September 08, 2005
Alignment Tip
Sloppy Couplings/Backlash
If you have worn couplings, or couplings with a lot of backlash, consider switching to Pass Mode measure mode for uncoupled shafts (if your laser system possesses this feature) to minimize any potential torsional play effect on your readings, even though you are still coupled up and turning the shafts together.
Tip provided by LUDECA, INC.
ALIGNMENT * VIBRATION * BALANCING
http://www.ludeca.com
Tel: 305-591-8935
Learn about the Rotalign ULTRA alignment system
September 08, 2005
Vibration Tip
Beware of incorrect sensor mounting
If you are taking demodulation, enveloping, PeakVue, shock pulse, spike energy, HFD or any other measurement that utilizes high frequency vibration, it is essential that you have clean, solid contact between the machine surface and the sensor. Whereas normal vibration spectra and waveforms utilize data below 5 kHz (typically), the methods listed earlier utilize vibration signals above 5 kHz and can extend up beyond 10 kHz. Unless you use a clean, flat, rare-earth magnet on a clean, flat mounting pad; or better yet a stud mounted accelerometer; the high frequencies will be attenuated. The result of poor sensor mounting is that you may not receive an early warning of the fault condition, and your readings will not be repeatable.
Tip provided by Mobius
Tel: 206 842 8721
http://www.ilearninteractive.com
Learn more about Mobius Institute Vibration Training & Certification
September 08, 2005
Infraspection Institute -Distance Learning Infrared Thermography Courses
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Become an Infraspection Institute Certified Infrared Thermographer®. Complete 32 hours of Distance Learning and take your certification exam at one of our convenient locations.
September 08, 2005
Oil Analysis Tip
Flagging Points and Alarm Limits –
Where do the Numbers Come From?
Providing equipment, lubricant and filtration information with your used oil samples can help your laboratory set unit-specific flagging points and alarm limits. OEM and lubricant specifications are a good starting point, but statistical analyses of unit, lube and filter information is essential. Omitting or providing inaccurate information not only decreases the depth of your analysis and the value of an analyst’s recommendations, but can greatly affect at what point an oil analysis result is flagged.
Flagging points and alarm limits should be based on:
• OEM/equipment specifications
• lubricant specifications
--manufacturer
--type
--grade
• information submitted with the sample
--unit type – diesel engine, turbine, compressor, gear, hydraulic, etc.
--unit manufacturer
--unit model number
--filtration type – full flow, bypass
--filter micron rating – 4µm, 6µm
--sump capacity
• statistical analysis of historical laboratory sample data with same criteria
--annual re-evaluation is necessary to account for changes in engineering, manufacturing processes, metallurgies and design
Tip provided by POLARIS Laboratories
http://www.polarislabs1.com
Tel: (317) 808-3750
Click here to learn more about the importance of unit-specific flagging points
September 08, 2005
Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) Tip
How to Measure a Successful RCM Effort
Reliability Centered Maintenance is powerful reliability tool, it’s also a tool that takes time and resources to complete. Because of this, RCM should only be applied where it will deliver a return on you investment in one or more of the following areas:
1. Improved Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
• Increased Good Product Produced
• Decreased Operational Losses
• Decreased Quality Losses
• Decreased Speed Losses
2. Improved Environmental Health and Safety Performance
• A Decrease in Reportable Incidents and Accidents
• A Decrease in Spills and Emissions
• Reduced Risk in Employee, Citizen Health Issues
The best news is, all of the above listed items are measurable. Use the measures to select candidates for RCM by first identifying you critical assets and then applying the measures. Prove the success of your RCM effort by continuing to measure the assets performance following implementation of your tasks. Successful RCM efforts are proven RCM efforts!
