Introduction to Vibration Analysis
What is Vibration Analysis and Why Vibration Analysis?
What is Vibration?
Vibration is the To & Fro motion of an object from its mean position of rest.
In the three dimensional world surrounding us, an object can vibrate in all three dimensions. These three dimensions are commonly referred to as Horizontal, Vertical and Axial
Fundamental Realities
There are some fundamental realities that apply to all rotary equipment:
- Every Machine Vibrates when it runs
- Any increase in vibration is a sign of trouble
- Each trouble has its own unique characteristics
Vibration Characteristics
These unique characteristics of Vibration are:
- Amplitude
- Frequency
- Phase
Each characteristic has its own significance:
- Amplitude indicates severity of Vibration i.e How much is the Vibration?
- Frequency indicates most likely cause of the Vibration
- Phase helps in pinpointing the exact cause of the problem
Definition of Vibration Analysis
The method of measuring vibration characteristics and interpreting the results is known as Vibration Analysis
Example of Vibration Analysis
Tool Needed for Vibration Analysis
So, to do Vibration Analysis, you need any one or more of the following tools:
- Vibration Meters
- Vibration Analyzers
- Vibration Monitoring Systems
The Table Below compares the ability of the different tools listed above:
|
Tool
|
Amplitude
|
Frequency
|
Phase
|
Advantages
|
Limitations
|
|
Vibration Meters
|
Yes
|
No
|
No
|
Easy to Carry, Easy to Use, Easy to Learn, Easy to Purchase and Easy to Own
|
Can only be used for Periodic Level Checks
|
|
Vibration Analyzers
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Highly capable. Portable. Help in doing Root Cause Analysis
|
Needs Skilled personnel for operation. Higher Capital Cost
|
|
Vibration Monitoring Systems
|
Yes
|
Optional
|
Optional
|
Round the Clock monitoring and Protection. Scaleable
|
Can only take measurements at the fixed installed locations. Additional measurement need to be taken by a portable instrument
|
If you don't own the Tools or don't want to own them, then also it is not a thing to worry, because one can always go for Vibration Measurement and Analysis as a Service