Vibration Analysis & Measurement
Through vibration analysis (VA) and measurement, our engineers can identify the location, severity and causes of many faults that can lead to reliability issues in machinery in equipment.
BINDT Category 2 Vibration Analyst Qualified
Our engineers are fully trained in vibration analysis and hold the BINDT Category 2 Vibration Analyst qualification (or higher). During a vibration survey, readings are taken, and data stored on our Machine Sentry web-based platform. This forms the basis of a comprehensive report made available on completion.
Using signal analysis (FFT spectra), we can identify several potential fault conditions. Each fault detected presents its own unique wave pattern for our engineers to examine and determine remedial action
Regular Vibration Surveys
Vibration analysis (VA) is the primary tool used in condition-based monitoring to analyse machine health.
- To record patterns in rotary machine behaviour and predict potential failures in advance.
- To diagnose and establish the root cause of rotary asset failure.
We encourage regular surveys at fixed intervals to enable our customers to construct a history of each asset and help to predict when maintenance may be required.
If issues are revealed by a vibration survey, we can carry out more detailed inspections and if necessary, utilise the Hayley DEXIS network to supply, manufacture and install any replacement parts.
What Can be Diagnosed with Vibration Analysis?
Through vibration analysis (VA) and measurement, our engineers can identify the location, severity and causes of many faults that can lead to reliability issues in machinery in equipment. Any preventative actions will be recommended following completion of the analysis.
Imbalance is diagnosed when a heavy spot is detected on a rotating asset. This is caused when the centre of rotation drifts away from the centre of mass. Left untreated, the difference increases and eventually leads to seizure.
Misalignment occurs when the shaft centre lines of two mating components are offset. This can occur with the shafts remaining parallel, or at an angle.
Looseness can be either mechanical or structural. Either the component parts of the machine are not fitted together correctly or have loosened over time. Alternatively, the foundations of the machine have become weak resulting in loose machine mounting (soft foot), degrading bedplates or loose bolts.
Bearing damage can occur for many reasons, such as an exceeded service life, overload conditions, insufficient lubrication, incorrect installation, etc. Most rolling element bearings consist of an inner race, outer race, cage and rolling element (such as balls, rollers, spherical rollers, taper rollers, etc), and these all have definitive defect frequencies that VA can detect. From the bearing geometry and rotational speed, we can identify the following:
- BPFO Ball pass frequency, outer race
- BPFI Ball pass frequency, inner race
- BSF Ball spin frequency
- TFT Fundamental train frequency
Sleeve bearings with excessive clearance allow small excitation forces such as imbalance to cause significant vibration amplitudes that are identified during analysis.
A blade or vane excites a signal frequency called a blade pass frequency. This blade pass frequency can be caused by an issue with a blade diffuser or the volute air gap difference.
Despite the range of gears on the market, the fundamentals of monitoring with vibration analysis remain consistent. With our vast experience in gear manufacture and application engineering, we can analyse and predict the following types of gear condition and damage:
- Incorrect gear contact & meshing
- Gear wear
- Incorrect tooth shape
- Tooth damage
- Misaligned gears
- Damaged and bent shafts
We can identify the following issues with transmission belt drives using VA:
- Misalignment
- Worn belts
- Incorrectly tensioned belts
- Pulley issues
When using VA equipment on assets such as pumps and fans, we can identify two basic moving fluid issues:
- Cavitation
- Turbulence
Electric motors are critical to the operational and electrical efficiency of any modern production facility. Using VA techniques and equipment, we can identify the following fault conditions that could bring operations to an unwanted halt:
- Stator eccentricity
- Eccentric rotor
- Rotor problems
- Loose connections
- Power supply and phase problems
We recommend that once an electrical issue has been detected using VA, a complimentary electrical motor test is undertaken using our Electrical Signature Analysis equipment.
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Whatever your project, we are here to provide fast, effective engineering solutions. Our specialist technical staff are happy to discuss any reactive or planned requirements you may have. We can inspect CAD drawings and files through to undertaking on-site visual inspections.