Tip provided by Doug Plucknette
Reliability Solutions
Tel: 585-349-7245
http://www.reliabilitysolution.com
September 08, 2005
Revisiting Return on Investment for Maintenance/Asset Management Improvement
An iPresentation Tutorial by Terry Wireman, GenesisSolutions
As organizations progress from reactive practices to “Best Practices” in their maintenance/ asset management, the return on investment for the transition becomes scalable. In the beginning organizations focus only on their maintenance function, but as they mature, they refocus on the impact of maintenance and the resultant increase in asset productivity and performance. This change of focus defines the transition from maintenance management to asset management. The return on investment for mature organizations needs to be clearly understood. Join noted Maintenance Expert and Author, Terry Wireman for a 39 minute iPresentation Tutorial on Understanding Return on Investment for Maintenance/Asset Management Improvement. This presentation is based on information that was provided by GenesisSolutions & Reliabilityweb.com in 2004. This update contains some new material showing how business leaders are beginning to view the maintenance/ asset management function within companies.
September 08, 2005
Infrared Tip
Use IR Camera Annotations to Increase Efficiency
The use of annotation features on IR cameras can speed up routes, shorten report time and increase effectiveness of plant management, leading to better in-field diagnostics and better reports. For instance, annotation features can be used to label IR images with equipment names while on location, thus reducing confusion about identifying particular images later. Your notes are stored with the IR image, so there is no post-inspection note consolidation upon route completion. Reports are then made easier, not only because the problem was characterized on the spot, but also because your notes automatically appear in the inspection report – no need to retype your notes.
This tip provided by Infrared Solutions, Inc.
Toll Free: 1-800-760-4523
http://www.infraredsolutions.com
September 08, 2005
Condition Monitoring Tip
Collecting Good Data Part 5 – Visual Inspections
Archived at
http://maintenancetalk.com/blog.php/tipsblog
Whether you are the one collecting the data or also the analyst, it is often a good idea to note and document certain aspects of the machine while testing it. Some vibration data collectors allow you to write notes with a stylus or enter common “note codes”. These can come in handy later when you or someone else is analyzing the vibration data. Common things to take note of are strange sounds, rattles, excessive noise, leaking oil, smoke, vibration, loose belts and temperature.
Place your finger on the bearing housings to see if they seem hotter than normal and look around the foundation for loose or missing bolts. One of the benefits of vibration analysis is that it is an objective way to monitor, categorize and trend the condition of large numbers of machines in an efficient manner. That said, as long as a human being is standing in front of the machine, a second or two should be spent making use of the human analyzer and observing any abnormalities. Documenting these observations becomes much more important when someone else is analyzing the data or when large numbers of machines are being monitored.
Tip provided by DLI Engineering
http://www.dliengineering.com
Tel: 206-842-7656
September 01, 2005
Sensor Tip
Vibration Sensor Selection
Machinery vibration monitoring programs are effective in reducing overall operating costs of industrial plants. Sensor selection and installation is often the determining factor in accurate diagnoses of machinery condition. Three parameters representing motion detected by vibration monitors are displacement, velocity, and acceleration. Selection of a sensor proportional to displacement, velocity or acceleration depends on the frequencies of interest and the signal levels involved.
Accelerometers represent the best choice for permanently installed sensors for dynamic data. They are used with the portable analyzers that are part of a plant’s vibration diagnostic program. Accelerometers will provide a signal that has better frequency coverage than either displacement or velocity transducers.
The portable analyzers are often used to take the acceleration signal and convert it to a velocity signal for analysis. Velocity sensors were in common use many years ago as they were easier to use than accelerometers. However, the modern IEPE accelerometers have become more rugged and less expensive than velocity sensors.
For permanent monitoring of turbomachinery, displacement sensing eddy current proximity probes are the sensor of choice. While they are much more expensive to purchase and install, they provide data about the shaft motion that is important to turbomachinery engineers and operators.
Modern accelerometers are hermetically sealed, operate to 250° F, have no moving parts, and can be expected to operate reliably for more than 10 years.
For more information on choosing vibration sensors, read Wilcoxon’s “Technical Note 16: Sensor Selection.” This Tech Note from Wilcoxon’s extensive online Knowledge Desk explains in detail the many considerations for maintenance professionals selecting vibration sensors.
September 01, 2005
Mobius Institute announces new vibration courses
Vibration training has changed forever. Mobius Institute is offering public courses that follow the ISO 18436-2 and ASNT standards, with an optional certification exam. The courses utilize the famous Mobius iLearnVibration simulators and interactive activities. Take away two books, an iLearnVibration CD, and a greater understanding of vibration analysis.
Learn more about our training courses here
