ABB Ability Smart Sensors Provides Condition Monitoring for Gear Reducers

ABB Ability Smart Sensors provide wireless condition monitoring for Dodge gear reducers delivering information that can prevent unexpected downtime and extend equipment life.

The ABB Ability Digital Powertrain concept has now been extended to cover Dodge gear reducers fitted with the smart sensor for mechanical products. The Digital Powertrain enables real-time health monitoring of all the critical elements in industrial processes, such as drives, motors, pumps, bearings and gearing. Immediate access to this key data enables operators to maintain optimal conditions for maximum productivity and safety.

Dodge gear reducers provide an enclosed gear train between a motor and the machinery it is driving. They enable the output speed to be reduced while increasing torque. This is a vital function on a variety of industrial equipment, including the bulk material handling conveyors typically found in the mining, aggregate and cement industries. Fitting the gear reducers with the smart sensor for mechanical products provides an early indicator of any potential problems by collecting vibration and temperature information.

The smart sensor is easily mounted on the gear reducer and communicates wirelessly via a smartphone or other device. This capability keeps employees safe by enabling easy, remote monitoring for equipment installed in hard to reach and potentially hazardous areas.

"The capability for remote monitoring of temperature and vibration data across multiple assets within the digital powertrain enables maintenance teams to build a complete picture of the overall health of their equipment," says Artur Rdzanek, product manager for sensor technologies, Dodge mechanical products at ABB. "The health status display makes it possible to quickly and safely identify a potential problem so that maintenance can be scheduled to prevent unplanned downtime."

The ABB Ability Smart Sensor for mechanical products is part of ABB Ability, which brings together all of ABB's digital solutions and services, each built from a unique combination of sector knowledge, technology leadership and digital expertise. As part of ABB Ability, customers are able to easily compare performance of key assets across systems or plants.