RMT Reliability UAE
How to conduct a Vibration Analysis UAE

How to Conduct a Vibration Analysis: A Step-by-Step Guide

Vibration analysis is a powerful diagnostic tool used to detect mechanical issues in rotating equipment, helping to predict potential failures and avoid costly downtime. Here’s a detailed guide on how to effectively conduct a vibration analysis.


1. Define the Scope of the Analysis

  • Identify Equipment to Monitor: Select the machines or components to be analyzed, typically focusing on critical assets like pumps, motors, gearboxes, compressors, and fans.
  • Determine Measurement Points: Identify the key locations on the equipment where vibration data will be collected. These should include areas near bearings, shafts, and other points of interest.
  • Establish Baseline Readings: If possible, take initial vibration measurements on equipment operating in good condition. This creates a baseline for comparison during future analyses.

2. Select Appropriate Sensors

  • Types of Vibration Sensors:
    • Accelerometers: The most commonly used sensors for vibration analysis due to their accuracy in measuring acceleration, velocity, and displacement.
    • Velocity Sensors: Measure the speed of vibration and are used in some specific applications.
    • Displacement Sensors: Primarily used in slow-rotating machinery.
  • Mounting Sensors: Ensure proper sensor placement and attachment. Sensors can be mounted permanently or temporarily, depending on the type of analysis (continuous or spot checks). Use magnetic mounts, adhesive mounts, or threaded mounts to secure the sensors based on the equipment and environment.

3. Collect Vibration Data

  • Run the Equipment: Ensure the machine is running under normal operating conditions to gather accurate vibration data.
  • Measure Different Operating States: It’s often useful to gather data during different machine states, such as startup, steady operation, and shutdown, to identify any variations.
  • Frequency of Data Collection: For continuous monitoring, data is collected constantly via wireless or wired systems. For periodic analysis, perform measurements at regular intervals (weekly, monthly, or quarterly) depending on the criticality of the equipment.

4. Analyze the Data

  • Frequency Domain Analysis (FFT Analysis): Use Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to convert the raw vibration data into the frequency domain. This helps to identify specific vibration frequencies related to different mechanical faults.
    • Common Frequency Indicators:
      • Imbalance: Appears as vibration at the rotational frequency (1x RPM).
      • Misalignment: Often produces vibration at 1x or 2x RPM with axial vibration.
      • Bearing Faults: Higher frequencies typically associated with defects in rolling elements or races.
      • Looseness: Causes irregular, broad-band vibration signals at multiple frequencies.
  • Time Domain Analysis: This method evaluates the raw vibration signal over time and is useful for identifying impacts, such as cavitation or bearing defects, that may not be clear in the frequency domain.

5. Interpret the Results

  • Compare with Baseline: Compare the collected data with the baseline or industry standards (ISO 10816/20816) to identify abnormal trends or excessive vibration levels.
  • Diagnose the Problem:
    • High Vibration at 1x RPM: Usually indicates an imbalance.
    • Vibration at 2x RPM: Could suggest misalignment or loose mechanical components.
    • High-Frequency Vibration: Could point to bearing wear or lubrication issues.

6. Take Corrective Action

  • Balancing: Correct imbalances in rotating parts to reduce 1x RPM vibration levels.
  • Alignment: Ensure shafts and couplings are properly aligned to prevent misalignment-induced vibrations.
  • Tightening: Check and tighten any loose parts, such as bolts or mounts, that could be contributing to excessive vibration.
  • Bearing Maintenance: If high-frequency vibrations point to bearing wear, inspect and replace damaged bearings or lubricate them appropriately.

7. Trend Analysis for Predictive Maintenance

  • Monitor Over Time: Regularly conduct vibration analyses to monitor how vibration trends develop over time.
  • Set Alarm Limits: Establish alarm levels for vibration data that signal when maintenance should be performed to avoid unexpected failure.
  • Integrate with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System): Use a CMMS to track vibration data alongside other machine health metrics and trigger work orders when anomalies are detected.

8. Document and Report Findings

  • Report Format: Summarize the findings of the vibration analysis, including the equipment inspected, measurement points, and any identified faults.
  • Recommendations: Provide actionable recommendations based on the analysis. Highlight areas requiring immediate attention and suggest preventive measures to avoid future issues.

Common Vibration Analysis Faults and Their Symptoms

  1. Imbalance:
    • Vibration at 1x rotational speed (RPM).
    • Can be corrected by balancing the rotating component.
  2. Misalignment:
    • Vibration at 1x or 2x RPM, often with axial vibration.
    • Resolved through precision alignment of shafts or couplings.
  3. Bearing Damage:
    • High-frequency vibrations.
    • Bearings may need to be lubricated or replaced.
  4. Looseness:
    • Broad-spectrum vibration across many frequencies.
    • Check for loose bolts, supports, or structural integrity.

Conclusion

Vibration analysis is an essential part of predictive maintenance, providing key insights into the health of rotating equipment. By following these steps and using the right tools and techniques, you can identify mechanical issues before they lead to catastrophic failures, ensuring your operations remain efficient and reliable.


Reliability and Machinery Trading LLC is a UAE based company who specializes in reliability products and services such as condition monitoring – vibration analysisultrasound analysiswireless / remote condition monitoring in the UAE and GCC.

Do you want to know more? Discuss with our experts and engage with us at LinkedIn.

Do you need specialists engineers to look at your machines and help you with your condition monitoring program? Contact us directly to find the best solution for your operation.

Reliability & Machinery Trading LLC company is approved by the Supreme Petroleum Council and we are able to obtain CICPA passes to Critical Infrastructure locations, including oil rigs, refineries, and power plants.

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