Machine vibration monitor
December 2004
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
IFM Efector's Octavis vibration monitor detects rolling element bearing failures and shaft unbalance conditions on critical plant equipment such as pumps, motors, compressors, fans and spindles. Octavis is permanently mounted on plant equipment to continuously monitor a machine's operating condition through vibration analysis. Octavis has the processing capability to analyse a vibration signature and to predict failures in advance by sending an alarm output signal to a PLC or relay.
The instrument incorporates a MEMS accelerometer, analog-to-digital (A/D) converter, digital signal processor (DSP) and diagnostic electronics in a compact 40 x 40 mm package. These electronic components enable the monitor to gather, process and interpret vibration data. The accelerometer monitors the acceleration value via a change in capacitance signal, while the A/D converter transforms the analog signal from the MEMS sensor to a digital signal. An integrated DSP performs mathematical calculations to convert the time domain vibration signal into a frequency domain signal by means of a Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT). The integrated DSP can process up to 32 000 calculations per second.
Configuration software is used to input application parameters such as bearing dimensions and shaft speed. These inputs allow Octavis to monitor only critical frequencies in the vibration spectrum and ignore all external noise. One Efector Octavis monitor can detect up to five different rolling elements on a machine.
Pushbutton programming includes a teach button with an integrated alarm display. The monitor generates a switching alarm when there is a large increase in amplitude for a critical frequency. The alarm display provides two switching outputs that indicate an early warning alarm and a critical alarm.
The monitor has two connectors for power and software connection. A standard micro DC connector is used to connect the monitor to a power source or output device. A PC or laptop is connected to the monitor via its RS232 connector and set-up cable. IFM Electronic is represented locally by Shorrock Automation.
For more information contact Chris Huxham, Shorrock Automation, 012 345 4449, sales@shorrock.co.za, www.shorrock.co.za
Further reading:
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...
Installation safety tester
Vepac Electronics
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
A combination measuring device for testing electrical installations, offering safety tests including RCD, voltage, loop, low-resistance, earth resistance and insulation checks via a 3,5-inch TFT colour display.
Read more...
Bringing predictive maintenance to the next level in the pulp and paper industry
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
ennomotive has launched an international competition seeking innovative predictive maintenance solutions for conveyor belt systems, addressing a real operational challenge faced by pulp and paper company CMPC.
Read more...
Linear regulated 2-channel laboratory power supply
Vepac Electronics
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Vepac Electronics offers a dual-channel laboratory power supply built for safe, precise testing in laboratories and workshops.
Read more...
When oil gets old
Wearcheck
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
WearCheck explains how oxidation breaks down lubricating oils over time, and how routine oil analysis can catch the warning signs before equipment failure.
Read more...
SEW-EURODRIVE brings intelligent energy optimisation to Electra Mining
SEW-EURODRIVE
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
At Electra Mining Africa 2026, SEW-EURODRIVE will showcase its DriveRadar IoT platform for predictive maintenance and real-time energy optimisation, alongside plant energy surveys and an 1850 kW medium voltage motor display.
Read more...
Thermal imaging camera with high thermal resolution
Vepac Electronics
Temperature Measurement Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Vepac Electronics introduces a compact thermal imaging camera that helps technicians spot temperature problems before they become costly failures.
Read more...
What your lubricant really costs
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
The purchase price of an industrial lubricant is only a fraction of what lubrication truly costs a business. Lubrication Engineers South Africa explains how shifting from unit price to total cost of ownership changes the equation significantly.
Read more...
printer friendly version