When it comes to accelerometers, one size does not fit all. There are many different types of accelerometers from which to choose. While there are a number of things to consider in order to pick the best one for a particular application, here are five of the top ones: Type of measurement Vibration – Defined as the oscillating motion about a position of equilibrium. Examples for vibration measurement include electric motors, resonance detection, turbine and/or bearing monitoring, and overall machine…
Technical Articles
Choosing the Correct Parameter for Vibration Analysis
Vibration analysis is one of the most effective tools for identifying mechanical and/or electrical faults in rotating machinery early to take action before a costly failure occurs. The three main parameters measured to evaluate the vibration characteristics of a piece of equipment are acceleration, displacement, and velocity. To gain a better understanding of the insights these parameters provide an analyst, let’s take a deeper dive into each one individually and the tools commonly used to measure them. Acceleration Acceleration refers…
Journal and Rolling Element Bearings: Advantages/Disadvantages of Both
Bearings are a critical component of rotating machinery and equipment. For condition monitoring purposes, they provide the ideal measurement location for diagnosing machine faults on rotating equipment. They take the brunt of both radial and axial loads on the shaft in order to maintain smooth operation. Faults such as misalignment, unbalance, resonance, and process-related issues can be identified by measuring bearing parameters. There are two main types of bearings used in industrial equipment: Journal bearings Rolling element bearings Having a…
How to Get the Most Life Out of Your Rotating Machines? Think ABCs
Maintaining rotating equipment can at times feel overwhelming and the issues complex. Yet too often, certain key elements don’t receive the necessary attention required to adequately pre-empt serious future problems: alignment, balancing, and conditions. These “ABCs” of machine maintenance are simple yet essential tools to use that will help get the maximum life expectancy from your rotating equipment when employed regularly. Alignment Proper shaft alignment increases the operating lifespan of rotating machinery. Since the machinery components that are most likely…
What Makes Our Condition Based Monitoring Training Programs Different?
We believe that certification should be about so much more than simply passing a written exam. One should actually know, understand and be able to apply the concepts learned in training to real-life situations. True problem-solving can’t happen unless related concepts are clearly understood. We also understand that not everyone learns in the same way. Some people are able to grasp concepts just fine in a classroom setting, while others need a more hands-on approach. That’s why we’ve developed comprehensive…
Torsional Issues? Why You Need Strain Gages
Torsional issues are often the cause of mechanical failures in rotating equipment. However, if you are measuring motor current to provide a good analysis of torsional characteristics, you are likely missing critical data. “How so?” you ask? Motor current can provide a reasonable estimate of the torque at steady-state conditions, though not in complex drivetrains with multiple driven shafts. However, it cannot measure the actual driveshaft torque during transient or more significant torsional dynamic events. Directly measuring…
Three Common Ways Vibration Analysis is Applied Incorrectly
Vibration Analysis is a powerful tool for early fault detection as well as an excellent starting point for implementing a Predictive Maintenance program. Unfortunately, it is frequently the most misapplied technology of all the condition monitoring tools. In our 30+ years of experience in Vibration Analysis, here are three of the most common ways that we have seen this valuable technology misapplied: Improper accelerometer mounting Mounting an accelerometer correctly is key to obtaining reliable data. Too often, when placing the…
Five Maintenance Must-Haves for a Strong Start to 2022
With over 30 years in the condition based maintenance industry, we know a thing or two about keeping industrial machinery operating at optimum efficiency. So, as we enter 2022, we have identified five key “must-haves” to start the new year with a strong approach to maintenance: Commitment to a reliability culture: working smarter, not harder Where a preventive maintenance strategy involves checking all assets regularly, a reliability-centered approach involves looking at assets deemed most important/critical, asking “what could go wrong…
What’s the Best Location for a Vibration Sensor? Depends on the Data You’re Wanting to See
The majority of vibration sensors used today are single-axis sensors, meaning roughly 95% of what the sensor picks up or detects will be perpendicular to the mounting surface. Certain defects present more prominently in the horizontal plane, while others show up more clearly in the vertical plane. Since sensor placement is critical to obtaining accurate data, it helps tremendously to have an understanding as to what types of defects show up better in which of the three directions that data…
Proper Care for Your Electric Motor Spares
Electric motor failures happen. That’s why, in an effort to minimize downtime, it’s common practice for manufacturing companies to store spare motors that can be easily swapped out for a failed motor. However, having stored equipment is only beneficial if it’s kept “operation-ready” – and this requires proper management and regular service to ensure reliability. Here are five things to consider to better ensure your capital investment is protected: Where will motors be stored? Ideally, electric motors should be stored…
- 1
- 2
- 3
- …
- 10
- Next Page »