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Smart Trac Installation: Positioning
Smart Trac Installation: Positioning

Understand how to position Smart Trac in different assets.

Updated over 8 months ago

​The most important step for the correct installation of the sensors is to choose the appropriate position and attachment locations, as this directly influences the assertiveness of the Insights.

To learn more about how to adequately attach the Smart Trac device, check this article.

Positioning

To position your sensor properly, you must:

  1. Define a position where the sensor is aligned with the X, Y and Z axes of the asset;

  2. Choose the side of the sensor to be attached, so that the sensor nameplate is visible.

    Check out the example below:



Attention: positioning of the receivers


​The positioning of the Smart Receiver is also crucial for the positioning of the sensors connected to it and should be done following the specifications:

  • Ensure that there are electrical connections near the installation location, as the receiver requires external power supply

  • DO NOT install the Smart Receiver inside metal electrical panels, as they can block the receiver signal

  • The receiver accepts a MAXIMUM distance of 50 meters from each connected sensor

  • The receiver can communicate with a maximum of 30 devices, depending on the plant's topology

  • Install the receiver in high places, with the antenna in front of the sensors

  • Look for locations that do not have obstacles in the path between the receiver and the sensors



Positioning on specific assets

Smart Trac is capable of monitoring over 30 different types of rotating assets. Below are some examples of the most common machines and how to position the sensor on them.

If your machine is not on the list, follow the step-by-step instructions described earlier and refer to the examples that are most similar to it. If you have any questions, please contact our Customer Success team.

Positioning on the Electric Motor

​It is recommended to fix the sensor in a way that the Z-axis is oriented in the vertical direction of the equipment. The X and Y axes should be in the horizontal and axial directions, respectively.



If it is not possible to fix the Z-axis in the radial direction, fix the sensor with at least two of its axes oriented vertically and horizontally. Prioritize locations near bearings and with flat surfaces.



For motors larger than 200 horsepower, it is recommended to install two sensors: one on the Drive End (DE) and another on the Non-Drive End (NDE) of the motor.


Positioning in Pumps and Motor-Pumps

​In Motor-pump Assemblies, sensors can be installed on the Motor, pump, or on the distribution and turbine assembly, if applicable.



For greater accuracy of insights, it is recommended to install two sensors: one on the motor and another on the pump.



Positioning in Gearboxes

​It is recommended to install one sensor on the input shaft of the gearbox and another on the output shaft. However, in gearboxes with multiple reductions, it is recommended to install one sensor on each shaft/reduction stage.



Positioning on Bearing

The ideal installation position on bearings is at the top. However, it is also possible to install the Smart Trac on its base


​Positioning in Fans and Exhaust Fans

If there are bearings, it is recommended to install one sensor on the motor and another sensor on the bearings.

If the coupling is direct, it is recommended to install a sensor on the motor DE.




Positioning in Compressors

It is recommended to install one sensor on the motor and another on the compressor element.

Positioning in CNC Machines

For CNC machines, we can perform the installation on the Spindle Axis and also on the auxiliary motors.

Spindle Axis

For the installation on the Spindle Axis, it is recommended to position it at the rear, avoiding possible contact with the machined material.



Auxiliary Motors

For the auxiliary motors (X, Y, and Z axes), the positioning is analogous to electric motors.


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