How is Machine Vibration Data Collected?

By Commtest Instruments
As machine surroundings are often hazardous and uncomfortable, vibration analysis is
normally performed away from the machine. To do this, measurements are usually recorded
with the instrument then transported to an office where the recorded data can be analyzed in a
quiet and safe environment. In the office, the data can be transferred to a computer for more
detailed analysis.

In most factories there are usually numerous critical machines that need to be monitored.
Furthermore, to enable thorough analysis, each machine usually needs to be monitored at
various points. Each point in turn often requires monitoring using different accelerometer
orientations, and occasionally, using different measurement parameters as well. Thus, on
every round of data collection a large number of recordings usually need to be taken.

To avoid having to repeatedly travel between the office and machines, recordings are usually
taken of all machines before the recordings are brought to the office for analysis.

It is important that recordings be taken both accurately and systematically. When you have an
organized method of taking recordings there is less chance of confusing the spectra of
different machines. If recorded spectra get mixed up they would most likely lead to wrong
conclusions and perhaps to very costly consequences as well.

In view of the large matrix of recordings that need to be taken, how do we ensure that
recordings are always taken of the locations intended, that the recordings that are taken are
not confused with one another, and that no recordings are left out? A recording list is used.A
recording list shows all the recordings that need to be taken on a given round of data
collection. It is like a detailed shopping list that shows us exactly what to buy during a
shopping mission. From a recording list, we can see which recordings need to be taken on
which machines, at which points on the machines, in which orientations, and using which
measurement parameters.

Although a recording list in the vb instrument does not appear exactly like that shown in the
last page, it has the same information structure.In the example shown, Motor A1, Gearbox
B2, Rotor B2 are machines for which data is to be collected. Front end, back end, input

end, and so forth are the measurement points on the various machines. horizontal,
vertical, axial, and radial are the orientations in which measurements are to be taken, and
in brackets are the measurement parameters that are to be used. Note that for Gearbox B2,
two recordings are to be taken, each using a different set of parameters. More information
regarding recording lists may be found in the vbSeries Instrument Reference Guide.
To avoid confusion, you must give machines and measurement points unique and meaningful
names in the recording list. To rule out misidentifications, you must clearly label machines
and measurement points with names that match those adopted in the recording list. When
taking recordings, you must take care to ensure that the mounting orientation of the
accelerometer matches that described in the recording list.

Not all machines on the recording list may be equally critical. Less critical machines can be
monitored less frequently. If only certain machines or measurement points from the recording
list need to be monitored during a particular round of data collection, you can tag those
machines that need to be monitored so that recordings are only taken for items that are
tagged. The tagging of items in a recording list is further explained in the vbSeries Instrument
Reference Guide.
To help ensure data collection is done regularly, you should create a schedule showing when
data collection will be carried out.

For most machines, data should be collected every month. For critical machines, data may
need to be collected every week, and for less important machines, every alternate month. We
advise you to begin with a rigorous schedule then adjust it later as more experience is gained.
Imagine going shopping with a shopping list but without enough money to buy what is
needed, and without the means to transport things bought back home. We would expect such
a shopping mission to fail.

Similarly, with machine vibration monitoring, we need sufficient battery and memory
capacity in the vb instrument to complete a round of data collection. Before beginning to
collect data, you must ensure that there is sufficient battery and memory capacity in the
instrument (see the vbSeries Instrument Reference Guide for further details).Most kinds of
vibration problems are detected while the machine is running steadily and exhibiting a steady
vibration pattern.
If a machine has just started up, or if its operating speed has just been changed, you need to
ensure that the machine is given time to settle into a steady state before taking spectrum
recordings, otherwise, the recorded spectra will not reflect the true steady-state behavior of
the vibrating machine.

When a round of data collection is complete, you should transfer the recorded data to a
computer with AscentTM software for analysis and archiving. Once the recorded data has been
archived, you can erase the data from the vb instrument, thus freeing up memory space on the
instrument for another round of data collection.

From the Beginners Guide to Machine Vibration, copyright Commtest 1999, 2006.
Revised 28/06/06
To find out how to set up your own machine vibration monitoring program, contact Commtest
Instruments Ltd or one of our representatives for a demonstration of a vbSeries vibration

monitoring system. For the address of your nearest representative please visit our website at
http://www.commtest.com