Vibration Analysis
In general, a rotating piece of equipment and machinery vibrate. However, as rotating equipment components begin to reach the end of their serviceable life or fail, their vibrations increase and become unique. Vibration analysis is the process of monitoring the condition of critical equipment and machinery in order to optimize operations and to detect any significant change of operation which may be indicative of a potential developing failure.
To this end, vibration analysis is an important component of both commissioning of equipment and of a predictive maintenance program. Compared to other predictive technologies which measure the condition of equipment, vibration analysis is the most informative. Vibration analysis allows for the creation of baseline data and to detect abnormalities, such that corrective actions can be taken when problems are minor and are at an early stage. Vibration analysis not only provides information regarding the severity of the problem, but also provides information related to the possible source, or root cause of the problem.
Rotating equipment such as motors, pumps, blowers, fans, gear boxes, rollers, crushers, compressors and turbines along with interconnected structures, static equipment and piping can all benefit from an ongoing predictive maintenance program with vibration monitoring.
Superior Millwright Inc. offers experienced, expert and unbiased vibration analysis services tailored to our customers’ needs.
Benefits of vibration analysis
- Provides very early detection of potential problems and faults of equipment
- Identifies the root cause of an equipment problem
- Allows for better scheduling of maintenance work (as needed basis versus emergency/crisis repair)
- Decreases maintenance costs
- Improves reliability and longevity of equipment
- Assures quality operation standards
- Minimizes energy consumption
- Promotes satisfactory baseline of new or rebuilt equipment
- Avoid health and safety and environmental risks
Equipment problems that can be detected by vibration analysis
- Unbalance
- Misalignment
- Looseness
- Bent shaft
- Gear problems such as damaged or worn teeth
- Bearing problems such as defects or wear
- Motor internal faults
- Electrical grounding faults
- Noise excitation (piping/structural)
- Unequal thermal effects
- Bad belt drives
- Impeller issues
