University of VictoriaFaculty of Engineering

Summer 2009 Work Term Report

Portable Vibration Analyzers

British Columbia Ferries services Inc.

James HerriotWork Term 1

Mechanical Engineeringherriotj@uvic.ca

27/03/10

In partial fulfillment of the requirements of theB.Eng. Degree

Supervisor's Approval: To be completed by Co-op Employer

I approve the release of this report to the University of Victoria for evaluation purposes only. The report is to be considered (select one):  NOT CONFIDENTIAL  CONFIDENTIAL  Signature: Position: Date:   Name (print): E-Mail: Fax #:  

If a report is deemed CONFIDENTIAL, a non-disclosure form signed by an evaluator will be faxed to the employer. The report will be destroyed following evaluation. If the report is NOT CONFIDENTIAL, it will be returned to the student following evaluation.

Portable Vibration Analyzers

Letter of Transmittal

19-1742 Newton St.Victoria, British ColumbiaV8R 2R2 Mrs. Meeta KhuranaCo-op CoordinatorFaculty of EngineeringUniversity of VictoriaP.O. Box 1700Victoria, B.C.V8W 2Y2

27/03/10 Dear Mrs. Khurana,

Please accept this work term report entitled “Portable Vibration Analyzers.”

During my Co-op term I worked under the Director of the Fleet Support Unit as a technical assistant, preforming research into condition monitoring equipment including portable vibration analyzers and ultrasonic thickness gauges. I also prepared documents and reports and contacted manufacturers and suppliers for quotes on condition monitoring equipment.

This report was created during my work term for the purpose of analyzing and reviewing vibration testing equipment for the Fleet Support Unit of BC Ferries. I was tasked with researching the current technology available, presenting the research in a clear manner and to provide recommendations on the selection of equipment which would meet the companies demands. This would require contacting many companies and suppliers for price quotes and information, scheduling product demos and testing, and many hours of research.

I would like to thank my supervisor, John Constable, Erica East and the rest of the FSU members for giving me this job opportunity and welcoming me into their organization.

Sincerely,

James Herriot

2

Portable Vibration Analyzers

Portable Vibration Analyzers

Prepared by: James Herriot

Date: 08-02-29

Department: Fleet Support Unit

Prepared for: John Constable

3

Portable Vibration Analyzers

Index

1. OUTLINE:...............................................................................................................................................42. VIBRATION ANALYZERS REVIEWED:.....................................................................................4

3. FINDINGS:.............................................................................................................................................4

4. TERMS AND INFORMATION:.......................................................................................................5

4.1 TIME WAVEFORM:.................................................................................................................5 4.2 FAST FERRIER TRANSFORMATION (FFT):......................................................................5 4.3 SYNCHRONOUS AVERAGING:..............................................................................................6 4.4 AMPLITUDE DEMODULATION:.............................................................................................6 4.5 THE ACCELEROMETER:.........................................................................................................7

5. PRINCIPALS OF OPERATION:.....................................................................................................9

5.1 TEST CONDITIONS:................................................................................................................9 5.2 WARM UP:..............................................................................................................................9 5.3 MACHINERY TESTING SCHEDULE:....................................................................................10 5.4 TRENDING OF VIBRATION DATA:......................................................................................10

5. SUMMARY OF PORTABLE FFT VIBRATION ANALYZERS:.........................................11

6. CONCLUSION/RECOMMENDATIONS:...................................................................................16

7. REFERENCES:....................................................................................................................................19

8. Brochures and Price Quotes: Error! Bookmark not defined.

4

1. Outline:This report covers information on vibration analysis and portable vibration analyzers

gathered between January and February 2008. Vibration Analysis is the back bone of effective

condition monitoring, allowing maintenance to be scheduled, or repairs to be made before the

equipment experiences catastrophic failure. Generally machines do not fail or malfunction

suddenly without showing some symptoms or warnings, which are often in the form of changing

or increasing vibration levels. Vibration data can be recorded in many number of ways, typically

with a hand held FFT analyzers or a vibration meter. Data is collected on a regular basis and is

trended over time, using graphs and other tools. By examining this data, a well trained analyst

can often identify the type and location of problem, and schedule corrective action. Using this

approach maintenance strategies can be moved away from the current system of “run to failure”

and scheduled replacement to predictive maintenance, usually resulting in substantial cost

savings.

