Machine analysis and diagnostics

Machine vibration analysis

Rotating or reciprocating equipment such as compressors, power trains, engines, pumps and turbines, are constructed of many parts that each contributes to the sound and vibration pattern of the whole assembly. In these types of machinery, varying load conditions and imbalances caused by imperfections or uneven mass can result in vibration and associated noise. Achieving efficiency and minimizing vibration requires the detection of these faults and imbalances; however, they can never be entirely eliminated. Thus, when incorporating a machine into another structure – like an aircraft engine – it’s important to understand the machine’s vibration output to avoid consequences such as exciting structural resonances.

Understanding the vibration output of a machine requires analyses that can correlate vibration measurements with the machine’s processes. Order analysis relates vibration measurements to the revolutions of a rotating part, improving knowledge about machinery such as powertrains, pumps, compressors and electric motors. It’s important to be able to incorporate the machine’s own parameters, such as oil pressure and RPM, into the analysis via CAN Bus or auxiliary inputs.

Condition-based maintenance and condition monitoring

Changes in a machine’s vibration patterns can be indicative of machinery health. By diagnosing and addressing vibration problems in rotating and reciprocating machinery, performance can be optimized. Monitoring machine health ensures deterioration and fatigue failures can be prevented, maximizing productive uptime and allowing better scheduling of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) procedures, with more confidence between scheduled stops.