Shake it all about!

SKF's new Copperhead solution for vibrating screens is a fault-detection and bearing system.

The fault-detection system uses a sensor to detect faults such as loose mesh, bottoming out, overloading, loose cross members, gear damage and poor lubrication. The sensor used is both an accelerometer and temperature sensor. By placing the sensor close to the bearings, it detects bearing wear as well as undue temperature increases in the bearing housings. SKF's enveloped acceleration technique is used to evaluate the dynamic features of the screen in isolation from other extraneous vibration.

The Copperhead sensors are permanently mounted to the screen and can be used for either periodic or continuous monitoring. For periodic monitoring an SKF BNC monitoring unit is used with an SKF Microlog unit for instant data evaluation and recording. For continuous monitoring the Copperhead sensors are connected to one of SKF's MCM monitoring units, which, in turn, can be integrated into the plant's existing system via a programmable logic controller or distributed control system. Vibration limits can be set into the MCM itself to provide an alarm or other fault-detection signal to be raised.

Included in the Copperhead system is either an Explorer bearing for vibrating applications (VA405), an Explorer bearing for vibrating screens with a PTFE-lined bore (VA406), or a Carb toroidal roller bearing. Either the VA406 or the Carb bearing can be mounted in the non-locating shaft position and both can virtually eliminate the fretting corrosion that occurs on the shaft of a vibrating screen. Explorer bearings can be used as exact replacements for existing types.