2. Vibration Analyzers Reviewed: Name Mfg. Cost (est.)

DLI Watchman DCX DLI Engineering $ 37,945 for kit with Expert ALERT software and training/support package

DCA-31 B DLI Engineering $ 24,145 for kit with Standard ALERT software and training/support package

DCA-50 DLI Engineering $ 30,445 for kit with Advanced ALERT software and training/support package

Pocket VibrA Pro C3, C-Cubed Limited $ 7505.00 Base unitVB7 Commtest $19,995.00 for kit with software, carrying case

and accessoriesVB5 Commtest $ 9,998.00 for kit with ascent level 1 software,

$2,500 for training package.

VIBROTEST 60 Schenk Balancing and Diagnostic Systems

$ 12,27.00 for kit with basic software$ 22,471.00 for kit with XMS software

MAX The Machine Expert Vibrations Consultants Inc.

$ 17,585 (base unit, see attached price sheet)

Micro Vibe-P SKF $ 2850.00 For kit with out PDA (PDA average cost: $300-500)

VSA-1215 Datastick systems $ 6,997.00VSA-1225 Datastick systems $ 7,497.00Balmac 211 Vibration meter

Balmac $ 1595.00 Base unit, $ 155.00 for carrying case.

CMXA 70-M-K-SL SKF $ 30618.00 For kit with accessories, 2 accelerometers, and training package.

SKF Vibration Pen CMVP 50

SKF $ 1,158.28

Technekon STD-510 Technekon $ 3,770.00 with carrying case

3. Findings:Portable vibration analyzers vary greatly in price and performance and can be categorized

into two main groups: Overall vibration meters and time waveform/FFT analyzers.

Overall vibration meters measure the total vibration level of a machine and display the

results in numerical terms of acceleration, velocity and displacement. They are very straight

forward to use, do not require extensive training, and have a much lower cost versus an FFT

analyzer. There are a number of drawbacks with overall vibration meters, given that they cannot

display a graph of results or store data, they are a poor choice for trending and predictive

maintenance. It is also very difficult to pinpoint specific problems with overall vibration meters

as they can only display how much a machine is vibrating or how loud the machine is, rather

then where the sound is coming from. This makes it very difficult to diagnose large, complex

machines.

FFT analyzers can perform the same functions as an overall vibration meter and can

display the results in graphical form, allowing for frequency analysis and spectrum analysis. All

of the FFT analyzers reviewed have data storage capabilities and most can download this data to

a PC for analysis and trending. It is common to examine the individual frequencies imbedded in

the signal. These frequencies correspond to individual components in the machine, such as a

pump or a bearing. By analyzing these frequencies, a skilled analyst can often identify the source

and location of the problem. This allows repairs to be much simpler as the root cause of the

problem can often be identified. However, interpreting the vibration signal is a complex process

requiring specialized training and experience.

It would also be worthwhile to note the limitations of vibration analysis; though

implementing a vibration monitoring strategy can greatly reduce the likelihood of unnoticed

failure of equipment, it does not improve the reliability of the machine being monitored. Also,

most vibration monitoring strategies call for measurements to be taken from machines at regular

intervals; it is still possible for the machine to fail suddenly between these intervals. One solution

is permanently mounted vibration monitoring equipment to critical machines for continuous

monitoring.

Any equipment used in a marine environment will likely be dropped or come in contact

with moisture; equipment with good IP ratings for impact and water resistance should be

preferred.

