Understanding and managing machine vibration is crucial for the health and performance of industrial machinery. It is a key factor in assessing dynamic conditions, including balancing, bearing flaws, and component stress.

Machine Vibration Definition

Machine vibration is the oscillation or movement that a machine or its components produce during the machine’s operation. The measurement of machine vibrations uses accelerometers and vibration meters for assessing vibration amplitudes and frequencies.

The amplitude of vibration indicates the magnitude of mechanical parts’ movement. Machine vibration amplitude is measured in micrometers, millimeters, or meters in units of vibration acceleration, displacement, or velocity.

Machine Vibration Measurement Objective

The machine vibration measurement objective is to identify its causes to reduce, predict machine breakdowns, or assess its condition. Measuring machine vibration identifies mechanical problems with the machine, ensures optimal machine performance, and prevents unexpected machine breakdowns.

Machine Vibration Measurements Applications

Machine Vibration Measurement Applications listed in ISO 20816-1 include vibration of non-rotating parts and vibration of rotating shafts. Most machine vibration measurement applications are performed on non-rotating parts. The measurement of rotating shafts is applied to machines such as steam turbines, gas turbines, or turbo compressors. These machines contain flexible rotor shaft systems.

Vibration measurements applications on non-rotating parts

Vibration measurements on non-rotating parts are applied with a seismic transducer which senses the absolute velocity or acceleration of structure parts on which it is mounted (e.g. the bearing housing).

Vibration measurements applications on rotating parts

Vibration measurements on rotating parts are applied to a non-contacting transducer which senses the vibratory displacement between the shaft and a structural member on which it is mounted (e.g. the bearing housing).

Machine Vibration Measurement Techniques

Machine Vibration Measurement Techniques are described by the ISO 20816-1 standard. These vibration analysis techniques involve accelerometer placement, setting appropriate measurement parameters, executing the measurement, and interpreting the results. ISO Machine Vibration Measurement Technique facilitates accurate collection and analysis of vibration data. The ISO vibration analysis technique identifies potential faults such as bearing defects, misalignment, and imbalance, prompting timely corrective actions.

The measurement techniques may include measuring vibration on non-rotating parts or relative shaft vibration. The vibration magnitude, denoting the maximum value of the broadband vibration energy in units of RMS velocity, can be measured in different units like micrometers for displacement, millimeters per second for velocity, and meters per square second for acceleration.

Key Takeaways

1. Machine vibration is the oscillation produced by a machine or its components during operation. It is vital to understand and manage these vibrations for optimal machine health and performance.
2. The amplitude of vibration indicates the magnitude of movement in the machine’s parts. It is measured in micrometers, millimeters, or meters, representing the units of vibration acceleration, displacement, or velocity.
3. Causes of machine vibration include imbalanced loads, missing balance weights, and worn or damaged bearings. Early diagnosis and resolution of these issues through vibration analysis can prevent potential machine failures.
4. The primary objective of machine vibration analysis is to identify the causes, predict potential breakdowns, and assess the overall condition of the machine.
5. Vibration reduction involves ensuring that all balance weights are correctly in place and replacing any worn or damaged bearings. This practice contributes to maintaining smooth and optimal machine operation.
6. Predictive maintenance is an approach that uses machine vibration data and other metrics to assess machine health and predict potential issues. This approach helps in early fault detection, thereby minimizing maintenance costs and preventing unexpected machine failures.
7. Machine vibration trend comparison, which is comparing recent vibration readings with past ones, facilitates the early detection of faults and helps in the formulation of effective preventive strategies.
8. ISO 20816-1 standard provides the techniques for machine vibration measurement. It includes processes like accelerometer placement, setting measurement parameters, performing measurements, and interpreting results.
9. ISO recommends to measure vibration in three orthogonal directions (axial, radial horizontal, and radial vertical) once the accelerometer is properly attached and the appropriate settings are installed.
10. The Machine Vibration Meter, as defined by ISO 2954, is a crucial instrument in vibration assessment. It is a combination of a vibration transducer, an indicating unit, and a power supply system, operating within a frequency range of 10 Hz to 1 000 Hz.