Summary

Only nine percent of rolling element bearings operate long enough to achieve their design life. The leading cause of failure, by 43 percent, is improper lubrication. This includes over lubrication or a lack of lubrication. This will lead to unexpected failure of the bearings, which could result in a total shutdown of the system. This research will determine if the use of ultrasound can lead to a longer lifetime of the bearings on board the MS Rotterdam by comparing the difference between greasing the open bearings according to the maintenance schedule or by use of the Ultraprobe 15000. For this research a main question is drafted. Main question: “Will the lifetime of the open bearings on board the Rotterdam increase by using ultrasound detection during greasing?”
To find an answer on this question measurements are taken from the grey water units on the MS Rotterdam. These measurements are taken with an Ultraprobe 15000. For this research three methods are drafted. For this research three different inspection methods are used. The first is inspection method is “audible quality”. The second inspection method that has been used is “Comparative” and the third method is “Historical trending”. More information about the inspection methods is given in chapter 4: Results. To answer the main question, two sub questions have been answered in chapter 5: Conclusion. The sub questions can be found in chapter 1: introduction.
The Ultrasound Detector has shown that it is a fast and handy measuring tool to measure rolling element bearings. It is recommended to use the Ultraprobe during greasing of the bearings (from the moment they get installed). This method will prevent over lubrication and lack of lubrication, which could increase the lifetime of the bearings (other mechanical failures not included).