4. Terms and Information: 4.1 Time Waveform:

The time waveform is the raw vibration signal

displayed by the analyzer on a graph with

amplitude and time as axis. Time waveform

analysis has been around for a long time, in its

simplest form the vibration data was viewed on an

oscilloscope and frequency components were

calculated by hand. Time waveform analysis is

still useful in low speed applications, sleeve

bearing machines, and detecting looseness, rubs

and beating. It is common to supplement the information presented by the FFT spectrum with

time waveform analysis to achieve more accurate results. In the next picture we see a comparison

between a simple time waveform (top) and the corresponding FFT frequency spectrum (bottom).

In the time waveform graph we can see two distinct wave forms interacting with each other,

while on the FFT the two different frequencies are represented by two spikes on the graph.

(a)

(t)

(a)

(f)

4.2 Fast Ferrier Transformation (FFT):

The FFT is an algorithm, or digital calculation routine used in the FFT analyzer, which calculates

a spectrum from a time waveform. In other words it converts or "transforms" a signal from the

time domain into the frequency domain. [1] The Fourier transform accomplishes this by

breaking down the original time-based waveform into a series of sinusoidal terms, each with a

unique magnitude, frequency, and phase.

In the following images we can see how a wave form consisting of several different frequencies

is transformed into a spectrum. If we were to try to detect changes in the different frequencies

using information from the time wave form on the left the task would be difficult. However, in

the spectrum to the right changes in different frequency ranges become more obvious, and it is

even possible to locate certain problems based on their change in amplitude. If a certain part of a

machine emits a known frequency, and trending shows the amplitude of that frequency to be

increasing, then maintenance of the part can be made before it fails. [2]

4.3

4.3 Synchronous Averaging:

Synchronous averaging, also sometimes called “Time

Synchronous averaging,” is a fundamentally different

process than the usual spectrum averaging that is generally

done in FFT analysis. It is used to greatly reduce the effects

of unwanted noise in the measurement. The waveform

itself is averaged in a time buffer before the FFT is

calculated, and the sampling of the signal is initiated by a trigger pulse input to the analyzer. If

the trigger pulse is synchronized with the repetition rate of the signal in question, the averaging

process will gradually eliminate the random noise because it is not synchronized with the trigger.

[1]

Spectrum

4.4 Amplitude Demodulation:

The demodulation process looks for repetitive patterns created by impact events that lie

embedded within a time waveform. The process works by extracting the low amplitude, high

frequency impact signals and then tracing an 'envelope' around these signals identifying them as

repetitions of the same fault. The resulting spectrum, with the low frequency data removed, will

now clearly show frequency impact signals and harmonics. Demodulation is also useful as an

early warning device as it shows bearing tones before they are visible in a normal spectrum. [3]

As we can see

in the picture above, the bearing has developed a crack in the outer race and as each ball passes

the defect an impact is created. If we were to look at this frequency range on the FFT, shown

above right, we would see a mixture of signals called a “haystack” which tells us little about the

problem in the bearing. When we pass the same “haystack” frequency through the amplitude

demodulation process a clearly defined signal is produced in the BPFO range. This data can be

trended and used to schedule bearing replacement.

4.5 The Accelerometer:

 When the accelerometer is moved in the up and down

direction, the force required to move the seismic mass is born by

the active element. According to Newton's second law, this force is proportional to the

acceleration of the mass. The force on the crystal produces the output signal, which is therefore

proportional to the acceleration of the transducer. Accelerometers are inherently extremely linear

in an amplitude sense, meaning they have a very large dynamic range. Accelerometers are the

most commonly used probe in vibrations analysis as its frequency rage is very wide, it is very

stable over long periods of time and will maintain good calibration if not abused. Excessive heat

and dropping accelerometers from height, even a few feet to a solid surface, can result in

damage.

5. Principals of Operation: 5.1 Test Conditions:

The vibration signature of a machine is strongly dependent on the operating parameters

as well as its physical condition. These operating parameters include such things as running

speed, load, pump discharge pressure, and compressor delivery pressure.

The machine must be in its normal operating condition when vibration data is collected.

If this is not the case, the vibration signature will not match the vibration signatures previously

recorded, and trending vibration levels over time becomes impossible. Running speeds of

induction motors depend on the load, and should not vary from one collection time to the next by

more than a few percent. This means that load conditions must be as nearly as possible the same.

