High-precision sound and vibration measurements

July 2003 Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration Other technologies

National Instruments is offering two new additions to the company's 34-bit sound and vibration measurement hardware family. The NI PXI-4472B device is a new version of the NI 4472 optimised for vibration and low-frequency AC measurements. The new four-channel NI PCI-4474 board is suitable for the sound and vibration engineer requiring fewer channels yet still desiring the accuracy of 24-bit technology.

All of the NI 447x devices feature 24-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) that deliver 110 dB of dynamic range across a bandwidth of 45 kHz. The devices feature four or eight simultaneously sampled analog input channels and provide built-in programmable integrated electronic piezoelectric (IEPE) conditioning for accelerometers and microphones.

By using this hardware with powerful software tools such as the LabVIEW Sound and Vibration Toolset and the LabVIEW Order Analysis Toolset, engineers can perform a variety of tests including fractional-octave analysis, order analysis and extraction, spectral analysis, joint time-frequency analysis (JTFA) and sound-level measurements. They can use these tools to create complete test systems for applications such as noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) testing, machine condition monitoring and audio testing.

About National Instruments

National Instruments ( http://ni.com) is a technology pioneer and leader in virtual instrumentation - a concept that has changed the way engineers and scientists approach measurement and automation. Using the PC and its related technologies, virtual instrumentation increases productivity and lowers costs for customers worldwide through easy-to-integrate software, such as the NI LabVIEW graphical development environment, and modular hardware, such as PXI modules for data acquisition, instrument control and machine vision.

Further reading:

Automatic lubrication systems drive mobile mine machine reliability and uptime
SKF South Africa Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
SKF’s Lincoln P203 progressive lubrication systems are improving reliability and uptime on mobile machines at a Zambian gold mine, with installation of 45 units completing by October 2026.

Read more...

---

Nitration: the acid you didn’t see coming
Wearcheck Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Nitration is as destructive as oxidation in many engines but far less understood. WearCheck technical manager, Steven Lumley explains how nitrogen oxide gases degrade lubricants, why the process is difficult to detect, and what oil analysis can reveal before damage occurs.

Read more...

---

KSB makes mechanical seals for its own pumps and other brands
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
KSB Pumps and Valves is expanding its range of mechanical seals to fit its own pumps and competitor brands. The portfolio covers component and cartridge seals, API 682-compliant systems, slurry and high-pressure seals, and ATEX-certified solutions, supported by refurbishment and field service capabilities.

Read more...

---

Omniflex delivers ICCP systems in London
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
: Omniflex has supplied impressed current cathodic protection systems for landmark London buildings, protecting reinforced concrete from corrosion and extending the service life of commercial, retail and heritage sites.

Read more...

---

Modernising acid cooler protection without disrupting production
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Omniflex has supplied an advanced anodic protection control system to phosphate producer Foskor, replacing a legacy transformer rectifier system while maintaining uninterrupted production. The distributed PowerView CP solution provides remote monitoring and DCS integration.

Read more...

---

Engineering partnership delivers longer life for vibrating feeders in mining
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
: OST-Africa’s combination of VISAM vibrating motors and advanced rubber mounting technology has helped Euro Sales achieve a 30 to 40% increase in component life on vibrating feeders at several major mining operations, with zero mount failures in the first 12 months.

Read more...

---

When oil can’t take the heat
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Unlike the slow ageing of oxidation, thermal breakdown is the sudden chemical collapse of a lubricant under excessive heat. Steven Lumley of WearCheck explains how it happens, where it strikes, and how oil analysis detects it.

Read more...

---

Mini data loggers for temperature and humidity monitoring
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Testo’s range of four compact data loggers covers temperature and humidity monitoring for storage, refrigeration and transport applications, with USB-C or Bluetooth connectivity and capacity for up to 16 000 readings.

Read more...

---

Alternative fuels for cutting, brazing, soldering and heating
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Bolt and Engineering Distributors, as an authorised distributor for the Harris Products Group, is helping South African industries transition from acetylene to safer, more cost-effective alternative fuels for cutting, brazing, soldering and heating applications.

Read more...

---

Rethinking corrosion protection in process plants
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Remote monitoring is changing how cathodic and anodic protection systems are managed in process plants, giving operators continuous visibility of corrosion protection performance and enabling more proactive maintenance decisions.

Read more...

---