I heard this saying recently, and I like it a lot! Whether we are talking about woodworking, precision maintenance, shaft alignment, or any number of other crafts or technical operations-it is true. In my time as a trainer for Acoem USA, I have heard mechanics say (more times than I could count) “my (current alignment…
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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…
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Recently I came across a new pump skid where an alignment check was performed after installation during 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: A…
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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…
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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…
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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.…
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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 MoreKnowing 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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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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Machinery vibration continues is an indispensable tool for knowing the condition of machine components. While analyzing vibration can sometimes be complex, understanding the basics of what a vibration signal is can simplify the process. Taking a vibration measurement on equipment typically requires two components – an accelerometer, and a device, such as a vibration analyzer…
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In Acoem USA’s Reliable Precision Maintenance (RPM) class, we discuss several key points maintenance personnel need to know about lubrication. One of those points is grease compatibility. At a recent class, our students mentioned they only used two kinds of grease. When we asked what they were, they didn’t remember the name. So, one of…
Read MoreAlthough most machines are aligned with the coupling installed there are occasions where it is better to align a machine uncoupled. A couple of considerations: 1 – Shafts are rotated independently. 2 – Use the inclinometers (outside two numbers) to match angles within less than .5 degrees before taking a measurement. 3 – The shafts…
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