Sensors & Transducers


Keep your ear to the ground

October 2023 Sensors & Transducers

The SKF TKST 21 Stethoscope is a high-quality handheld instrument that monitors noise in bearings, machines and components. “The ability to ‘listen’ to rotating equipment and machine components, detect errors, and reliably identify the possible cause of the noise at an early stage, allows for preventive maintenance before costly failures can occur,” says business development manager, Eddie Martens. The device can be applied in a wide variety of industry sectors including power plants, automotive, recycling, materials handling, food and beverage, and paper mills.

The TKST 21 consists of the handheld instrument, a headset with an adjustable ten-level volume control, two probes of differing lengths (70 mm and 300 mm) for easy access to hard to reach areas, two AA Alkaline batteries, and an instruction manual. Everything is neatly packed inside a sturdy carry case for easy portability, handling and storage.

The Stethoscope is able to pick up noise in a range of components such as bearing housings, gears, valves, vents and pumps. The device captures the most common problematic bearing noises such as damaged bearings and balls, damaged inner and outer rings, and ash contamination and cavitation; valve chatter, tappet noise and piston slap can also be monitored.

Once the acoustic data (noise) is captured by the probe, the recorded audio is transmitted to a sensor, converted into an electrical signal, processed and amplified, and then fed to the headset or a recorder. Operators have the option of listening in live mode through the high quality, noise-cancelling ear defender approved headset, or recording the sounds for replay and comparison with the live sound. “The excellent sound quality enables the operator to identify the sound of problematic parts reliably, clearly and accurately, even in extremely noisy environments,” adds Martens.

The device is lightweight (1670 g) and ergonomically designed for convenient and comfortable one-hand operation. A large, backlit colour display, a unique feature for this type of device, facilitates viewing.

The user-friendly settings menu allows for easy navigation through a host of functions such as changing the display brightness, switching the volume limiter OFF, etc. The Stethoscope can even be muted if required. The instrument operates in a frequency range of 30 Hz to 15 kHz and will perform optimally in temperature extremes of -10 to 45°C. The battery lifetime will provide a minimum of ten hours of operation during continuous use.


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Duct and plant room air quality (PRAQ) sensors
Schneider Electric South Africa Sensors & Transducers
Schneider Electric South Africa offers a comprehensive range of SpaceLogic duct and plant room air quality sensors. These cutting-edge sensors are designed to enhance building air quality and energy efficiency by combining multiple sensing capabilities into a single unit.

Read more...
The sensory reaction of the BMS
Schneider Electric South Africa Sensors & Transducers
Today’s building management systems cannot function properly without sensors. Like our senses, they are an integral part of operations that run silently in the background, almost taken for granted.

Read more...
SKF shines at Mining Indaba
SKF South Africa Motion Control & Drives
This year marked SKF’s second consecutive participation at Mining Indaba, where the global bearing and seal manufacturing giant spotlighted its premium quality, future-smart, environmentally sustainable mining and industrial products, technologies and services.

Read more...
Leaders in sensor technology
Gail Norton Instrumentation Sensors & Transducers
Photoelectric eyes have always needed perfect working conditions, but in the workplace there is no such thing. Steam, water, light and dirt interfere with most photoelectric eyes, but never with a Telco sensor.

Read more...
A new era in top-notch measurement technology
Senseca Sensors & Transducers
In the ever-evolving world of sensor technology, a new name has emerged that brings a legacy of excellence, innovation and reliability - Senseca. This newly unified brand represents the merger of five industry-leading companies. All have a reputation for delivering top-tier sensor solutions, and have made significant contributions and set high standards in their respective industries.

Read more...
Playing autoclave roulette
VEGA Controls SA Sensors & Transducers
Autoclaves ensure the sterility of medical and pharmaceutical products before reaching healthcare providers and their patients. To effectively manage these demanding conditions, VEGA provides reliable solutions, specifically the VEGAFLEX 81 and VEGABAR 83 sensors, which are designed to meet the stringent requirements of autoclave operations.

Read more...
Registration mark sensors with unique colour perception ability
Vepac Electronics Sensors & Transducers
The Smarteye Colormark ll registration mark sensors combine unique colour perception ability with very high-speed response.

Read more...
Next-gen battery-driven grease gun
SKF South Africa Motion Control & Drives
SKF’s innovative TLGB 21 battery-driven grease gun optimises lubrication efficiency and reduces costs, by seamlessly combining advanced technology with a smart, rugged design.

Read more...
Diagnostic services for optimised operations and protection of critical plant assets
SKF South Africa Motion Control & Drives
The SKF Rotating Equipment Performance Centre provides anyone from anywhere with easy access to a comprehensive suite of advanced condition monitoring, analytical and diagnostic solutions.

Read more...
Miniature position sensor for precision motion control
Sensors & Transducers
The ILPS-13Z Series miniature linear variable inductive transducer position sensor is designed to deliver exceptional performance and reliability for a wide range of industrial and laboratory applications, including automotive R&D, motorsports, motion control, medical, military and aerospace.

Read more...