Load sensing by light: SKF at the Hannover Messe

Enabling radical improvements to machine reliability, SKF will demonstrate its new optical sensing technology as part of the Sweden Co-Lab at this year’s industrial Hannover Fair.

 SKF’s new sensing technology takes monitoring to the next level, providing engineers with new insights into machine performance. SKF Fiber Optic Sensing uses optical fibers to measure forces, in real time, in difficult environments and without electronics. 

The technology provides an instant overview of equipment performance, measuring parameters including load, speed, temperature and more. This opens up new opportunities for closed-loop control of processes. It also allows engineers to proactively prevent problems early. This can be unfavourable running conditions, misalignment or wear, before they lead to costly shutdowns. 

SKF Fiber Optic Sensing offers many advantages that makes it right for real industrial conditions. The technology uses light rather than electricity, which enables safe measurements in hazardous environments. The absence of electronics means the sensors are safe in electromagnetic fields. The fibers transmit light without disturbances at long distance (kilometres), which enables remote monitoring where wireless technology cannot be used. 

Victoria van Camp, CTO AB SKF comments: “The theme of Sweden’s partnership with this year’s Hannover Messe is co-creation and innovation and for SKF, Fiber Optic Sensing demonstrates what Swedish industry excels at; Collaboration. We combined our specialist industrial knowledge with digital expertise from leading partners and customers. The result is a solution that reveals parts of a machine’s performance that were previously in the shadows, using the power of light alone.” 

The technology will be demonstrated at the Swedish Paviliion at the Hannover Messe 1-5 April 2019, Hall 27, Stand H30.