15 / 48
February 2017
•
MechChem Africa
¦
13
SKF offers
new shaft alignment tool
SKF recently announced the in-
troduction of its SKF Shaft
Alignment Tool, TKSA 71.
Designed for professional
alignment in harsh indus-
trial environments, the
TKSA71provides superior
alignment performanceand
long service life.
The tool is easy-to-use,
dedicated software applications
enabling different types of alignments: shaft alignment, soft
foot correction, vertical shaft alignment, spacer shaft align-
ment, machine train shaft alignment and dial gauge values.
Its innovative instrument design offers high measurement
accuracy and excellent protection against dust and water. The
versatile TKSA 71 also has ultra-compact measuring units for
use in narrow spaces.
Suitable for a wide range of applications, the TKSA 71 is
offered as the base model with standard accessories and a
rugged case that meets airline standards for cabin luggage.
The TKSA 71/PRO includes additional accessories for more
demanding applications and is supplied in a larger, rugged
trolley case. Models TKSA 71D and TKSA71D/PRO include a
display devicewithprotective cover andpre-installed apps that
are ready to usewithout Internet connection or account setup.
The TKSA 71’s software apps are designed for intuitive use
without prior training and are available free of charge for both
Android and Apple iOS platforms. Common features include
comprehensive, automatic reports, export and sharing options,
instructional videoswithintheapp,built-intoleranceguidelines,
disturbance compensation, 3-D live view and a fully functional
demonstration mode.
q
⎪
Plant maintenance, lubrication and filtration
⎪
man-hours, data feedback, andcompetence levels. Effectiveplanning
at this stage will fully optimise resources and plant efficiency.
The final element, work execution, sees all this planning and
preparation carriedout. Feedback is collected via post-maintenance
testing and fed back into the maintenance system to ensure con-
stant ‘fine tuning’ of the maintenance plan and a maximum return
on investment.
PRMand asset care are closely linked.Maintenance is carriedout
under normal operating conditions which means that any potential
faults or failures aredetectedandactedupon at anearly stage avoid-
ing the risk of major damage or downtime. This careful monitoring
and measuring brings into play the three elements necessary for
success; culture, process and technology.
Culture needs to stabilise as it is this complete understanding
and adoption of PRM across the business that will enable accepted
processes to alter and new technology to be implemented. New
monitoring and analysis tools are only effective with trained opera-
tors or technicians.
In terms of process and technology stages, data collected by op-
erators or technicians is uploaded onto shared software for analysis
and todevelop improvements. Onlybyunderstanding the causes and
consequences of change can the benefits of the supporting technol-
ogy be fully realised. Short term effects are better run equipment,
fewer occasions for repair and a lower energy bill with longer term
gains centred on a more transparent cultural environment, with
regular interdepartmental collaboration.
q