Sensor: Replacing a Wireless Sensor

Summary

This article will help guide you through removing and replacing an Accel 310 wireless vibration sensor on your machine.  This applies to removing and replacing the same sensor, as in the case of a machine repair, or replacing the sensor with another, as in the case of a depleted battery. 

NOTE:  It is preferable to remove the sensor and mounting pad (if using the glue mount adapter) as one unit and replace together as one unit.

Before you begin

1. Take note of the location and orientation of the sensor being removed.  Keep in mind, the sensor collects data in 3 directions, and it is imperative that the replacement sensor is installed in the same configuration.  The label at the top of the sensor has arrows to show the orientation.  The power button on the side could also be used to reference the position.
2. Disable data collection mode.  If the sensor is used to bridge gaps in the mesh network of other sensors, and the sensor is still functional (for example, sensor is being removed during a machine repair), it may be advantageous to keep the sensor powered on and set in the disabled collection mode.  This can be done manually for each sensor by clicking the ellipsis for the sensor in the System Configuration > Online Systems section of PredictivePortal or for the entire machine through the System Configuration > Planned Exception section of PredictivePortal.
   See Configuration: Wireless Sensor Planned Exception
3. If desired, power off the sensor.  Either via the PredictivePortal or from the power button on the sensor, if the sensor is still functional and may be used at a later date, the sensor should be powered off to conserve battery. (page 31)
4. Take note of the serial number.  If replacing the sensor on a machine with another sensor, you will need to remove this serialized device before the replacement can be configured.  SymphonyAI Industrial Technical Support will need to know this serial number to remove from the system.

How to remove

1. If the sensor is stud mounted, either fully into the machine or with the stud-mount adapter, the sensor should be unscrewed and removed.
2. If the sensor is mounted with the glue-mount adapter, the entire assembly should be removed by using a small hammer to strike the adapter, as close to the machine as possible.  CAUTION: using a mallot or hammer on the sensor body will likely cause damage to the sensing elements installed inside the threaded bolt.

Steps to install

1. Power on the sensor and check for the double-green indicator LED that it is connected to a gateway.  Note:  It is usually easier to perform this step prior to installing the sensor on the machine, but could be done later if desired. (page 26, 29)
2. Take note of the serial number.  The sensor will need to be associated with the machine location using the PredictivePortal or mobile application.  This is applicable of replacing the sensor with a different sensor.
3. Identify the orientation.  Using the notes takes when removing the sensor or using the orientation annotation as identified in the PredictivePortal, determine how the sensor will be installed. (page 23)
4. Glue the sensor back to the machine using the Glue-mount adapter using the recommended two-part, Loctite adhesive and allowing the epoxy to harden and bond completely (page 27). 
   NOTE:  If stud-mounting, please see Sensor: Nut Adapter Installation, Drill and Tap.

Associate to machine location (if replacing sensor with a different sensor)

1. Remove previous sensor from machine location.  To do this, locate the sensor in the System Configuration > Online Systems section of PredictivePortal and click the ellipsis at the right.  Select Edit device and the set the sensor to Relay Mode.  You will need to associate the sensor to a plant and should add a name to make it easy to identify as a replaced device.
   
2. Associate sensor to machine location.  From the Unassigned Sensors section, locate the sensor serial number that is being installed.  Click the ellipsis and select Edit device.  Select the Plant, Asset, Location, and Orientation to make the association.  A Sensor Name could also be added if helpful.  Common usage of the Sensor Name in this instance is the date of replacement. (page 25)
   
3. Complete the configuration.  The final steps are to check the collection is enabled, the planned exception is removed or set to expire, the collection time of day is still correct, second check the orientation.  If desired, data collection could be manually triggered to validate the setup.  (page 28)

To have the removed sensor disassociated from the system, contact Technical Support or your SAII Account Manager.

Synchronizing Scalar Collection Time

If some of the sensors are replaced on a machine, it may be advantageous to synchronize the scalar collection time so all sensors on a machine collect the hourly data at approximately the same time.  To do this, refer to this article: Configuration: Synchronizing Scalar Collection Time.

For additional information and to reference the page numbers indicated above, see the Users Guide.
See READ-ME: Watchman AIR User Manual