Acoustic bearing lubrication monitoring with ultrasound

Pillar 2 of 8 · ultrasonic diagnostics

Acoustic Bearing Lubrication Monitoring in Kazakhstan

36.1–40.7 kHz
LUBESense1 sensor band
½ shot
grease step with friction recalculated
10,000+
measurement points in memory
0 downtime
during inspection
LUBExpert with the LUBESense1 sensor on a grease gun: the technician adds grease in half-shots and watches friction on screen. Photo: SDT Ultrasound Solutions
LUBExpert with the LUBESense1 sensor on a grease gun: the technician adds grease in half-shots and watches friction on screen. Photo: SDT Ultrasound Solutions

Acoustic bearing lubrication monitoring — the second of 8 pillars of ultrasonic diagnostics — uses friction ultrasound (36.1–40.7 kHz band) to show whether a bearing needs grease right now. Both over-greasing and under-greasing shorten bearing life, and time-based lubrication cannot tell one from the other. The LUBExpert system moves lubrication from the calendar to the actual condition of the bearing.

The LUBESense1 sensor attaches to the grease nipple or gun and listens to friction in the bearing. The technician adds grease in half-shots, and after each one LUBExpert recalculates friction and says whether to continue or stop, warning about over-greasing and signs of a developing defect. Routes, intervals and grease type are loaded from Ultranalysis Suite 3, and results go back there.

KEG TRK is the official supplier of SDT Ultrasound Solutions in Kazakhstan. We supply LUBExpert, LUBExpert ON-GUARD and LubeChecker to enterprises in Almaty, Astana, Atyrau, Pavlodar, Shymkent, Kyzylorda and across Kazakhstan, providing staff training in the acoustic lubrication methodology, an official warranty and service support.

Applications of acoustic bearing lubrication monitoring

One instrument — full control of your lubrication program, from manual to automatic.

Lubrication assistant

step by step
half-shots

LUBExpert takes the technician through half-shots: after each one it shows whether friction dropped and says when to stop. A good fit for starting a program.

Over-greasing and defect warning

GOOD / BAD
and SUSPECT

If friction rises or does not drop after greasing, the instrument warns you: it is over-greasing or a sign of a developing defect that grease will not fix.

Routes from Ultranalysis Suite 3

10,000+
points in memory

Routes, intervals and grease type load from UAS3; Work Orders and Shopping List show what to grease and how much grease to take. Memory holds over 10,000 points.

Automation — LUBExpert ON-GUARD

24/7
automatic

A stationary, condition-based automatic lubrication system powered by the LUBrain algorithm. Up to 8 channels, a web server, and MODBUS TCP for SCADA integration. Runs unattended 24/7.

How acoustic bearing lubrication monitoring works

Three simple steps from connecting the sensor to documenting the result.

01

Connect the sensor to the bearing

Attach the LUBExpert magnetic sensor to the bearing housing. The instrument reads the baseline acoustic signal level — the reference point for this bearing.

02

Add grease in small increments

Apply grease in small amounts while watching the real-time readings. LUBExpert displays the signal level: a drop means improvement, a rise signals the onset of over-lubrication.

03

Get the result and document it

The instrument automatically records the lubrication result (GOOD/BAD/SUSPECT) and stores the data. Sync with UAS3 software to manage the program and generate reports.

Benefits of acoustic bearing lubrication monitoring

Measurable results for industrial plants in Kazakhstan.

Prevents over-lubrication

Excess grease builds up pressure, causes overheating, damages seals, and accelerates grease degradation. LUBExpert shows the exact moment to stop.

Eliminates under-lubrication

Insufficient lubrication is the leading cause of bearing failure. The system guarantees the correct amount is applied, even on hard-to-reach equipment.

Fewer lubrication-related failures

Greasing by actual friction rather than by calendar removes both common causes of premature bearing wear: over-greasing and under-greasing.

Grease only where it is needed

A bearing that does not need grease does not get it. Grease consumption drops, and the overheating and blown seals from over-greasing go away.

Automatic reporting

Every lubrication session is automatically logged: bearing, date, operator, grease quantity, and result (GOOD / BAD / SUSPECT) — ready for audits and KPI tracking.

Fast onboarding

The assistant walks the technician step by step, so a program can start without deep ultrasound expertise. Basic training is included with delivery.

Want to optimize your plant’s lubrication program?

Our specialists will provide a free assessment of your current program and recommend the optimal LUBExpert solution.

Request a consultation

Instruments for acoustic bearing lubrication monitoring

From the portable LUBExpert to the automatic ON-GUARD system — choose the right fit for your task.

Explore other pillars of ultrasonic inspection

The SDT methodology covers 8 application areas — one instrument handles every task.

Articles on bearing lubrication

Practical guides for common search queries — the path to acoustic control

Frequently asked questions about acoustic bearing lubrication monitoring

Need advice?

Our specialists will help you choose the optimal LUBExpert acoustic lubrication systems configuration for your equipment.