Blog

Assessing The True Long-Term Cost Of Vibration Equipment Ownership

March 12, 2024

When acquiring new vibration equipment, it is important to delve into the genuine long-term cost of ownership, rather than fixating solely on the initial purchase price. The notion that the cheapest or most expensive option is always the wisest doesn’t hold true in this context. To make an informed decision, it is imperative to account […]

Shaft Alignment Measurement Mode: Multi-Point

March 5, 2024

In our previous blog, we discussed the: Shaft Alignment Measurement Mode: Continuous Sweep Method. In this blog, we continue with the next method: Multi-Point.    The Multi-Point measurement mode is among the most versatile measurement modes as it allows you to measure under any condition. It lets the user begin the measurement from any rotational position and […]

10 Things to Look for When Buying a Laser Shaft Alignment System

February 27, 2024

When purchasing a laser shaft alignment system, consider the following things to ensure you choose the most suitable and effective solution for your specific needs: Accuracy and Precision: Look for a laser shaft alignment system with high measurement accuracy and precision. The system should provide reliable and repeatable results for precise alignment adjustments. Ease of […]

Optimizing an effective oil analysis program for critical assets – Why focus on critical assets? Part 1

February 20, 2024

Our critical assets are the ones that get the most attention in our plants. They are considered the main drivers of production as without them, output can stop which directly affects the profitability of the plant. Quite often, these can be thought of as the heart of the operation as they need to be working […]

Choosing The Right Machines for Wireless Vibration Sensor Placement

February 13, 2024

Selecting the appropriate machines for mounting wireless vibration sensors involves a thoughtful process that integrates criticality analysis and considerations of accessibility. Here’s a more detailed breakdown: Criticality Analysis Prioritize critical machines by identifying and prioritizing machines critical to your operational processes. These could be equipment with a significant impact on production, safety, or overall system […]

Shaft Alignment Measurement Mode: Continuous Sweep

February 6, 2024

In our previous blog, we discussed the: Shaft Alignment Measurement Mode: EasyTurn™ Method. In this blog, we continue with the next method: Continuous Sweep.  The Continuous Sweep Measurement mode allows you to begin an alignment measurement from any rotational position. Simply rotate the shaft and let the tool record the points as you go around. […]

10 Components of a Successful Condition Monitoring Program

January 30, 2024

These 10 rights were taken from the book: Audit It. Improve It! Getting the Most from your Vibration Monitoring Program by Alan Friedman. Right Goals: Having clearly defined and achievable goals that may evolve over time. Right People: Having the right people in the right roles with the right condition monitoring training. Right Leadership: Inspiring continuous improvement. […]

Unlocking Efficiency: 5 Reasons to Embrace Induction Bearing Heaters

January 23, 2024

Fast and Efficient Heating: Induction bearing heaters such as SURETHERM offer safe, rapid, and efficient heating, significantly reducing the time required to heat bearings compared with traditional methods. This efficiency enhances productivity by minimizing downtime during installation or replacement procedures. Precise Temperature Control: Induction heating provides precise temperature control, ensuring that bearings are heated uniformly […]

KAPPA X Case Study: Preventing Catastrophic Failure and Costly Replacement at a Power Plant with Wireless Vibration Monitoring

January 16, 2024

One of the largest power plants in the United States experienced issues with two out of three recirculating pumps, which are critical for generating power. Despite regular monthly vibration route data collection, the pumps were running louder than normal, indicating a potential problem. To avoid a complete failure that would halt power generation, the plant […]

Shaft Alignment Measurement Mode: EasyTurn Method

January 9, 2024

In our previous blog, we discussed the: Shaft Alignment Measurement Mode: 9-12-3 The Classic Three-Point Method. In this blog, we continue with the next method: EasyTurn™.    The EasyTurn™ shaft alignment measurement mode allows you to begin the measurement from any location and take a total of three points. The points can be taken at […]

Shaft Alignment Measurement Mode: 9-12-3 The Classic Three-Point Method

December 5, 2023

Measurement points are recorded at three fixed clock positions: 9, 12, and 3 o’clock. This is the classic three-point method which can be used in most cases. Below are some applications where this mode is preferred: Vertically-oriented alignments: When performing an alignment on a vertical machine the automatic inclinometer used to determine the shaft’s rotational […]

Types of Balancing Machines: Soft Bearing vs. Hard Bearing

November 28, 2023

There are two primary types of balancing machines; a Soft Bearing Machine and a Hard Bearing Machine.  Both types have advantages and disadvantages. Here are the differences: Soft Bearing Balancer A soft bearing balancer allows the rotor ends to move freely in the horizontal direction of the balancing stand.  This type of balancer allows the rotor to turn […]

Key Features for a Vibration Analyst

November 21, 2023

When monitoring the vibration data of a machine, an analyst will want to look at the Time Waveform (TWF) and the Frequency Spectrum or FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) output, as shown below. These two example plots are very useful for determining obvious failure modes, such as, an imbalance with a high amplitude value of Overall […]

Using ANSI Shaft Alignment Tolerances to help solve base-bound and bolt-bound situations

November 14, 2023

Use ANSI Shaft Alignment Tolerances to help solve base-bound and bolt-bound situations. If a base- or bolt-bound situation presents itself during an alignment, take advantage of the outer limits of the tolerance envelope to help overcome the problem. It may be possible to optimally position the machine to meet the minimal ANSI tolerances and eliminate […]

Setting Alarm Values for your Vibration Measurements

November 7, 2023

Machines are like people. They all have certain similarities but are different in many ways. Two exact machines in the same operation may perform and respond quite differently. Setting alarm values for your vibration measurements is critical for the success of your vibration monitoring program. Alarms will help the analyst identify when conditions on the […]

What’s My Role in This New Initiative? 6 Reliability Concepts to Follow

October 31, 2023

Reliability is a culture propagating throughout the industry. When successful, a Reliability Program is proven to decrease safety risks, diminish unscheduled downtime, increase efficiency, improve production, and reduce costs. The key here is saving money and reducing risk. There are few competitive advantages between rival businesses in a global economy and a world full of […]

8 Key Considerations for Buying Wireless Vibration Sensors

October 24, 2023

Accuracy: Choose sensors with high accuracy levels for reliable measurements. The Kappa X ensures remote monitoring with data acquisition every minute. Frequency Range: Ensure the sensors cover the required frequency range. Kappa X offers up to 10kHz Fmax and 6400 Lines of Resolution (LOR) for a comprehensive vibration spectrum view. Battery Life: Opt for sensors […]

Give Your Machines the Correct Prerequisites

October 17, 2023

Within the industry, maintenance of machinery and plants is routine work. However, not everyone knows how to minimize future costs and risks for downtime from the start. Although it is so apparent! Increased sustainability and reduced energy consumption Everywhere in our society, machines are used for producing varying items, process materials, pump fluids, etc. These […]

About Lines of Resolution for Vibration Analysis

October 10, 2023

Lines of resolution (LOR) describes the number of lines of information that appear in the spectrum (FFT) acquired by the vibration data collector. LOR can be calculated by dividing the overall frequency range collected (Fmax) by the number of lines selected. LOR represents the amount of detail in the collected data. Without sufficient detail in […]

Have You Ever Used An Aluminum Can To Shim Your Motor?

October 3, 2023

When the beverage industry started to market its products in aluminum cans, a new by-product for industrial maintenance was created— soda and beer cans were sometimes used as shimming material for electric motors. Aluminum cans were flattened out and a slot cut into them to allow the shim to fit under the foot of the […]