In part 1 of this series, we took a closer look at the Illusion of a Good Lubrication Program. One of the key findings was that through audits, failure modes were not being monitored actively or in some cases not at all. In this part of the series, we will do a deeper dive into […]
The phrase “Measure Twice, Cut Once” emphasizes the importance of careful planning and verification to avoid costly mistakes. Here’s why it’s good practice: Prevents Waste: Double-checking measurements ensures accuracy, reducing the chance of adjusting incorrectly and wasting resources. Saves Time: Taking a moment to confirm measurements upfront avoids the need for rework or starting over, […]
The use of acoustic imaging cameras is expanding because more teams now face the same operational problem in very different settings: they know something is wrong, but they still need to locate the source quickly, from a safe distance, and with enough visual evidence to act on it. That pattern shows up in compressor rooms, substations, EV […]
Experienced vibration analysts or reliability leaders who have spent considerable time managing a vibration program can tell you just how important alarms can be. Those who embrace the concept of using alarms will find themselves catching defects more efficiently, saving valuable time, and enjoying their job. Those who neglect alarms will find themselves overworked and […]
Correct shaft alignment is a critical part of ensuring machine reliability, performance, and energy efficiency. Whether you’re working with a simple pump/motor unit or a complex machine train, precision alignment reduces wear, lowers vibration levels, and extends equipment life. Today, laser alignment systems make the job faster and more accurate, and they can adapt to […]
Typically, when lubrication programs are developed and implemented, everyone automatically believes that all lubrication issues have been solved and will never occur again. This is furthest from the truth! In this 3-part series, we will explore some of the hidden failures in lubrication programs. We will start off with dispelling the illusion of a good […]
In today’s world, improving uptime, reducing energy losses, and enhancing safety are top priorities for maintenance and reliability teams across all industries. Acoustic imaging technology has emerged as a powerful tool in predictive maintenance, enabling professionals to quickly detect issues that are invisible to traditional inspection methods. By combining sound and visual data, this technology […]
Repeatability: The degree to which a measurement process, procedure, or experiment returns the same results when said process, procedure or experiment is conducted over and over again. Reproducibility: The degree to which all conditions affecting a measurement process, procedure or experiment can be duplicated from one execution to the next. Accuracy: The degree to which […]
Installing or replacing bearings is one of the most common chores of the average maintenance department. Whether it’s replacing overheated motor bearings or installing tapered bore roller bearings on a fan, using the correct procedures and tools makes all the difference when it comes to the lifespan and efficiency of the machine and its components. […]
You’re scanning overhead pipework in a compressor room when your acoustic camera shows a bright hotspot on a steel support beam. You walk over, listen carefully, and check the surface. Nothing. No hiss, no vibration, no leak. The image looks convincing, but the source is not actually on that beam. This is one of the most […]
When a power plant in Bursa, Turkey completed a major mechanical overhaul of its steam turbine, one critical task remained before the unit could return to operation – aligning the turbine and generator shafts with high precision. Our Turkish partner, PEAK Teknik Mühendislik, was called in to do the job. The overhaul included extensive work […]
Uneven Heating = Distortion & Premature Failure When heating is uneven, the Outer Diameter (OD) and Inner Diameter (ID) expand at different rates. This differential expansion can cause warping, ovality, improper shaft fit, increased vibration, and premature bearing failure. Bearings must expand uniformly to slide onto the shaft without undue force. If the ID expands […]
Anyone who has spent time in the field of machine repair has most certainly heard of “thermal growth”. This is the unavoidable act of materials expanding as they heat up or contracting as they cool down. Thermal growth is a well-known phenomenon that is dealt with extensively in alignment procedures. Components growing or shrinking with […]
Runout, in regard to industrial machinery, is most commonly defined as a deviation from a rotor’s true circular path or concentricity in a machine shaft or coupling. Visually, the shaft or coupling (or both) will typically “wobble” slightly throughout their rotation. Runout typically causes a loading/unloading cycle that’s repeated during every rotation of the shaft. […]
Acoustic cameras turn invisible sound into visible images. This guide explains how they work, where they’re used, and how to choose the right one for your application. What Is an Acoustic Camera? An acoustic camera is a device that locates and visualizes sound sources in real time. It combines a microphone array – typically 64 […]
Sometimes unbalance can be caused by a shaft key being too long. When a shaft assembly goes to the balance machine, the assembly is normally balanced with a half key installed. The coupling and key have been removed and a half key installed into the keyway on the shaft. The straight portion of the shaft […]
Compressed gas is used everywhere. While there are several different types of compressors to pressurize gas, here we will talk about the reciprocating type which is widely used in all types of industry. Laser measurement and alignment of these types of compressors is essential both during the installation phase and to ensure reliable operation for […]
Vibration data is, at its heart, complex. Analysts require many years of experience in both reviewing data and a high-level understanding of the machinery. The two skills are not typically closely aligned, one being a deep technical understanding of the physical and electrical characteristics of a machine in a given process, the other a more […]
Throughout my career, I’ve had a lot of co-workers. For the most part, as technicians, we all generally wanted the same things when it came to our work experience. To increase our value by expanding our skillset, giving ourselves an opportunity for career growth. To be confident in our organization and know that the job […]
Caution: While unbalance always causes vibration at 1× RPM, 1× RPM vibration is not always caused by an unbalance. Other problems are: Misalignment: Misalignment can cause a 1× RPM component in the data, but it also generates a 2× RPM component and sometimes an elevated axial vibration at 1× RPM. Bent/Bowed Shaft: Generally, this fault will […]