If you are a vibration analyst or are responsible for managing a Condition Monitoring (CM) program or reliability effort, you are probably keenly aware of the “what have you done for me lately” mentality. This is a mentality that may frustrate us somewhat, but if we think about it, it is only natural. In fact, [...]

One thing that most field vibration analysts will become aware of is how the directional stiffness of a typical machine will manifest itself in vibration data. The typical horizontal machine train (driver and driven) is fastened down to a very rigid foundation, having little to no freedom of movement in the vertical plane. Although the [...]

Is your equipment considered a slow running speed machine?  If so, what speed do you consider slow? Is it 30 RPM? 60 RPM? 100? 200? 600? No matter what you consider slow speed, the two most critical points to consider for slow running equipment are: 1) Does your vibration sensor (accelerometer) have the appropriate frequency [...]

In the Condition Monitoring (CM) world there are two types of instruments: toys and tools. A toy will be defined as an instrument that is used only a few times after it has been purchased. Perhaps it failed or is determined to be too inefficient or insufficient to do the job. The toy is then [...]

As Published by BIC Magazine March 2013 issue LUDECA’s VIBXPERT II is exemplary of the company’s line of products designed to ‘Keep It Running.’ The slogan is indicative of what LUDECA’s condition monitoring solutions are committed to doing — keeping U.S. manufacturing running and productive. The VIBXPERT II is a portable vibration analyzer with full [...]

Every vibration analyst relies on accurate data to provide the necessary information to base a report or work order on that will set in motion the activities of the maintenance department. Therefore, the analyst must resist sinking into bad data collection habits. When early detection of a fault or possible problem is important (it usually [...]