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Understanding the ISO 10816-3 Vibration Severity Chart
The Smart Machine Checker (SMC), and the Falcon (vibration data collector/analyzer) use Accurex™ automatic diagnostic software to determine vibration problems on rotating equipment. Accurex™ performs a first order diagnostic based on ISO 10816-3 specifications (based on overall vibration levels in velocity, in inches per second/peak, or mm/sec/rms), and a second order diagnostic based on several…
Read MoreAligned at the Factory – Realigned in the Field
An alignment check was performed on a new pump skid that had been recently installed as part of new construction. Even though it did not have much run time there were already telltale signs of misalignment as indicated by the coupling insert dust on the base. The new pump skid came aligned from the factory. …
Read MoreComposite Pump Base?
We have written numerous blogs on pump bases, they still at times contribute to precision shaft alignment challenges. A recent class at a wastewater treatment plant, was having difficulty controlling soft foot on several different pump skids with composite bases. Previous blogs have described how a bad base can contribute to soft foot. In this…
Read MoreTaking Care of your Spares
Rotating equipment, either in storage, or down for long periods of time, should be rotated on a regular basis. This prevents two things: rust forming in the bearings, gears, etc., due to lubricant settling into the reservoir. false brinelling, which is micro-spalling of the bearing raceways due to impacting. This occurs when vibration is present…
Read MoreBalancing Police Strategy with Community Concerns
The balance of carrying out an effective police strategy while making sure community members have their concerns addressed can be tough to find. While transparency and community engagement are incredibly important, so is keeping certain information confidential and communities safe. We have put together some points to consider as you work to find the balance…
Read MoreHow IIoT is Changing Condition Monitoring As We Know It
The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is a hot topic, and it will continue to get more and more buzz as it’s benefits on condition monitoring become more apparent through practice. IIoT is projected to become a multi-billion dollar value producer in the industrial field by 2025, and it is not hard to see why.…
Read MoreA Handy Guide to Balancing Rotating Machinery
Balancing rotating machinery is mostly math, with a bit of common sense and experience thrown in. The math is constant, so here are some tips to help with the common sense and experience part. Preparing to balance Inspect before you balance I once balanced a fan by pulling an air filter out of the fan…
Read MoreThe Future of Policing is AI
What is AI in policing? In the modern world, technology makes industry go round. As society continues to find new ways to harness the power of technology to optimize output, buzzwords like AI have taken center stage. However, AI is proving to be far more than a buzzword. In fact, its here to stay. What…
Read MoreSo You Want to Implement Gunshot Detection? Here’s What to Expect
The start of any technology integration process can seem daunting. Having many moving parts can make it difficult to know where to begin. When you partner with Acoem to install our ATD gunshot detection system, you can trust that we’re committed to making the process smooth for everyone involved. Our standard integration process follows this…
Read More7 Myths of Gunshot Detection
As gunshot detection technology is being integrated into more and more cities across the U.S., many people are wondering what it is to begin with. Given that the technology didn’t start to make its way into civilian communities until the last 10 years, the curiosity is understandable. Based on the frequently asked questions we receive,…
Read MoreUsing a Strobe Light to Verify RPM
Knowing the correct rotational speed is critical when performing machinery diagnostics. A strobe light can be an excellent tool for determining speed. Look for a unique mark such as a keyway, piece of tape, etc. to use as a reference. You will adjust the flash rate of the strobe light until you only see one…
Read MoreAn Overview of Rotary Pumps
Rotary pumps are vital pieces of equipment for many industrial plants, especially those working with high viscosity fluids such as motor oil. Understanding how rotary pumps work is important when selecting the correct type of pump for your plant’s needs and ensuring it functions correctly. What is a rotary pump? A rotary pump is a…
Read More“Mic” Your Shims Before Alignment!
Have you ever added the number of shims your laser alignment tool or dial indicator tells you to during an alignment only to find your machine is still out of alignment? This is a frustrating but common occurrence. Was it a calculation error or did your alignment tool give you the wrong measurement? More than…
Read MoreWhat is Machine Misalignment Costing You?
We often hear from clients that machine misalignment is a costly and inconvenient problem. But, just how costly is it? It is far more expensive than most people realize, especially when you take today’s supply chain concerns into account. Between downtime, equipment damages, overtime for repairs, and supply chain interruptions, a fairly minor amount of misalignment…
Read MoreHow Vibration is Measured (Cont.): Vibration Level Charts, ISO Values, and More
In Part 1 of How Vibration is Measured, we discussed how equipment vibration is measured. An accelerometer mounted to a machine bearing vibrates. This vibration in the accelerometer produces a voltage. The amount of movement of the accelerometer determines the amount of voltage, and the severity. The frequency of the voltage (how many times per…
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