applications – allowing inspectors to record, trend, analyze and report potential problems long before failure. This website is dedicated to providing you with Sound Advice – offering essential maintenance tips and tools you can immediately execute yourself or with the assistance of expert consultants at UE Systems.

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Ensure the Health of Your Equipment!
An effective CbM program offers several benefits ranging from improved asset availability and increased production to the significant reduction of energy consumption.

The Health of equipment can mean the difference between meeting production goals and total chaos. For example, if one critical bearing fails during a production run, the consequences can be catastrophic, resulting in potential equipment damage, cancelled production, possible product damage and parts that must be ordered for repair - plus considerable man-hours wasted.

Below, you will find some simple tips you can apply today to enhance your condition monitoring program.

	Use complimentary technologies to detect the potential for failure such as vibration, infrared and ultrasound.
	Document everything. A method of recording all test data and a method for analyzing that data is critical to the success of any condition based program. Remember to trend any sign of potential failure.
	Mark test points and note frequency and sensitivity settings for consistent test results. On subsequent tests, be sure to use the same frequency at the same test point.
	Perform a walk-through before conducting your inspection routes to note the logistics of your inspection and plan accordingly. As you walk, always consider potential safety hazards, look for a logical progression of your route (a manageable path of where to begin & end for accurate data collection and analysis). Make sure to bring any additional equipment needed such as keys for access, flashlights, ladders, sensors, modules, etc.
	Depending on what you are inspecting, use special monitoring tools such as parabolic microphones, long range modules, magnetically mounted and bendable probes, spectral analysis software, amplifiers, and permanent sensors.
	Select a detection instrument based on your inspection goals (e.g., will you need to just locate problems or trend changes. Will you need to record and analyze sounds or will you just need to listen as you test).
	Make sure you have detection equipment that can be used on all plant applications including mechanical, electrical and fluid systems (liquid and gas).
	Look for instruments that can be adjusted to meet the challenges of your plant environment (e.g., Frequency Tuning to tune into problem sounds while reducing the impact of background noise).
	To enhance your inspection program, show trending and report all data so management can easily understand efficiencies being made to save the company time and money.
	For more information on tips and tools to effectively monitor plant equipment, click here.

Rely on Experts for Technology, Training and Support

Although there are several ways you can improve plant efficiencies today, the need for expert analysis and technology may be a necessary next step in eliminating the potential for machine failure and loss of profit.

To the left, you will find several resources to help you enhance your condition monitoring program. We've included a mix of technical articles, guides, and professional consultants. Don't' forget, UE Systems acclaimed training courses are available on site or at any one of our training facilities.