Idler fault detection made simple

SKF Idler Sound Monitor Kit detects conveyor idler problems reliably, quickly and safely

SKF have introduced their new Idler Sound Monitor Kit, an easy-to-use, rugged, hand-held monitoring device for the early detection of faults in conveyor belt idlers – a common cause of belt damage and production downtime.

Suitable for monitoring conveyor idlers used in heavy industries, such as aggregates, cement, and minerals processing, the SKF Idler Sound Monitor Kit will help prevent costly belt repairs, lost production and risks to workers.

Equipped with acoustic enveloping technology, the device can distinguish between the sound of a good idler and a faulty one, even in high ambient noise environments, detecting problems earlier and more reliably and safely than if a manual operation was conducted by listening or looking for faulty idlers.

The SKF Idler Sound Monitor Kit has a simple visual display, headphones and audible condition alarm, and allows even inexperienced workers to detect faults with minimal training. The unit also allows for easy data download for subsequent review.

The device can be operated with one hand, thereby allowing the operator to maintain three-point contact, as dictated by safety requirements. It can be also be integrated into an Operator Driven Reliability maintenance programme.

Robert Collyer, principle engineer at SKF, commented: ‘Along with uncovering idler faults quickly and reliably, the SKF Idler Sound Monitor Kit provides maintenance workers with an objective tool for idler inspection that is safe to use.

‘This is a significant improvement to the alternative of subjectively walking around and relying on the skill of the worker to listen for and recognize faulty idlers.

‘By detecting idler failures earlier and limiting belt failure, the SKF Idler Sound Monitor Kit will help workers avoid dangerous and costly conveyor belt repairs.’