The vibration level contributed by extraneous sources, such as nearby machines, must

also be the same for each data collection time. Do not collect data with adjacent machines turned

off if the previous spectra were recorded with them running. This is especially true with strong

background vibration levels, as in the engine room of a ship. Propulsion diesels must be

operating at the same speed for each data collection session. [1]

5.2 Warm Up:

All machines should be tested in a fully warmed-up condition. Machine temperature will

affect alignment and operating clearances due to thermal expansion. A cold machine will have a

different vibration signature than a warmed-up machine, sometimes extremely different. [1]

5.3 Machinery Testing schedule:

For a successful monitoring program, machinery measurements must be carried out on a

scheduled periodic basis. Most equipment should be tested monthly, with certain less important

machines on a 3-month schedule. Weekly testing is common for critical machines. In any case, it

is important to tailor measurement schedules to suit the machines and their condition. As

experience is gained, it will be easy to revise the testing schedule accordingly.

5.4 Trending of vibration data:

Trending is the storage of vibration signatures recorded at specific time intervals and

plotting the changes in vibration levels at the forcing frequencies vs. time. An upward trend in

level indicates a developing problem.

The simplest way to utilize the concept of vibration trending is to establish a

representative vibration spectrum of a normally operating machine as a reference, and compare

this reference to spectra measured at later times on the same machine.

The operating conditions of the machine when measuring the new vibration data must

match as closely as possible the conditions under which the reference spectrum was recorded.

Otherwise, the spectra will not be comparable and gross errors can be made.

The vibration data must be recorded in exactly the same way that the reference data were

measured. The transducer must be mounted in exactly the same location, and its calibration must

be accurate. If possible, the same transducer should be used for all successive measurements on

the machine.

When taking vibration data with an FFT analyzer, or data collector, it is important to

average several instantaneous spectra together to reduce random variations and the effects of

extraneous noise in the measured signal. The number of spectral averages recorded to produce

the spectra must be sufficient to produce a uniform and steady signature. Usually from six to ten

averages will do this, but on some machines with a relatively high random noise content in their

vibration signature, longer averaging times may be needed. A rule of thumb is to record a

spectrum with several averages and then immediately record another one with twice as many

averages. If the spectra are significantly different, the number of averages should be doubled

again and another spectrum recorded. If the latter two spectra are similar, then the previous

number of averages is adequate for this machine. [1]

5. Summary of Portable FFT Vibration Analyzers:

Manufacturer: DLI Engineering

Model/LinkDLI Watchman® DCX™ XRT

http://www.dliengineering.com/downloads/DCXprod.pdf

Features:

Windows XP tablet PC Operating system Performs machine condition analysis, bearing

fault detection, Vibration analysis with out the need to export data to an external PC.

FFTs up to 25,600 line resolution 40 gigabyte shock mounted hard drive Color display IP 65 sealing rating Database for diagnostic history, trends, setup

Cost: $37,945 for kit with Expert ALERT software and training/support package

Manufacturer: DLI Engineering

Model/LinkDCA-31 B

http://www.dliengineering.com/downloads/Dca31B.pdf

Features:

Small size, ¼ VGA color screen Spectrum, waveform, envelope demodulation Time synchronous averaging Intel® XScale™ PXA255 processor at 400

MHz FFTs up to 12,800 line resolution 64 MB of RAM with 50 MB flash memory IP 65 Sealing rating

Cost: $24,145 for kit with Standard ALERT software and training/support package

Manufacturer: DLI Engineering

Model/LinkDCA-50 http://www.dliengineering.com/downloads/dca-50-cutsheet.pdf

Features:

Barcode or Route Driven Data Collection Large Color Screen and Touchpad Spectrum, waveform, overall (RMS),

envelope, demodulation, tachometer speed, 1X amplitude and phase (with tachometer)

256MB RAM with 1GB+ Data memory FFTs up to 25,600 line resolution IP 67 sealing rating

