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A Day in the Life of a Vibration Analyst

A chemical plant with an illustration of a vibration analyst looking at data.

A vibration analyst’s day is always unpredictable, but there is a general flow that most of us experience. This blog post shares what a typical day looked like for me while working in the field as a full-time, on-site vibration analyst.   7:00am | Coffee  Upon arriving at my office, my day always begins with…

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Key Factors for Determining Inspection Frequency

A vibration analyst using the Acoem Falcon in an industrial facility.

A common question in vibration analysis is: What is the proper frequency of inspection for a facility’s equipment? Unfortunately, there isn’t a straightforward answer. Several factors must be considered, including safety, the criticality of the equipment, historical data, the operating environment, and the equipment’s condition.     Safety   Safety is the top priority. When a failure…

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Guide To Aligning Vertical Pumps

Vertical pumps in an industrial facility.

Vertically-oriented pumps are used primarily in municipal water, HVAC, and power plant operations, although it is not uncommon to see small vertical pumps in many industrial applications. Many vertical pumps utilize a flexible coupling to transfer power from the motor to the pump, so proper shaft alignment is an important part of overall machine reliability. …

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Shaft Alignment Challenges and How to Solve Them

Maintenance worker writing and working with machinery.

Shaft alignment is a critical process in the maintenance of rotating machinery. It ensures that the centerlines of the shafts are collinear when in operation, which reduces wear and energy consumption to increase equipment lifespan. However, achieving precise shaft alignment has its challenges. This blog post explores some of the common hurdles faced during machinery…

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Understanding Phase Analysis in Vibration Diagnostics

Acoem USA blog post Using Phase Analysis for Accurate Analysis featured image

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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Collecting Extra Data in Routine PM Inspections

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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Choosing the Best Laser Shaft Alignment Tool

When companies seek a laser alignment tool, they often struggle to determine which option is best for their specific requirements. Some may opt for a “cheap” solution and choose the least expensive model, while others aim for “the best” without fully understanding what “the best” entails for their situation. “The best laser alignment tool” is…

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Overcoming Vibration Issues at a Pumping Station

Row of centrifugal pumps at an industrial plant

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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The Real Cost of Compressed Air

Acoem SoundCam Ultra 3 detecting leak in facility

Acoem USA has recently begun selling the SoundCam Ultra 3, an easy-to-use acoustic imager and video leak detector that can detect, measure, and display air and gas leaks, vacuum leaks, as well as partial electrical discharges, and includes infrared capabilities. There are other tools available to detect air leaks, so what’s the big deal? A…

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Pump Turbulence and Vibration

Centrifugal pump and piping

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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A CM Engineer’s Journey in Condition Monitoring

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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Vibration Alarms – Utilizing ISO Standards

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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A Closer Look at Sidebands in the FFT Spectrum

An isometric illustration of a sideband waveform and a maintenance technician dressed in a blue work uniform and hardhat looking at it with binoculars. The man is small in comparison to the size of the waveforms.

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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Inadequate Piping Support’s Impact on Alignment

Pipe strain happens when the piping is not adequately supported, either by the use of pipe supports underneath (stiff legs), hangers, or both. It can cause problems when bolting up flanges and can contribute to premature seal failure. Pipe strain can also move the pump or base. For those performing precision shaft alignment, this can…

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The 4 Senses of a Vibration Technician

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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