Install miniature sensors in or beneath the babbitt layer of bearing shoes. They monitor metal temperature — the most reliable indicator of bearing condition — to give early warning of oil film breakdown. Machines can then be shut down and the problem corrected before catastrophic failure occurs.
While no larger than many bare ceramic elements, these RTDs have metal cases and insulated leads to withstand rough handling and harsh environments. They’re easy to install in drilled holes for general purpose sensing.
