It says that the technology is another step forward in the industry’s digital transformation journey.
The Alfa Laval CM monitors the operating condition of rotating equipment, such as pumps, mixers and agitators used in hygienic process environments. Said to be compact, easy to use and easy to install, it tracks equipment vibration, temperature and total run-time – three parameters said to be the most widely used for detecting and diagnosing equipment faults.
“Digitalisation is advancing rapidly. To remain competitive, the hygienic process industries clearly must keep pace,” says John Walker, portfolio manager, pumps, Alfa Laval. “With the CM, Alfa Laval is taking a decisive step towards Industry 4.0 and working closely with customers to develop relevant connectivity solutions going forward and further enhance the customer experience.”
Powering the Alfa Laval CM are equipment sensors that transmit data to a connected compatible mobile device for predictive maintenance analysis. Maintenance staff can check equipment vibration and temperature – either by visible notification on an LED indicator on the monitor or through a mobile app on a connected iOS or Android device within a 20-metre range during a periodic walk-around.
Trend analysis and FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) vibration data assist in diagnosing faults.
Initially the CM has been optimized for use with Alfa Laval SX and SRU positive displacement pumps and, with product adaptation, can monitor other rotating equipment.