This case study deals with the implementation of condition monitoring on a low-pressure feeder in one of Sweden’s biggest pulp mills, Södra Cell Mönsterås.

To investigate the possibility of monitoring the condition of bearings in feeders, Södra Cell had test equipment installed on the low- and high-pressure feeders at the plant in Mönsterås in order to evaluate the measuring system.

Bearing monitoring on the low-pressure feeder needs to take into account a number of complicating factors, such as low RPM, pressure pulsations, and the presence of lubricants that dampen the signal. The SPM HD measuring technique accurately measures bearing condition at speeds below 1 RPM. Alert settings based on bearing symptoms reveal bearing condition in great detail and provide reliable alerts.

During the trial period, one outer race bearing damage was detected and later confirmed when the bearing was replaced.