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There is a very simple, but crucial step in the machine installation process that oftentimes gets missed. When this step is missed, it leads to a world of problems, from excessive vibration to premature failure of bearings, seals, and especially couplings. Let me establish the problem first, then I will explain how it negatively impacts […]

Dirt is all around us and while it may be critical for the plants to grow, it is not as warmly received in our machines. However, when we begin thinking about contamination, this is not just limited to dirt particles. Contaminants are anything that enters a system which should not be there or is considered […]

We previously discussed, Common Bearing Failure Causes: Part 1 Contamination. In this blog, we discuss bearing failures caused by faulty installation. Another common bearing failure is faulty installation. Bearings must be removed and reinstalled occasionally due to failure, or they must be removed to disassemble a piece of equipment for repair or maintenance. Bearings are […]

Unbalance is one of the most common causes of excessive vibration in rotating equipment. Components such as bearings, couplings, seals, and motors are brought to premature failure every day due to excessive vibration. Balancing is usually the first thing that comes to mind when these increases are noticed. But what causes a machine to become […]

There are different ways to understand machinery vibration analysis that people often confuse. Is vibration the cause of the problem, the result of the problem, or both? If you confuse these, you might make some big mistakes when analyzing data! So, let’s clarify… Vibration as the Cause When things vibrate a lot or “too much,” […]

Precision Maintenance is a proactive approach to maintenance that focuses on ensuring equipment and machinery are installed, maintained, and operated with the highest level of accuracy and precision. The goal of precision maintenance is to optimize the performance of assets by reducing wear and tear, eliminating sources of inefficiency and vibration, and extending the lifespan […]

Contamination is one of the failure modes that we see quite often in bearing failures. Foreign matter such as dirt and moisture getting into bearings reduces the reliability of your bearings significantly. Here are some sources of contamination to avoid: Assembling bearings in a dirty environment: Bearings should be installed in a dry, dust-free room. If […]

Visual inspections of equipment should always be completed during vibration data collection or the collection of any type of condition monitoring (CM) data. This important function is often overlooked and valuable information on the condition of your equipment is lost. Looseness and many other conditions are commonly found as a result of a vibration analysis […]

Cardan Alignment can be done without removing the bracket when the following requirements are met: There is enough room to rotate lasers and the shaft at least 40 degrees. A laser shaft alignment system such as the EASY-LASER XT660 or XT770 is available. The offset between machine shaft centerlines does not exceed 4 inches as […]

When purchasing vibration analysis equipment, consider the following seven factors to ensure you select the most suitable and effective solution for your specific needs: Expandability: Choose a vibration instrument that can be upgraded with additional features and measurement capabilities as your needs grow. This ensures that your investment remains valuable and relevant over time. Reporting […]

The days of measuring vibration data directly at the machine once every couple of months are starting to disappear. There is still huge value in undertaking this activity, but it’s quickly being replaced by a wide range of IIoT sensors (Industrial Internet of Things). Seemingly, one advantage is gathering data at a vastly improved rate. Rather than […]

MYTH: “It is acceptable to use a stinger attached to the vibration sensor.” TRUTH: Stingers can be attached and used with most vibration sensors. However, stingers are the least desirable method to mount the sensor to the equipment. Stingers reduce the frequency range that can be measured with the attached sensor. Also, it is very difficult to […]

For people working in the Condition Monitoring field, the sheer number of online systems being advertised in trade magazines and their advertised capabilities create both excitement and confusion. Why has there been such a surge in online systems over the past few years? Manufacturing is focused on what’s being called “Digital Factory”.  Critical assets can […]

Sensoteq Kappa X wireless sensors have been deployed at a petrochemical plant in the UK to monitor machine vibration and prevent facility downtime. By using the sensor system for continuous machine monitoring, concerning defects with a vacuum pump were detected. Vibration analysts identified several issues on Analytix and calculated a fixed cost saving of $84,627.27 […]

Tired of being a vibration analyst? Sick of getting raises? Want to move to a different place of employment or collect unemployment benefits? Here’s one of the most sure-fire ways to accomplish it: Make sure nobody in management at your current employer understands how valuable your services are. Seriously now, it is essential to your […]

We know that precision shaft alignment is necessary to ensure the reliable operation of rotating machinery. This will lead to better performance and longer service life for the machine and its components. However, have you ever wondered: Is it the same to align a machine with an operating temperature of 40 °C (104 °F) and […]

Every analyst has a few things they really don’t want to hear during the course of their work. These comments often indicate that proper maintenance activities have not been performed on the equipment,  or convey unrealistic expectations of the analyst’s abilities. For instance: “It has always run like that!” “It really was making a noise […]

When dealing with the alignment of a gearbox that has 3 pairs of feet, there are three possibilities when using the Easy-Laser Generation XT systems: Option 1: If the feet are located under the shaft and bearing housings, view the gearbox as a normal 4-footed machine. This will give you inboard and outboard corrections for […]

A vibration analyst is constantly viewing data and seeking to identify indications of sub-optimal physical properties indicated by specific vibratory behavior. Most complex systems (if vibration analysis is allowed to be called a system) can be broken down into simpler sub-systems. Some of us, this blogger included, benefit greatly from such simplification in the vibration […]

When we talk about industrial machinery, precision alignment plays a pivotal role in ensuring optimal performance and long life. Misalignment between rotating machines can lead to various symptoms that, if left unaddressed, can bring out significant operational issues. Whether we’re talking about pump and motor skids, turbines and compressors, or engines and generators, the impact […]