Cost: $30,445 for kit with Advanced ALERT software and training/support package

DLI Watchman DCA-50

DLI Watchman DCX

DLI Watchman DCA-31 B

Manufacturer: C3, C-Cubed Limited

Model/LinkPocket VibrA Pro

http://www.pocketvibra.com/PV_Pro_07_A4_Low_Res.pdf

Features:

Small size, based on a hand held PDA 3200 line resolution Diagnoses and displays out-of-balance, misalignment,

looseness and bearing faults Exports to word and excel 64 MB Ram, 128 or 256 MB Memory Drop tested to MIL-STD-810F, 26 drops from 1.22 m, 6

additional drops at –20º, 6 additional drops at 60 º IP 67 sealing rating, Sealed against accidental immersion

(1m for 30 min)

Cost: $7505.00 Base unit (see price sheet)

Manufacturer: SKF

Model/Link CMXA 70-M-K-SL http://www.skf.com/files/520877.pdf

Features:

Small size, ¼ VGA color screen Spectrum, waveform, envelope demodulation Time synchronous averaging Intel® XScale™ PXA255 processor at 400 MHz FFTs up to 12,800 line resolution 64 MB of RAM with 50 MB flash memoryIP 65 Sealing rating

Cost:$30,618.00 For kit with accessories, 2 accelerometers, and training package.

Manufacturer: Commtest

Model/LinkVB 5

New, product no link yet.

Features:

Includes Ascent level 1 software Based on the successful VB7 platform in a more affordable

package 1 GB memory 6400 line FFT resolution 1 channel operation Envelope demodulation Left or right hand interface

Cost: $9,998.00 for kit with ascent level 1 software, $2,500 for

training package.

Pocket VibrA PRo

CMXA 70-M-

No photo available

Manufacturer: Commtest

Model/Link

VB 7

http://www.commtest.com/content/products/vbSeries/vb7.aspx

Features:

Includes Ascent level 2 software 1 GB memory 6400 line FFT resolution Support for acceleration, displacement, Velocity and current

sensors 2 channel operation Envelope demodulation Left or right hand interface Balancing feature

Cost: $19,999.00 with software, carrying case and

Manufacturer: Schenk Balancing and Diagnostic Systems

Model/LinkVIBROTEST 60 http://www.reliabilitydirect.com/vibrationmeterproducts/pdf/RDI_VB1000V.pdf

Features:

FFT-spectrum resolution with 12,800 lines 1 Hz – 20 kHz usable frequency range Compact flash card for expandable memory Optional balancing software PC software available Averaging function for noise and beat influence reduction

Cost: $12,27.00 for kit with basic software $22,471.00 for kit with XMS software (see attached price

list)

Manufacturer: Vibrations Consultants Inc.

Model/LinkMAX The Machine Expert http://www.vibcons.com/

Features:

4 channel data collection Based on a Table PC, 1.4 GHz processor Able to analyze signals on site without transferring to a PC 256 MB RAM, 40GB shock mounted hard drive IP 52 sealing rating, Shock resistant Vibration correction - balancing and alignment Large database support

Cost: $17,585 (base unit, see attached price sheet)

VB 7

VIBROTEST 60

MAX The Machine Expert

Manufacturer: SKF

Model/LinkMicroVibe-P http://www.monarchserver.com/SKF%20MicroVibe%20P.pdf

Features:

Vibration analyzer attachment that works with most PDA’s compact flash card.

Displays overall vibration, time-waveform and FFT spectra for detailed analysis.

Upload overall scalar data to PC for trending. Kit includes MicroVibe-P Module, accelerometer and cable,

batteries, magnetic base, stinger probe, earphones and carrying case (does not include PDA).

PDA must use Windows mobile OS to be compatible

Cost: $2850.00 For kit with out PDA (PDA average cost: $300-500)

Manufacturer: Datastick systems

Model/Link VSA-1225http://www.datastick.com/pdfs/VSA1214-5CDL.pdf

Features:

Uses and powers standard ICP-type piezoelectric accelerometers.

