Wireless condition monitoring detects bearing failure on a primary air fan

Using Airius wireless vibration sensors, Södra Cell Värö detected a bearing fault on a boiler room primary air fan, providing two months' pre-warning time. The wireless condition monitoring solution provided an early indication of deteriorating mechanical condition and supported timely maintenance action.

Application and monitoring setup

The application was a primary air (PA) fan with a 498 kW electric motor. Airius LTE-M measured vibration and temperature once daily, and any indications of deterioration were followed up with manual measurements using the Leonova Diamond portable instrument.

Results and benefits

Airius detected increasing vibration levels in early September 2022, prompting a manual follow-up and the issuance of a work order. The damage trended until the bearing replacement on November 11, 2022, at which point damage to the outer and inner rings was confirmed, indicating that the replacement was done at the right time.