We are surrounded by vibrations in our daily lives and most of them results from the surrounding machines and technologies that are so prevalent our modern society. Some vibrations are inherent in all equipment, but how much of it is due to normal operation and when does it become a problem?
This is where the art of vibration analysis comes in and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune! The tools that can detect vibrations are available in varying price points and they are dependent on their features and capability. One that can provide real time data will be pricier than one that provides static information. What to use is dependent on the user’s requirements, so a mission critical equipment will definitely warrant a device that enables engineers to review and analyse the right information at the right time to prevent equipment downtime.
Time and resources are finite, so the next question you may ask is how often should vibration analysis be conducted? This really depends on the criticality of the asset, the Asset Manager’s risk appetite towards this criticality, and also the equipment’s P-F interval. Taking all this into consideration, the frequency of vibration analysis to be conducted over a period would be recommended. However, it is important to be agile and be ready pivot from the plan based on the results of each round of vibration analysis. This is because each round of results may yield additional insight that were unknown from the previous results.
There are many benefits for the investment in vibration analysis
- Detecting of imminent component failure: this is crucial for those equipment that are deemed critical to the safe operation of a business. This is important as it enables time to sufficiently plan for its repair or replacement, so that it is not too soon and not too late; thereby maximising its utilization and the business’s financial funding.
- Reveal insufficient maintenance: An example is lack of lubrication which may expedite the asset’s end of life. In this scenario, the maintenance can be corrected before the asset ceases operation.
- Determine if an equipment is operating as per design: As we know, when equipment is not used as it was intended, this can have a lot of flow on negative effects, such as inefficiencies and premature failures.
To view our recent webinar on an introduction to vibration analysis hosted by the AMCouncil’s Maintenance & Reliability in Asset Management special interest group, visit here (available to AMCouncil members only): https://www.amcouncil.com.au/tv/?docid=4717