Everything That You Need to Know About Vibration Monitoring

Vibration Monitoring

Over the last few decades, varied industries around the world have made commendable improvements in prognostic maintenance tools and procedures that are put in place for attaining quality performance.

Especially when it comes to vibration analysis technology that is used to inspect and sense any type of anomaly in industrial machineries. This particular technology has evolved drastically since the past few years, therefore, making the vibration monitoring services even more advanced.

With the help of vibration monitoring, technicians can quickly make the decision between repair or replace before the system fails entirely. Therefore, saving you from abrupt interruptions.

All rotating equipment generates vibration and by analyzing this vibrating effect, experts can identify any potential failures and overall condition of the equipment. Here at SERS, we have got a team of qualified experts that offers detailed vibration analysis.

By availing the vibration monitoring service, you can save your business from suffering financial impact and avoid unforeseen interruption. Consistent vibration monitoring is extremely important for the smooth running of industrial machineries.

Here we have further listed the ins and outs of the vibration monitoring procedure. Continue to read till the end to find out all about it.

Vibration Monitoring – What is it?

Vibration Monitoring is a process through which small movements are monitored for different kinds of rotating machinery. This procedure utilizes sensors for scrutinizing the movements and analyzing the performance of the equipment.

Increased vibration levels are the potential indicators of process limitations, emerging failure and any sort of malfunction in machineries. The process of vibration monitoring is a vital element of an effective maintenance program.

With vibration monitoring, technicians can reduce the rate of unscheduled outages, enhance overall performance of machines and significantly minimize maintenance and repair costs of the machineries.

Anomalies Detected From Vibration Monitoring

The technique used in the vibration monitoring process can identify most of the anomalies or faults that a machine can suffer. Here are some of the most common malfunctions/faults detected with vibration monitoring.

  • Mechanical looseness
  • Imbalance
  • Motor failure due to electrical faults
  • Bearing failures
  • Gearbox failures
  • Misalignment
  • Cavitation in pumps
  • Natural & resonance frequencies
  • Critical pace
  • Bent shaft

Vibration Analyzer Equipment

The process of vibration monitoring is incomplete without using standard quality vibration analyzer equipment. It is an instrument that is used for measuring and storing recorded data from the monitored machines. The equipment also helps in diagnosing the vibration generated from the machines.

Vibration Analyzer Equipment utilizes FFT-based tools for measuring frequencies and detecting the reasons that are responsible for their origin. At SERS, we only use superior quality Vibration Analyzer Equipment for real-time and accurate data collection that is required for vibration monitoring.

Principles of Vibration Analysis

The Basis

In Vibration analysis or monitoring procedure, neither the machine is needed to dissemble nor it is required to put into a stop. The process can be carried out perfectly in a running machine.

Therefore, making the vibration analysis process a completely non-invasive procedure. The primary principle of a vibration analyzer equipment is when its sensor is utilized for detecting transforming movement which is converted into electric signal.

The Idea of Vibration

Machineries with rotating parts generate a vibrating effect when they function as per the standards. This is due to the centrifugal force and friction caused by the bearings and also the rotating parts.

The ultimate result is that this vibration can be recorded, measured, trended and can be even heard. Therefore, we can describe vibration by saying that it is a repetitive movement around an extremity of equilibrium indicated by its variation in frequencies and amplitudes.

Both the amplitudes and frequencies are recorded and measured in several calculations for making a diagnosis.

What is an Amplitude?

The amplitude is the maximum level of a vibration which is measured from the location of equilibrium created. In layman’s words, amplitude can be defined as the amount of movement produced by a machine.

In a waveform, amplitude is measured from lowest to the highest point.

What is a Frequency?

Frequency is typically the measurement that is taken for the rate at which the vibration movements arise per second. A vibration can be composed of many frequencies that every one of them is confined to obey with a distinct cause.

Parameters of Vibration Measurement

The vibration analysis technique has three primary parameters of measurement. Each of these parameters offer specific validation to a certain range of frequencies. The three parameters are –

–        Acceleration

–        Displacement

–        Velocity

Restrictions in Vibration Analysis

Even though there has been a major breakthrough in the operations of vibration monitoring or analysis, there are still certain restrictions that the procedure is yet to overcome. These are –

–        Extremely High Frequency – Unless you invest in an advanced sensor equipment, common vibration analysis sensors are unable to detect higher frequencies. The frequency above 15 kHZ is invisible to such equipment.

–        Lubricant Condition – The state of lubricant cannot be identified in machines and only the lack of lubrication can be detected. This becomes a major restriction in the process of vibration analysis.

–        Extremely Low Frequency – Even though extremely low frequency can be measured and analyzed, they need long samples that are typically not accomplished in normal monitoring routine. That’s why most of the time, extremely low frequencies go undetected.

Here at SERS, we deliver the best vibration monitoring services that can expand the efficiency rate of the process overall. For more information, feel free to reach out to us and learn all about the vibration monitoring process.