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Shaft speed of machine being analyzed Type of bearings involved (sleeve vs. rolling element) Rolling element bearing part number(s) and manufacturer(s) Internal configuration of equipment Machine History Proper data collection location Proper sensor to use for data collection Proper data collection setups to ensure correct data is collected Is the primary energy sub-synchronous,  synchronous or […]

When you or your supervisor are planning attendance at a training course there is an important consideration to keep in mind. Have you met the prerequisites for the course you have selected? These prerequisites are dictated by the company presenting the course and take into account basic knowledge about the subject as well as exposure […]

Disclaimer: The author is not trying to present himself as an authority on all available CM standards. This blog post is simply an attempt to help those who may be unaware that such guidance exists or of the extent of such standards.   We previously discussed a series of international standards pertaining to condition monitoring of industrial equipment with […]

Make sure the surfaces of the vertical posts are clean. Improve the contact between the vertical post and the crossbar by applying a light coat of Vaseline or grease to the contact surface of the vertical post. The temperature probe should always be placed on or as close as possible to the inner race or […]

With over 14 years of experience in the complex industrial world, it has become evident that certain individual parts within pumps and motors stand out in reaping the benefits of precision alignment. Let’s start with pumps, an indispensable machine in various industrial processes for moving fluid through the plant and maintaining system pressures. Achieving precision […]

When it comes to analyzing vibration, sensor placement is key to quality of data capture.  Motors can be large, surrounded by equipment and difficult to access, so locating an area to place your vibration sensor can be harder than it looks. A poorly placed sensor can, at best, reduce the vibration getting to the sensing […]

Every person that performs vibration analysis develops their own analysis process.  Suggested steps at a minimum should include: 1. Open the spectrum (FFT) and locate the running speed peak and reset the reference speed to that speed.  Since all induction motors vary in speed based on the load,  this is necessary for accurate analysis, particularly at […]

Aligning belt drives and pulleys is crucial for several reasons: Efficiency: Precision belt pulley alignment ensures that power is transmitted smoothly from the belt to the pulley, maximizing the efficiency of the system. Misalignment can lead to energy losses and decreased overall performance. Such precision alignment is best achieved with tools such as the Easy-Laser […]

In the bustling world of industrial operations, machines are the workhorses, tirelessly powering production lines and driving progress. But just like any workhorse, they need their health monitored to ensure they’re performing at their peak. Enter vibration data—the secret weapon of predictive maintenance. Below are the top benefits of harnessing this data: Early Problem Detection […]

What is torque? By definition, torque is a twisting force, but as it pertains to fasteners, it is the amount of twist we put into that fastener to achieve clamping force with that fastener. Proper torque is the twisting force required to accurately apply the desired clamping force, working within the limitations of the fastener […]

‘The Cloud’ refers to software, services, and data that are stored on the internet.  However, this data is not just stored in a random location; it will be located on a group of computers operated by a service provider. Typically it will be Microsoft, Amazon, or Google, but other providers are available.  These companies have […]

Visiting more than 150 industrial sites has helped me realize that precision laser alignment tools have become a focal point in most companies’ maintenance strategies. One significant advantage of employing laser alignment tools is the unparalleled accuracy they offer in aligning rotating machinery. The precision achieved with these tools ensures that critical elements such as […]

Setting the correct lines of resolution (LOR) can sometimes be challenging. In the example below we have a single-stage increasing gearbox.  The gearbox is designed with three individual shafts (input shaft, intermediate shaft, and output shaft), all enclosed within a single gearbox housing. The speed of the input shaft is constant at 29.93 Hz (1796 […]

Everyone needs phase analysis. A phase study should be performed on problem machines when the source of the vibration is not clear, or when it is necessary to confirm suspected sources of vibration. A phase study might include points measured only on the machine bearings or it may include points over the entire machine from […]

One of the most critical issues affecting rotating machines is casing distortion. This article delves into what casing distortion means, how it impacts machine performance, and why it’s essential to address it in order to achieve reliable operation. Casing distortion is not only one of the biggest problems for rotating machinery, it’s also a very […]

In the wastewater treatment industry, uninterrupted aeration is crucial for effective operation and compliance with environmental regulations. When a Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) experienced a major bearing failure in two of their high-speed, high-temperature blowers, it posed a significant challenge. The blower manufacturer had no spare parts or replacements available, leaving the plant at risk […]

Ensuring proper sheave alignment on multi-belt drives involves several good practices. When dealing with multiple belts and sheaves, a thorough inspection of each belt and its grooves for wear is crucial. In cases where any belts are slipping, it becomes imperative to replace all belts together. Achieving precise alignment between pulleys can be accomplished through […]

When choosing a wireless vibration sensor, it is important to carefully evaluate your specific application requirements and weigh the advantages of the technology to make an informed decision. Here are some advantages of wireless vibration sensors: Flexibility and Mobility: Wireless sensors such as the Kappa X provide greater flexibility in terms of placement and movement. […]

Ultrasound is an especially good tool for detecting bearing problems on slow-speed machines. However, there are some common misconceptions about how this is accomplished. The rules behind the processing of the acquired signal are the same for ultrasound or vibration analysis. A rolling element bearing’s Fundamental Train Frequency (FTF) or Cage Frequency is usually somewhere […]

In case you missed the first two installments of this article, be sure to check them out before jumping ahead to this last installment. In the first installment, we took a closer look at the reason for monitoring critical assets while in the second installment focused more on developing the oil analysis program as well […]