In vibration analysis, three key parameters—amplitude, frequency, and phase—are used to identify machinery issues and determine their severity. Each plays a unique role: amplitude reveals the severity of the problem, frequency identifies the nature of the problem, and phase provides insight into how vibration signals move in relation to one another. What is Phase…
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Basic machine setups are typically made to collect all the data we need for each asset. This is not always possible or reasonable as we would spend far more time collecting a massive amount of rarely used data. So, we compromise by creating additional readings on the fly to get the best of both worlds.…
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When two vibrations with similar frequencies occur together, a phenomenon called “beating” takes place. This is like hearing two musical notes that are slightly out of tune – the combined sound gets louder and softer in a rhythmic pattern. In industrial settings, beating caused by nearby machines can lead to severe vibrations, even machine failure.…
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A few years back, we posted a blog about one of the most common vibration signatures measured on pumps: turbulence. Causes of Turbulence in Pump Systems Several different things can cause turbulence in a pump system: Cavitation: when “cavities” of low-pressure vapor bubbles form in the suction side of the pump. Aeration or Air Entrapment:…
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Sampling frequency can be a confusing component of building a time waveform. What makes it confusing for many analysts who are learning Level III concepts is that it is always described in conjunction with a number of samples, resolution, and bandwidth. For this article, we will only focus on breaking out this one simple concept.…
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When it comes to monitoring the vibration of machinery throughout your plant, there are several factors to consider in order to determine the best strategy for you. Each piece of equipment should be handled individually, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach with purely wireless sensors, wired systems, or route-based collection. This type of strategy could…
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The world of Condition Monitoring (CM) has undergone a remarkable transformation since the early 2000s. This blog post chronicles the experience of a mechanical engineer who entered the industrial reliability field fresh out of university, a time when CM wasn’t even part of the curriculum. It felt like graduating doctors weren’t trained on medical devices…
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Setting up vibration alarms in a vibration analysis program can be challenging. Questions such as whether to use overall alarms for acceleration, velocity, or displacement, and whether to measure RMS, peak, or peak-to-peak values can complicate the process. However, the ISO standard 20816-3 provides a straightforward solution. Utilizing ISO Standard 20816-3 This standard offers…
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There are times when you will observe sidebands in the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) spectrum. These sidebands are a common occurrence and are often linked to specific mechanical and electrical issues such as gear mesh frequencies, inner race bearing faults, and various electrical anomalies. Understanding their significance requires a deeper examination. Sidebands provide critical insights…
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Collecting vibration data is a crucial step in a reliability program. However, it is just one step in the process. Consistently collecting accurate data under varying operating conditions is essential for effective analysis and maintenance. Operating conditions such as speed, load, and production processes must be meticulously documented and followed to maintain consistent data amplitudes…
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Vibration data was taken on a motor/pump during initial training on the Acoem Falcon. This pump was chosen based on history and a visual inspection. The visual inspection pointed towards a potential misalignment issue. Misalignment Diagnosis The Accurex software in the Falcon diagnosed misalignment. This was confirmed by the Acoem EVO laser alignment tool.…
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Frequency is as simple as the name implies, it is the number of times an event occurs in a set amount of time. In vibration analysis, we reference frequency to either cycles per second (Hz) or cycles per minute (CPM). Calculating Frequency & Cycles Per Minute (CPM) The frequency can be expressed mathematically as…
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Editor’s Note: This Blog is authored by Brian Rimmer (Freudenberg) & Stan Riddle (Acoem USA) Acoem USA recently provided dynamic balancing training for Freudenberg in Durham, NC, using an Acoem Falcon vibration analyzer/balancer they had purchased. During the class, Acoem was asked to assist in balancing a large primary air fan. Inspection of the…
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All successful reliability programs have one thing in common – strong communication between all plant resources. Although this concept does not have any direct relevance to maintenance, it is an important topic to reflect on. Keeping a constant line of communication with operations, maintenance teams, management, and everybody else at your facility will provide feedback…
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There are times when it is useful to take 2 simultaneous measurements and compare the phase (or position of the shaft) from one position relative to the other. This is most commonly used with displacement probes on journal bearings and is a powerful diagnostic tool on this type of equipment, as well as provides you…
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