Condition Monitoring Assesses, Lubrication Optimizes: Launching SDT340 LUBExpert Mode

Detecting a fault means preventing a catastrophe. But preventing the fault itself is a fundamentally different, higher level of reliability. This is exactly the philosophy behind SDT Ultrasound's LUBExpert mode for the SDT340 instrument.

Traditionally, condition monitoring teams and lubrication teams have worked independently of each other: one diagnoses, the other services. The result is information gaps, missed trends, and equipment that fails between two visits. SDT340 LUBExpert closes this gap by combining both functions in a single field instrument.

Why lubrication is the most proactive maintenance action

According to SDT Ultrasound, more than 36% of all bearing failures are linked to improper lubrication — too much, too little, or applied at the wrong time. At the same time, lubrication technicians are at the equipment every day, yet they don't collect diagnostic data — simply because they don't have the right tool.

SDT340 in LUBExpert mode turns every scheduled lubrication visit into a full condition-monitoring session. The lubrication specialist becomes part of the predictive maintenance team — without any extra workload.

Technical advantages: a laboratory in your hand

HSR technology — professional-grade resolution

LUBExpert mode runs on High Signal Resolution (HSR) technology with resolution up to 256 kSa/s. This makes it possible to detect the subtlest changes in the ultrasonic signal — precisely the changes that precede mechanical bearing damage.

Extended measurements for slow-speed equipment

Signal recording time goes up to 600 seconds. This is critical for slow-speed assets — gearboxes, fans, conveyors — where short measurements don't capture the real picture.

Simultaneous measurement of four parameters

The instrument records, at the same time:

• Ultrasound — early signs of wear and insufficient lubrication
• Vibration — mechanical defects
• Temperature — thermal anomalies
• Rotational speed — frequency normalization of the data

RS2T sensor — one tool for every task

The multi-role RS2T sensor eliminates the need to swap equipment in the field. The technician works with a single sensor across the entire route — with no time lost switching tools.

The LUBrain algorithm: intelligent guidance for the lubrication process

LUBrain is the built-in algorithm that guides the lubrication process step by step.

Guided mode:

1. The instrument asks for the number of grease shots before starting — guarding against input errors
2. It automatically calculates the signal stabilization time
3. It monitors lubrication sufficiency in real time
4. It records the bearing's final condition after lubrication

Free mode: For experienced technicians — full manual control over measurement parameters with no algorithm restrictions.

The result: both over-lubrication and under-lubrication are eliminated — the two leading causes of premature bearing failure.

Route optimization: more coverage with the same resources

Integrating diagnostics into lubrication routes means asset condition history accumulates automatically — without extra rounds from the monitoring team. Plants that have adopted this approach report increased equipment coverage without growing headcount.

This is especially relevant for Kazakhstani manufacturing plants, where headcount optimization is a constant priority.

Integration with UAS3 software

SDT340 LUBExpert is fully integrated with UAS3, SDT Ultrasound's data management platform.

Key UAS3 updates:

• PostgreSQL 18 database — improved performance when working with large data volumes
• Unified database — lubrication trends, shot counts and diagnostic signals all in one place
• Data conversion — import of historical data from SDT270 and previous LUBExpert versions without any loss of information

Investment in your data archive isn't lost when you upgrade equipment.

Bottom line: from predictive to proactive maintenance

Approach	Action	Result
Reactive maintenance	Repair after failure	Unplanned downtime
Predictive maintenance	Diagnose → replace by trend	Planned shutdown
Proactive maintenance with LUBExpert	Diagnose + optimal lubrication	Failure prevented

SDT340 LUBExpert moves maintenance to a third level — where equipment isn't just monitored, it's actively protected.

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Source: SDT Ultrasound Solutions, May 2026