LUBEChecker - Bearing Lubrication Control

Overview

LUBEChecker is an ultrasound detector designed specifically for real-time bearing lubrication control. A focused, simple and affordable solution for operator-driven reliability programs.

Lubrication challenges

Statistics

• <40% of bearings reach their designed service life
• The main cause is improper lubrication
• Over-lubrication — overheating and damage
• Under-lubrication — wear and failure

The calendar-based approach

Traditional schedule-based lubrication:

• Excess lubrication — too much grease applied
• Risky — misses developing problems
• Imprecise — ignores actual conditions

LUBEChecker features

Real-time monitoring

LUBEChecker provides:

• Continuous monitoring — during lubrication
• Instant feedback — stop or continue
• Visual indication — colour zones

Streaming screen

The firmware update adds:

• Real-time histogram
• Ultrasound-level visualisation
• Historical session trend
• Update via USB

Method of use

The LUBEChecker lubrication process

1. Baseline measurement — before lubrication begins
2. Half shot — apply half a portion of grease
3. Stabilisation — wait 3-5 seconds
4. Evaluation — check the ultrasound level
5. Repeat — add another half shot if needed
6. Stop — stop once the optimal level is reached

Interpreting the levels

Level	Action	Meaning
High	Add grease	Insufficient lubrication
Medium	Continue carefully	Approaching optimum
Low/stable	STOP	Optimal level reached
Rising again	STOP	Over-lubrication!

Applications

Bearing types

• Ball bearings — the most common type
• Roller bearings — cylindrical, tapered
• Spherical bearings — self-aligning
• Needle bearings — needle roller bearings

Equipment

• Electric motors — all sizes
• Pumps — centrifugal, reciprocating
• Compressors — screw, reciprocating
• Fans — radial, axial
• Conveyors — rollers, drums
• Gearboxes — gearbox bearings

Industries

• Manufacturing
• Oil and gas
• Power generation
• Mining
• Pulp and paper
• Food and beverage

Advantages

Focused

• Single purpose — bearing lubrication
• Optimised for the task
• Maximum efficiency

Simple

• No expert training required
• Fast training
• Clear results

Affordable

• Low cost
• Fast payback
• Reduced lubrication costs

Role in a reliability program

Operator Driven Reliability (ODR)

LUBEChecker is ideal for ODR:

• Operators — perform the lubrication
• Real verification — not "by eye"
• Documentation — results are recorded

A combined approach

1. LUBEChecker — daily condition-based lubrication
2. LUBExpert — an advanced system with a database
3. SDT340 — full trend analysis

Comparison with LUBExpert

Feature	LUBEChecker	LUBExpert
Bearing database	❌	✅
Shopping list	❌	✅
Work orders	❌	✅
Guided mode	❌	✅
Real-time control	✅	✅
Cost	$	$$
Best for	Daily use	Program management

Economic impact

Cost reduction

• Lubricant — up to 30% optimisation in consumption
• Bearings — up to 50% increase in service life
• Labour — more efficient lubrication

ROI

• Pays back in months
• Extended equipment life
• Less downtime

Firmware update

SDT Updater

1. Download the SDT Updater software
2. Connect LUBEChecker via USB
3. Run the update
4. Get the streaming screen

Switching modes

• Default Screen — basic mode
• Streaming Screen — real-time histogram
• Press On/Off to switch

Checker Range

LUBEChecker is part of the Checker series:

• LEAKChecker — air leaks
• LUBEChecker — bearing lubrication control
• TRAPChecker — steam traps
• TIGHTChecker — tightness
• HATCHecker — ship hatches
• ULTRAChecker — universal

When to choose LUBEChecker

Ideal for

• Operators — daily lubrication
• Small programs — getting started with lubrication management
• Budget — lower cost than LUBExpert
• Simplicity — fast deployment

A growth path

1. Start with LUBEChecker
2. Program grows → LUBExpert
3. Advanced → SDT340 + Dynamic Option