Trico Corporation, a provider of lubrication management solutions, recently introduced Sensei, a real-time lubrication intelligence system. Sensei wirelessly transmits oil level and ambient air temperature to a customizable, web-based dashboard. As a result, users gain real-time input on machine status and maintenance requirements. 

Sensei can:

•Reduce inspection time from hours to minutes per week.

•Reduce requirements for personnel to visit difficult- or dangerous-to-access areas.

•Help avoid downtime by providing alerts and warnings.

•Enable organizations to operate more efficiently by performing proactive, data-driven maintenance.

“The launch of Sensei represents a new ability to generate meaningful data faster and more efficiently than ever before. As a result, we are uniquely positioned to help customers develop cost-saving strategies and reduce the massive pressures of reliability,” says Jim Jung, president, Trico. “In combination with the services from the Trico Analysis Center, Sensei enables us to redefine lubrication management strategies for the Internet of Things era.”

The first wireless sensors available as part of the Sensei system are oil level sensors designed to accompany Trico’s line of 8-oz. Opto-Matic vented and closed constant level oilers. Pumps, motors, gearboxes, fans, blowers and other equipment use constant level oilers to maintain a consistent fluid level. 

Industrial and manufacturing applications include those in machining, petrochemical, chemical processing, primary metals, pulp and paper, food and beverage, power generation, water management, mining and other industries. Maintenance managers, directors of operations, facility managers, lubrication technicians, millwrights and reliability engineers in these industries stand to gain valuable insights from Sensei’s real-time monitoring capability.

“Sensei has helped us rule out and identify problems,” says Mike Walton, ICML, MLT-II, Mechanical Technician at Irving Tissue, St. John, New Brunswick. Irving Tissue tested Sensei on the Yankee Exhaust Fans that assist in the drying process. Walton notes that the reliability team at first thought one fan had an oil leak because it lost so much oil in a short period, but historical data provided by Sensei showed that there were periods as long as four to five months where oil level stayed constant.

“On fan 200-190-21, Sensei enabled us to rule out a leak and look for other causes,” says Walton. “Conversely, fan 100-190-53 leaked constantly. On closer examination, we found it had a leaking fitting going to the bearing housing, as well as a bad seal. Work orders were entered to correct those problems.”