When two machines are coupled together—like a motor and a pump—alignment is challenging enough. Add a gearbox in between, and things get much more complex. Multi-element drive systems, known as…
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When rotating equipment runs out of alignment, the consequences are serious, from premature bearing wear and seal failures to costly unplanned downtime. In some cases, shafts are so misaligned (or…
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I have 29 years of experience in vibration analysis, serving in various roles, including data collector, data analyst, site lead, and area team lead. My work has spanned various industries,…
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What Is Machine Train Alignment? A machine train alignment is the process of aligning the shaft centerlines of two or more machines that are coupled together. Many mechanics approach…
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From one organization to the next, the design of a reliability program will always reflect unique business needs and functions. Yet every program shares the same core objectives that form…
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Beyond the Blanket: Why a Strategic Approach to Condition Monitoring Outperforms “One-Size-Fits-All” Wireless In today’s fast-moving industrial world, real-time data and easy-to-deploy technologies are hard to ignore. It’s why…
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I recently assisted a customer with a strange vibration issue on a small, belt-driven air handler. Typically, these types of machines are not considered critical assets, but in this case,…
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Metrology, or the science of measurement, is a critical component of any skilled task, such as sewing, carpentry, metalwork, engineering, and architecture, all of which require tools to measure and…
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Ah, yes, the “simple” shaft alignment that somehow eats up your whole afternoon. On paper, shaft alignment sounds straightforward. You just align two rotating shafts so their centers are perfectly…
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Vector math is often seen as an overcomplicated and daunting task. You may think that it is useless because your vibration data collector does this math for you and will…
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Like industrial machines, everyday structures also experience thermal expansion due to temperature changes. Bridges, for example, have expansion joints to accommodate the expansion and contraction of materials as they heat…
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Maintenance is a necessary function for any facility in industry today. Many corporations view this as an expensive cost of doing business. However, if done correctly, it can be a…
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What is often called “axial alignment” of couplings is really not shaft alignment at all. Proper shaft alignment consists of offset (parallel) alignment and angular alignment, which is really the…
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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…
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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…
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If you’re working to maintain machines, Acoem USA wants to help.
We’re committed to providing tools, training, and services that will transform your approach to maintenance and reliability.
