We’re excited to share our first-hand experience with the SKF Axios condition monitoring system, recently installed and commissioned at a leading poultry producer. This breakthrough system is transforming how maintenance teams monitor equipment health, offering ease of installation, real-time insights, and the ability to prevent costly downtime.

The installation and commissioning of the Axios SKF system proved remarkably efficient, highlighting its user-friendly design. The process involved installing five sensors and one Wi-Fi gateway, which took a total of just 90 minutes.

Here’s a breakdown of the setup process:

• Sensor installation: Each sensor installation took an average of five minutes, even when performed by a less experienced technician. The straightforward installation eliminated the need for complex tools like drills or taps, making it hassle-free.

• Gateway setup: The Wi-Fi gateway installation, including powering up and connecting to the local network, took around 25 minutes.

• App configuration: Setting up the app involved selecting the machinery, activating sensors via NFC, and inputting the positioning, which required five to seven minutes per unit.

The Axios SKF system also featured an intuitive setup guide that could be accessed by scanning a QR code, further simplifying the process.

Real-time condition monitoring capabilities

One of the most important benefits of the Axios SKF system is its real-time data gathering and machine learning capabilities. At first, minor anomalies were detected, but the system’s flexible machine learning algorithms quickly adapted to the equipment’s normal operating ranges. This self-teaching capability allows the Axios system to provide precise, reliable monitoring, enabling proactive maintenance.

Additionally, each sensor’s ability to distinguish and isolate vibration patterns across three axes offers maintenance teams a more comprehensive understanding of equipment health, helping detect issues at their earliest stages.

The Axios SKF system significantly advances condition monitoring, filling the gap between basic monthly checks and comprehensive condition monitoring solutions. While it serves as a first line of defence rather than a full-scale system, its cost-effective, real-time monitoring makes it a groundbreaking addition to the market.

Compared to other systems, Axios offers a revolutionary approach by allowing maintenance teams to respond quickly to anomalies. If an issue and suspected bearing failure is detected, teams can immediately address it, recheck the sensor readings on the app, and confirm if the maintenance action has resolved the problem. This saves valuable time and reduces downtime risks.

Enhanced reliability 

The Axios SKF system’s benefits extend beyond convenience. They also have a tangible impact on maintenance and operational reliability. The system mitigates the risk of costly breakdowns by enabling early detection of equipment issues. The Axios system’s ability to differentiate subtle changes in vibration patterns allows for potential issues to be addressed timeously, reducing the risk of significant downtime or expensive repairs.

B2K’s vibration analysis and predictive maintenance expertise complement the Axios system’s capabilities, allowing our customers to adopt a proactive approach to plant reliability. 

The successful Axios SKF installation highlighted the system’s potential as a next-generation asset health monitoring solution. With rapid installation, intuitive setup, and powerful condition monitoring capabilities, Axios is well-suited for industries where reliable, real-time data can significantly improve plant performance and reduce maintenance costs.