Vibration Analysis
Seasoned operators can detect that slight sound meaning something has changed. But, they don’t typically know what that change signals, nor does the plant maintenance team. They’re trained, responsible for and focused on getting equipment back online. Investigating slight operational differences – in the hopes of prevention – is a far second to the urgency of immediate repairs. Vibration analysis detects and documents these subtle changes. It turns trends into tangible facts about machine condition, long before irreversible damage begins.
The intent of vibration analysis is to provide machine condition information. Our GOAL is to avoid false positive reports of impending failure, but at the same time not to miss real issues that need to be addressed. Our database setup and collection processes allow us to be thorough with our machine analysis.
First, our analysts collect as much data as possible about the machine; speeds, gear teeth, bearings, etc. This allows the analyst to understand what components are creating vibration issues.
Second, data collected is transformed into a frequency spectrum, time waveform and a high frequency algorithm like Peak-Vue or Spike Energy provides insight into bearing and gear wear problems. Although time consuming, this process allows the analyst to flag critical issues, determine their origin, specify what the problem is, determine criticality, and recommend corrective action.