Attaches to Palm TX handheld computer, provides better screen resolution then the 1225.

Includes Datastick Spectrum handheld software and Datastick Reporting System PC software for analysis and trending.

Provides vibration waveforms and FFTs, as well as overall vibration with color-coded ISO (or custom) alert levels.

Extremely low noise floor.

Uses removable SD cards for memory storage, up to 2GB of data storage.

Cost: $6,997.00

Manufacturer: Datastick systems

Model/Link VSA-1225http://www.datastick.com/pdfs/VSA-1225-Med.pdf

Features:

Uses and powers standard ICP-type piezoelectric accelerometers.

Attaches to HP iPAQ hx2400-series and iPAQ hx2700-series handheld computers.

Includes Datastick Spectrum handheld software and Datastick Reporting System PC software for analysis and trending.

Provides vibration waveforms and FFTs, as well as overall vibration with color-coded ISO (or custom) alert levels.

Extremely low noise floor.

iPAQ hx2495 handheld stores up to 3000 individual signal captures, and SD memory cards provide up to 2GB of additional storage.

Cost: $7,297.00

MicroVibe-P

VSA-1225

VSA-1215

Model/LinkBallmac 211 vibration meter

http://www.balmacinc.com/pdfs/Mod211.pdf

Features: Simple operation Comes with stereo headphones/ electronic stethoscope. Displacement, velocity, and acceleration reading. Mils (pk-pk), In/sec (pk), g's (pk) 120 to 150,000 RPM

Cost: $1595.00

Manufacturer: SKF

Model/LinkSKF Vibration Pen CMVP 50

http://www.reliabilitydirectstore.com/CMVP-50-Vibration-Pen-Plus-Metric-p/skf-cmvp%2050-en.htm

Features:

Small size Measurement range of 0.7 to 55.0 mm/s (RMS) Measures overall vibration 10Hz to 1,000 Hz Displacement, velocity, and acceleration reading. Auto power off

Cost: $1,158.28

Manufacturer: Technikon

Model/LinkTechnekon STD-510 Vibration Data collector http://www.reliabilitydirectstore.com/Technekon-STD-510-Vibration-Data-Collector-p/tkn-std-510.htm

Features:

Single channel data collection 8 MB storage Built in FFT analysis Able to transfer data to a PC for analysis 3200 line resolution FFT Measures acceleration, velocity, displacement

Cost: $3,770.00 with carrying case

Technekon STD-510

SKF Vibration Pen CMVP

Balmac 211

6. Conclusion/Recommendations:

The products offered by DLI Engineering excel in terms of product features, software,

support and training. The DLI Watchman DCX offers the most features and options of all the

analyzers reviewed. It is based on a tablet PC and has the ability to trend, analyze and store all of

the collected data, this eliminates the need to transfer data to another computer for analysis.

Coupled with the company’s Expert Alert software this would be a powerful tool for condition

monitoring and DLI has, according to their website, placed a number of these units in marine

applications including the US Coast Guard and the US Navy. It is also the most expensive

analyzer reviewed, but the price includes 6 days of onsite training and familiarization.

A less expensive but equally capable alternative to the DCX is The Machine Expert

analyzer offered by Vibrations Consultants Inc. Like the DCX, The Machine Expert is based on

a tablet PC with a 40 GB hard drive and offers the same capability to perform on site analysis of

Vibration data. Although about half the price of the DCX it does not have software that is in the

same league, as quoted form their website: “Our Diagnostic Toolbox Software is a standalone,

hardware independent package that can assist you in diagnostics, frequency calculations and

training”. Also, the quoted price did not include training for the unit.

Moving into the large hand held units there were a number of good contenders. The DCA

50 from DLI Engineering offers a good compromise from the performance of the bigger tablet

PC based analyzers. It offers one of the best IP ratings for water resistance and impact protection

(IP 67), FFT resolution up to 25,600 lines, and expandable memory storage. The price includes

the companies Advanced Alert software and a 6 day training/support packaged.

