Fluke Reliability

Now that PRUFTECHNIK has joined Fluke Reliability, customers have access to an even more comprehensive range of tools from one source. Some may already be familiar with PRUFTECHNIK from their industry-leading systems for machinery alignment. They also specialize in test and analysis tools for condition-based maintenance, including vibration analysis, ultrasonic testing, and lubricant particle counting.

Condition monitoring is a maintenance strategy where you gather data on the condition of an asset while it is operating, and base maintenance actions on that condition rather than on what a calendar says an asset needs. Data on an asset’s condition can be tracked continuously through sensors, or at intervals using measurement tools for spot checks.

With condition monitoring, assets are repaired or replaced only when failures are detected. The length of time between the detection of an issue and the failure of an asset depends on the type and frequency of testing. Technologies and methods used to test assets include:

• Ultrasonic testing
• Oil analysis
• Vibration analysis
• Motor testing
• Infrared imaging

Ultrasonic testing to find leaks in pressurized pipes is an effective method for detecting potential failures early. Compressed air is expensive, and leaking compressed air is one of the largest sources of energy waste in manufacturing—when leaks exist, assets require more energy to compensate for them. Ultrasound can also be used for electrical and insulation inspections and to monitor bearing lubrication.

The SONOCHEK from PRUFTECHNIK is an easy-to-use, high-performance leak tester with a bandwidth of 20-100 kHz. Humans cannot hear these frequencies. The SONOCHECK translates them into an intuitive graphic display, identifies leaks, and specifies and evaluates the total amount of loss. With the optional parabolic long-range sensor, the SONOCHEK can discover leaks from up to 25 meters (82 feet).

By providing and supporting an array of methodologies, Fluke Reliability helps your team maximize your asset uptime. With the addition of PRUFTECHNIK, Fluke Reliability is a one-stop shop for all the tools maintenance teams need.

To help reduce the spread of COVID-19, more workers around the world are working remotely than perhaps ever before. For some roles, this transition has been straightforward and seamless. For other functions and organizations, it has meant coming up with new ways of handling tasks and new assessments of what work is the most critical. Numerous technologies make it possible for maintenance teams to continue to accomplish meaningful work on their assets—even while they work remotely.

PRUFTECHNIK, the most recent addition to Fluke Reliability, has a long track record of supporting remote and flexible work. PRUFTECHNIK’s remote monitoring work dates back to 2006, when they made asset measurement data available—and interactive—via the internet. When all German wind turbine insurers began to require all roller bearings in gearboxes and generators to be changed at set intervals, they made one exception: wind turbines with a certified condition monitoring system. These turbines could be maintained based on their condition rather than based on their installation date or operating hours. PRUFTECHNIK offered real-time vibration monitoring and comparison to reference measurements to help keep those wind turbines up and running.

Today, our remote condition monitoring offerings include the VIBSCANNER 2, a handheld, high-speed comprehensive data collector. Its triaxial sensor gives users a quick and clear look at overall machine condition. Expert vibration data analysis is available for a monthly subscription, with no hardware or software purchase required.

Online training webinars—available on topics such as precision alignment best practices, online condition monitoring, the role of leadership in maintenance, and more—are available. View our archive of previously recorded training webinars. These webinars feature experts from Fluke Reliability itself as well as industry leaders from other organizations.

Almost every organization is undergoing changes in practices or priorities during these times. Fluke Reliability has the tools and training available to help you continue your important work—even remotely.