The alternative:
IWM (integrated wear measuring device)
Rothe Erde always focuses on developing innovative solutions for permanently monitoring the condition of a bearing in order to further optimize the function and reliability of plant operations. The integrated wear measuring device for slewing bearings is a patented invention which enables online inspection of the maximum permissible axial clearance or axial reduction of a slewing connection.
Figure 6
Advantage: It is no longer necessary to interrupt operations in order to determine the axial clearance.
A pin made of stainless steel is located in the peak load area of the raceways. The electrically isolated pin is mounted in one ring and protrudes into a groove in the other ring. The maximum tolerated clearance can be adjusted by means of the groove width.
If the clearance changes by an impermissible amount, the ring and the pin will make contact with each other. The pin's electrical connection results in a signal being triggered when the pin touches the other ring. This signal indicates that the permissible relative movement of the rings has been reached and that it is time to inspect the bearing.
Figure 7
Advantage: The deformation of the companion structure and the elasticity of the bolt connections do not significantly influence the measurement result. The elastic approximation of the raceways, the axial clearance of the bearing and the out-of-flatness of the contact surface are compensated. Costs for maintenance personnel are minimized.