How do you use vibration analysis in your maintenance shop? The answer from the typical shop would be something like: “We check motors during a PM to see if they have balance issues.” That’s typically a pass or fail test performed with an entry level handheld vibration tester. Not much analysis there.
Using a fully featured vibration analyzer, a properly trained technician can read the vibration signature. The tech knows not just the total vibration, but what that particular signature is indicating about why that motor is vibrating the way it is.
Got some bad vibration? Follow up with ultrasonic analysis, which will allow a qualified technician to predict with reasonable accuracy how many more months any damaged bearings have left before failure. That months-long notice provides ample time to schedule a repair, providing a huge cost advantage over competitors who lack this capability.
Vibration analysis is for more than just motors. You can also evaluate the health of your circuit breakers with this technology. The testing methods involve operating the breaker to obtain its first trip vibration signature. Contact a qualified testing firm about performing this during your next shutdown.
