In today’s fast-paced industrial environments, preventing unplanned stoppages to mitigate downtime requires more than just acting quickly. It also demands the ability to listen. Sound can provide valuable insight into the health and condition of machines and equipment. Long before a component fails, changes in a machine’s acoustic signature can provide an early indication of developing issues. Capturing and interpreting those signals are key to preventing production halts and avoiding costly repairs.
Subtle changes in sound that often signal the onset of a fault can easily go unnoticed in high-noise spaces. SKF has addressed this challenge with the development of the TKST 31 connected stethoscope that has been specifically designed to simplify condition monitoring in even the most demanding noise-intensive industrial environments.
Seamlessly integrated with a dedicated Bluetooth-connected mobile app: ‘Detect. Document. Prove.’, this advanced instrument cuts through ambient noise, captures and analyses acoustic signals from bearings and other rotating components. Through this wireless app connection, the TKST 31 supports the entire workflow such as recording editing, management, report generation and data export, all from a single platform. Users are able to save, edit, manage, report on and export sound recordings directly to a smartphone or tablet, ensuring valuable diagnostic data is always accessible and easy to share. Maintenance teams are able to identify developing issues early, make informed decisions and support preventive maintenance, thus avoiding costly failures and unplanned downtime.
“The TKST 31 is so much more than just a listening device,” says Eddie Martens, SKF Product Manager, MaPro. “This connected stethoscope combines flexible audio capture with powerful digital reporting tools to deliver a complete acoustic condition monitoring solution. Covering a frequency range of 30 Hz to 15 kHz, the instrument enables users to detect, record and analyse a broad spectrum of machine sounds and live stream them directly to the supplied high-quality headset. As an approved hearing protector, the headset incorporates noise-cancellation technology that enables users to focus on even the most subtle acoustic details during a live audio feed.”
Users can view and manage all recordings, complete with file names and creation dates, while intuitive editing tools make it easy to trim audio, rename files, save recordings locally to a phone or tablet and share them with colleagues. The app also allows users to compare recorded sounds against previous recordings and the SKF sample sound library, helping to identify changes in machine condition over time. In addition, comprehensive reports can be generated for individual recordings or recording series, enabling users to document findings, support maintenance decisions, and export professional reports for inclusion in service records, customer documentation or invoices. “This dedicated mobile app essentially transforms sound recordings into actionable maintenance intelligence,” adds Martens.
To support training, diagnostics and fault identification, the TKST 31 includes a library of pre-recorded demonstration audio samples, also including the most common bearing-related fault conditions. These samples can be accessed online or offline, providing a permanent source of valuable acoustic references that enable users to compare sounds and accurately determine the likely cause of abnormal noise. Captured sounds can be saved directly on the instrument for subsequent analysis and reporting. Martens adds that the TKST 31 is equipped with fifteen sound-recording slots, together with an intuitive volume control and mute function, enabling users to capture, store and manage acoustic data with ease. The large, backlit colour display guides the user easily through the user-friendly menu.
The TKST 31 combines impressive performance with exceptional energy efficiency. Powered by just two AA batteries, it provides a minimum of eight hours of continuous operation. An optional automatic switch-off function further conserves battery life when the device is not in use, helping to ensure the instrument is always ready when needed.
Designed with portability and ease of use in mind, the compact, lightweight, ergonomically engineered TKST 31 is supplied with a headset, two probes (70 mm and 300 mm) and a robust carrying case for convenient transport and protection. The 300 mm probe enables operators to easily reach the most difficult-to-access bearing components, increasing the likelihood that diagnostic analysis can be completed. Simple one-handed operation and a compact design allow users to work comfortably and efficiently, even in demanding industrial environments.
Martens emphasises that the TKST 31 forms part of a broader SKF maintenance ecosystem designed to take users from fault detection to fault resolution. “The TKST 31 becomes even more powerful and further streamlines condition monitoring when used as part of SKF’s complete maintenance offering.” Identifying a problem is only the first step. Once a bearing-related issue has been detected, SKF offers a range of complementary solutions to help customers address it quickly and effectively. Depending on the application, this may include automatic lubricators, high-performance bearing greases and portable lubrication tools to optimise lubrication practices, as well as bearing pullers and installation kits to support safe and efficient bearing replacement. Together, these solutions help maintenance teams complete the job from diagnosis through to corrective action.
