VIBRATION MONITORING

All machines vibrate but when that vibration increases or becomes excessive, failures are sure to come. Vibration Analysis has passed the test of time as a proven technology to predict machinery failures and has become one of the most widely applied of the Reliability Testing sciences.

The first step to any Vibration program is Detection. This simply involves measuring and trending Vibration levels at specified locations. Trend plots like the one below are the first indicator of a potential problem. Trend plots also show improvements after repairs have been made.

Once machinery problems are detected by manual data collection of on-line monitoring systems the next step is to identify the specific problem for correction. Each Vibration problem has its own characteristics that identify the problem. Examples like the Spectrum plot below which shows bearing defect frequencies present.


Problems that are identified by vibration analysis:
  • Unbalance
  • Misalignment
  • Bearing defects
  • Gear problems
  • Flow problems
  • Lubrication issues
  • Electrical problems
  • Belt drive defects
  • Resonance
Machine Reliability Services, Inc also can provide assistance with continuous monitoring systems as well as assistance with understanding information collected by continuous monitoring systems to complete turnkey installations of these systems.
We also provide on site vibration training. A program can be tailored to your specific needs.