Vibration and temperature are the most common parameters used for machinery protection. Of these, temperature has been used longer, probably because it was available first and was better understood than vibration analysis. However, it is now said that vibration gives an earlier warning and more information because the vibration signal contains many frequencies and many amplitudes, each pertinent to some moving part of the machine.
Vibration monitoring has become more cost effective and easier to implement. Simple 2 wire systems produce instantaneous readouts on control systems which in turn can generate alarms. The days of operations staff noting high vibration levels have gone and automation has assumed that role.
Sources of vibration
Unbalanced rotating equipment, misalignment of machines, bent shafts, oil whip in journal or sleeve bearings, gearboxes and vehicle movement – amongst others – all have the potential to generate destructive vibrations. Vehicles driven on rough terrain vibrate, and geological activity can cause massive vibrations in the form of earthquakes.
How is vibration measured?
A vibration sensor or a transducer is a device used to convert vibration into another energy type, such as voltage or electric current. It is normally used to measure machinery or structural vibrations. The most common vibration sensors include velocity, accelerometers and proximity probes.
Protection against catastrophic failure
This is a very important consideration and many monitoring applications are dedicated specifically for this use. Years ago there were two ways to operate a piece of equipment. One was to shut down the machine at regular intervals for inspection, even if it did not need repairs. The other was to let the machine run until catastrophic failure occurred.
Reduced down-time costs
If the exact nature of the problem is known, the machine can be disassembled at the proper places and the required parts can be on hand when repairs are required. The cost of equipment failure is tremendous; so is the lost production due to shutdown, particularly unscheduled shutdown. Vibration analysis can be useful in helping to determine the exact nature of the problem. So, the answer is to keep a check on the mechanical health of the machine and keep it operational as long as possible.
ProvibTech’s new cost effective vibration transmitters can extend the running time between shutdowns and are ideal for use in the harsh conditions found in the mining and quarrying industries.
Distance sensor for confined spaces ifm - South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
The O6D100 from ifm has been designed as a powerful all-rounder for typical applications in object detection, distance measurement and positioning.
Read more...Optimise sludge treatment and reduce operational costs Endress+Hauser South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
Endress+Hauser’s inline measuring devices, the Proline Teqwave MW 300 and the Proline Teqwave MW 500, determine the total solids content of wastewater directly through microwave transmission.
Read more...Inclination sensors for motion control ifm - South Africa
Sensors & Transducers Motion Control & Drives
The JBC dynamic inclination sensor from ifm offers accurate angle measurement in the most demanding conditions, filtering out motion disturbances such as vibrations, shocks and vehicle dynamics to deliver reliable inclination values via IO-Link or programmable switch outputs.
Read more...Fully integrated standalone thunderstorm warning system Senseca
Sensors & Transducers Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Senseca South Africa has introduced its BTD-1 fully integrated, standalone thunderstorm warning system, which detects lightning by monitoring the background quasi-electrostatic field. The system can generate alerts before the first lightning strike, with a detection raterange of up to 83 km.
Read more...Image processing cameras Vepac Electronics
Sensors & Transducers
The intelligent camera series from Vepac is an integrated camera module consisting of a camera and high speed processor. It offers a high-performance image sensing function at the edge device by embedding standard image processing software or the customer’s developed software.
Read more...OMRON launches non-contact safety door switch Omron Electronics
Sensors & Transducers
OMRON has unveiled its latest innovation in non-contact safety door switches, designed to enhance workplace safety and streamline machinery operations.
Read more...Conductivity sensing as a cornerstone of South Africa’s water smart industry ifm - South Africa
Editor's Choice Sensors & Transducers
South Africa’s engineers operate at the intersection of resource constraint and industrial ambition. Few parameters illustrate this balancing act as clearly as water quality. Whether in municipal treatment works, food and beverage plants or mining operations, the ability to measure water quality accurately and continuously has become non-negotiable.
Read more...Futureproofing pharma, one pixel at a time Omron Electronics
Sensors & Transducers
In pharmaceutical manufacturing, there’s no room for error. Omron’s FH-AI and FHV7-AI vision systems introduce AI-powered inspection that adapts to real-world variability, something conventional rule-based vision systems cannot easily achieve.
Read more...Long-range laser distance measuring sensor Vepac Electronics
Sensors & Transducers
The MS-100A is a long-range laser distance measuring sensor with a range of 150 to 1000 mm. This sensor excels in applications requiring extended measurement capabilities, such as quality control and logistics.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version