The VB7 from Commtest is another good handheld Analyzer. It can be operated with either

the left or right hand, has 1GB of memory, and comes with excellent support software. The

software supplied with the unit, Ascent 2007, won the Plant Engineering award for best product

of the year.

The Vibrotest 60 from Schenk Balancing and Diagnostic System is a well rounded

analyzer. It offers a wide range of monitoring features and can be loaded up with different

modules depending on the type of monitoring to be done. The use of PC-cards allows the

operator to store data in a removable medium. This analyzer also comes with very good software

support.

The smaller FFT analyzers and PDA based FFT analyzers can perform much of the same

tasks of the larger purpose built analyzers and are much less expensive. Both the SKF

MicroVibe-P and the data Stick Systems VSA 1225 and VSA1215 are separate attachments for

PDA’s. This gives them the benefit of low cost and good performance, as the computing power

and memory of newer PDA’s actually exceeds that of the other larger analyzers. The software

included with the Micro Vib-P appears to be very minimalist; it allows data to be transferred to a

desktop PC but offers little in the way of data management and trending support. The software

supplied with the VSA 1225 is based on Excel and allows stored data to be easily transferred to a

PC for further analysis and trending.

The SKF CMXA 70-M-K-SL and the DLI DCA-31 B appear to be based same platform,

with the same key layout and processor. They both have good features such as a VGA color

screen, 400MHz processor, a good list of features, and removable memory cards (SD cards)

which are easy to find and can now store up to 4GB of data. Coupled to their small size and good

environmental rating (IP 65) they would be a good choice for a hand held analyzer. The SKF

CMXA 70-M-K-SL was listed for more then the DLI DCA-31 B but the SKF model included

more accessories and 2 sets of accelerometers, cables and magnetic bases. Both come with good

analysis software, which can transfer data to another PC and supports route based data collection

and trending.

Included in the review section were several overall vibration meters, while these are not

suitable for detailed analysis they were included since they are an economical means of detecting

problems in simple rotating machines. They cost a fraction of the dedicated FFT analyzers and

are very simple to operate, requiring very little training. It was suggested by a sales rep that used

to do condition monitoring in large plants and factories to use an overall vibration meter to take

regular measurements of rotation machinery and when a problem was detected a more advanced

FFT analyzer would be used to diagnose the machine. This allows less experienced personnel to

take data from more equipment and stretches the number of machines that can be monitored

effectively with one of the more expensive FFT analyzers.

The selection and purchase of an FFT analyzer should not be based on the performance of

the analyzers alone. Almost all of the higher end analyzers have similar features and capabilities

but what sets them apart significantly lies in the accompanying software and service/support

from the company. Also the cost of training should not be discounted from the price of a portable

analyzer. Most of the companies which supplied price quotes for this report recommended on

site training to familiarize users to their product and often included a price for training in the

supplied quote.

7. References:[1] http://www.dliengineering.com/vibman.htm

[2] http://www.dataq.com/support/documentation/pdf/article_pdfs/an11.pdf

[3] http://www.commtest.com/uploadGallery/pdfs/vb7_Reference_Guide_230108.pdf

9.Additional Links:

http://www.plant-maintenance.com/articles/ConMon21stCentury.shtml

http://www.vibrotek.com/article.php?article=articles/newgen/index.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Condition_monitoring

http://www.desmaint.com/

http://www.e-vibrationtesting.com/

http://ezinearticles.com/?Vibration-Analysis&id=278535

http://www.reliabilitydirectstore.com/Vibration-Meters-s/55.htm

http://www.ilearninteractive.com/

http://www.unitechinc.com/pdf/IntroductiontoTimeWaveformAnalysis.pdf

http://www.dataq.com/support/documentation/pdf/article_pdfs/an11.pdf

http://jet-server.commtest.co.nz/kb2/11692.htm

http://www.calright.com/_coreModules/common/categoryDetail.aspx?entityType=6&categoryID=69&gclid=CITgm6rZv5ECFQY3gwod6CNZSA