subject: Condition Monitoring Systems Depend On The Key Role That Vibration Analysis Plays [print this page] As part of the whole process of the condition monitoring system the vibration analysis can help you in pinpointing exactly what problems are developing within your system which can create a series of events possibly resulting in loss or damage to your equipment. Acoustic emissions contribute to this process of vibration monitoring using a transducer that can supply a direct interpretation.
Even minute changes can be recognized and properly identified with this technology that is rapidly growing and advancing to monitor conditions of equipment and machinery in order to find the exact cause and eliminate the possibility of damage to occur to your machinery which can result in devastating breakdowns and expensive unplanned repair costs or equally expensive loss of production time. Condition monitoring was developed to eliminate these losses by warning you of these developing problems so that they may be quickly identified and remedied.
Vibration analysis steps into play in the monitoring system by recognizing that the piece of equipment or machinery is apparently shaking itself and then by analyzing what exactly internally is causing the vibration. A transducer monitors this step which then requires an operator to interpret and analyze.
We know that the main point of condition monitoring is to help in the early detection of failure. Acoustic emissions are an essential element in the monitoring system as the analysis can identify potential problems to provide an advance warning to take action if necessary to avoid potential damage. Additionally, critical indicators to be monitored are exhaust gas emissions, gas and valve leakage, water and effluent testing as well as structural monitoring for damage, cracks and fatigue.
A good machine monitoring system is acknowledged by machine maintenance professionals to include a machine condition monitoring program, condition based maintenance philosophies, proactive maintenance and predictive maintenance all in an attempt to prevent unplanned breakdowns and maximize availability of the plant. The system that works best for your company can be developed through a choice of various condition based maintenance products that include systems and sensors for vibration monitoring, on-line, on-site or off-site services or any combination of the services and products to serve your needs. Combined with in-use or in-service oil and grease analysis and ferrography and magnetometry to identify wear metals and fuel sampling and testing for quality and quantity condition monitoring can be set up to supply the earliest warning of fault and failures of your equipment.
