Vibration Analysis & Shock Pulse Monitoring overview:
Vibration analysis & shock pulse monitoring consists in listening inside the machine. Each component vibrates differently and generates a characteristic noise that leaves a typical fingerprint in the spectrum in the form of a linear pattern. If the damage is present, the pattern stands out from the noise floor. This allows the specialist to recognize, for example, whether the problem comes from unbalance, misalignment or bearing damage. In addition to an accurate diagnosis, it is also possible to determine whether an urgent action is necessary or it can be done the next scheduled servicing.
Shock pulse analysis
When a bearing has a lubrication problem or an incipient failure, it starts to emit ultrasound.
Historically, the structure-borne ultrasound generated inside bearings and gearboxes have been called “shock pulses,” and the technology able to detect this type of signal has now reached an incredible level of reliability.
Using the new SPM Shock HD detection technique, even bearing rotating below 1 RPM (yes, ONE round per minute) can be analyzed for faults and malfunctioning.
The exclusive sensor and analysis algorithms, together with the incredible technical capability of the new SPM Instrument equipment, will allow capturing even the smallest defect in the inspected machines.
This will improve the reliability management and the plant performances dramatically.
Vibration & Shock Pulse analysis – The benefits
The bottom line is that vibration analysis benefits both the operator and the maintenance technician:
✔ Enables the identification of machine faults
✔ Provides information on causes
✔ Localizes the affected components
✔ Optimizes spare parts logistics
✔ Allows early planning of maintenance measures
Methods and signal forms in vibration & shock pulse analysis
The best bearing ultrasound detector.
✔ SPM HD: the best way to detect bearing and gearboxes failures, even at very very low speed.
✔ FFT analysis: often used for identifying the most common machine faults, such as misalignment or unbalance.
✔ Order analysis: Variant of FFT analysis used for machines with variable RPM; instead of the frequency, the multiple of the rotational speed (order) is analyzed in the spectrum.
✔ SPM HD Envelope analysis: used for diagnosis of damaged gear teeth and roller bearings.
✔ Time waveform: suitable for analysis of the measured signal and for detecting beats and transients (random pulses).
✔ Orbit: used for analysis of shaft vibrations – especially in shafts with sleeve bearings.
✔ Phase measurement: used together with the FFT analysis to differentiate machine faults, such as unbalance, misalignment or lose parts.
✔ Resonance analysis: for identification of natural frequencies and natural vibrations in a machine or structure. Methods include impact tests, recording of the run-up and coast-down curve and measurement of the shaft bending lines.
✔ Shaft alignment: the best way to improve the life of a complex machine is to install it correctly. Laser alignment is the best way to maximize the life of your bearings, therefore, increase the MTBF of your equipment.
✔ Filed balancing: a centrifugal fan can reach the best performance and most extended life if it is correctly installed. With the infield balancing service, all bearings will run in the best conditions and the maintenance service will reduce the downtime easily.