What Is Vibration Analysis & How Do I Avoid Unexpected Costs?
10 Questions About Vibration Analysis:
- What is Vibration Analysis?
- How does it work?
- Why it is important?
- Is there a disadvantage?
- How much does it cost?
- What are the advantages?
- What will I prevent?
- What are the advantages of condition monitoring?
- What's the take-home?
- Which Vibration Tester do I need? We have compiled a comparison chart for you!
What is Vibration Analysis?
Vibration Analysis is the process of monitoring machinery to identify changes that could indicate a developing fault. It is a major part of condition monitoring and the wider predictive maintenance. Using Vibration Analysis allows for maintenance to be scheduled and preventive actions taken to prevent further failure and subsequent unplanned downtime.
Vibration Analysis techniques are used on a range of equipment, including rotating machinery, auxiliary systems, and parts such as compressors, pumps, motors and fans.
How Does Vibration Analysis Work?
Vibration Analysers monitor your assets using sensors either connected to a hand-held device or built-in to a fixed monitoring system. Trending software is also available with some models on the market allowing the maintenance team to evaluate performance over time and collect useful diagnostics.
When an operational abnormality is detected Trending Software enables users to assess the data and determine if immediate action is required or if the machine can operate for a while longer allowing for scheduled maintenance to be booked in.
The TPI range of Vibration Analyser break down the readings to identify issues which could result in damaged assets and downtime all of which is costly... whether that be a bearings issue, unbalance, misalignment or looseness. Some Vibration Analysers also provide a temperature reading data such as the TPI 9085 Smart Vibration Analyser.
Wear on machine parts, bearings, rotors or shafts can cause them to vibrate in unusual patterns which can be monitored, recorded and analysed. These vibration patterns can be used to identify defects and potential failures, including those due to misalignments, imbalances or even design flaws. Of course, technology has advanced since the days of holding a wooden stick against a machine.
Example:
- If a bearing is supposed to last 5,000 hours, why did it wear out/fail after just 3,000 hours?
- Was it because of unbalance, misalignment or a lubrication problem?
Why Is Vibration Analysis Important?
Vibration Analysis is a tried and tested effective maintenance tool that is being used by an increasing number of industries and provide important benefits from a financial, operational, and safety perspective.
It can also help identify the cause of these problems, so they can be corrected to prevent them occurring again.
Are There Disadvantages?
Investment is needed; you need to buy the Vibration Analyser and look at the possibility that some Training of maintenance personnel in the use of the Analyser may be needed however, whilst this type of equipment used to be expensive, it’s NOT anymore.
All TPI units are easy to use and understand where meaningful readings can be taken even by the most junior maintenance staff colleagues.
(Acutest offer demonstrations and excellent aftercare to ensure you are comfortable with your purchase - we pride ourselves in helping you select the perfect test equipment for your industry and application - get in touch)
How Much Will It Cost & What Will I Prevent?
While Vibration Analysers require some investment, these expenses are returned by preventing costly unplanned downtimes as a result of machine failure, as well as eliminating the unnecessary maintenance costs associated with scheduling maintenance based on operating hours rather than actual condition.
TPI Europe’s range of Vibration Analyser start at a very affordable price with the TPI 9070. The TPI 9080 Range with Trending Software starts at fantastic price too when you realise the added reporting the software will unlock!
And if you require and an intrinsically safe model... TPI Europe's range has you covered with the TPI 9080-Ex.
What Are The Advantages Of Vibration Analysis?
Using Vibration Analysis offers benefits for maintenance scheduling, operating costs, reduced downtime and safety. It allows users to determine whether an asset is likely to breakdown, what will cause the problem, and when the failure may occur. This gives asset owners time to organise maintenance before the failure happens, avoiding unplanned downtime and allowing repairs to be booked in at a non-disruptive and suitable time within a production schedule.
As such, the advantages of condition monitoring include:
- Avoid unplanned downtime
- Eliminate unnecessary maintenance
- More efficient maintenance
- Improved safety
- Improved asset efficiencies
Vibration Analysis - The Take Home:
Vibration Analysis is increasingly common across industry as a method to ensure the safe working of assets and to improve efficiencies. Allowing for scheduled and directed maintenance and eliminating unnecessary procedures can save both time and money, while also ensuring production schedules are met.
Unsure which Vibration Analyser you require? (Acutest offer demonstrations and excellent aftercare to ensure you are comfortable with your purchase - we pride ourselves in helping you select the perfect test equipment for your industry and application - get in touch)
Which Vibration Tester do I need?
You may be asking...
"Where can I get a comparison chart from?" We have compared the features and functions of the TPI Europe 9070 and 9080 series. CLICK HERE to view it.