Techniques collectively referred to as Vibration Condition Monitoring have a common objective of indicating early signs of deterioration, or malfunction in plant machinery through surveillance testing and analysis. Vibration Condition Monitoring helps reduce the possibility of catastrophic failures, increasing safety and machine performance. Through Vibration Condition Monitoring machinery operation can be improved to an optimum level that can often exceed original equipment manufacturers specifications. There are many faults that cause machine failure, all are detectable and most are preventable. The most common causes of failure which can be identified are:
- Bearings
- Bearing Failure
- Unbalance
- Misalignment
- Looseness – Mechanical/Structural
- Drive Belts – Pulleys
- Gearbox Faults
- Electrical Supply & Motor faults
- Resonance
What are the benefits of Condition Monitoring?
Downtime in manufacturing plants can cost thousands of pounds per hour. Experience proves that plants utilising a Vibration Condition Monitoring program are able to:
Extend bearing service life
Vibration Condition Monitoring is an essential element in detecting and identifying defects. When found early enough, cost savings can be achieved by correcting lubrication issues rather than replacing due to a bearing failure.
Maximise machine productivity
Through effective Vibration Condition Monitoring it is possible to virtually eliminate plant downtime due to unexpected machine failure.
Minimise unscheduled downtime
Vibration Condition Monitoring facilitates the planning of repairs during non-peak production hours.
Safely extend overhaul intervals
Vibration Condition Monitoring enables the scheduling of maintenance on a needs-only basis.
Minimise the number of, open, inspect and repair if necessary, overhaul routine
Vibration Condition Monitoring identifies the necessary repair and overhaul activities.
Improve repair time
As a result of machine maintenance planning becoming possible, the actual repair/maintenance work is more cost effective.
Increased machine life
A well-maintained machine lasts longer than a poorly maintained one.
Improve product quality
Often, the overall effect of improved maintenance is improved product quality. For example, in paper machines and aerospace machine spindles, vibration has a direct effect on the quality of the paper product.
Reduce product cost
The elimination of unexpected downtime, reduction of repair costs and increased service intervals all lead to reduced product cost. Also due to findings from vibration condition monitoring, some machines can be improved and run at increased loads, or speeds to further reduce operating cost.
Enhance product safety
Monitoring machinery on a regular basis reduces the chance of dangerous malfunctions that could endanger employees and the environment. Alarm levels can be set to suit individual pieces of machinery.
Who is qualified to carry out Vibration Control Monitoring?
Today there are various levels of PCN’s available for company employees in which to gain accreditation. To progress through the PCN levels you need to accumulate a required amount of experience, attend accredited training courses and then pass professional examinations. All of our vibration analysts have this experience, training and qualifications.
Why do you need a certificate of competence in Vibration Condition Monitoring?
It identifies the individual’s competence in condition based predictive maintenance. The qualification also facilitates compliance with ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems for training & personal qualification.
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