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Scroll down for Practical Vibration

Analysis Solutions

2015 VIBES Corp

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Practical Vibration Analysis Solutions

Level II certification available
Format: 5 day with the test in
the afternoon of day 5

Since Update Internati onal

started teaching vibration
analysis in the mid 60s, we
have always kept our focus on
giving practical information.
Our 45 years of training
experience have given us
insights into how to get
concepts across in a truly
effective manner. To enhance
the learning experience we have
added our unique computer
based learning environment to
the seminar. This allows some
hands-on type experiences
and practice sessions to the
classroom training. Using the
vibration simulator, self-paced
practice homework will allow
the students to get practice
using the concepts they learn in
the classroom right away.
As technology has developed in
the vibration field, many
training courses have put more
and more emphasis on the
technical details of the
instruments, theory and
mathematics of vibration. The

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amount of information
necessary for the trainee to
learn, and in some cases to be
certified on, can be
overwhelming. As a result, for
a majority of vibration analysts,
their daily activities consist
mostly of monitoring with very
little analyzing. Typically, they
pick out the bad machines
from the good machines and
then generate work orders for
repairs (usually change out
parts). Little is done to
determine the root cause of the
problem and prevent it from
occurring again.
Update International has always
taught analysts to determine the
causes of vibration problems
and eliminate them, not only
making bad machines into
OK machines, but also making
OK machines into precision
machines. In recent years, we
have gone even further by
making the goal to eliminate the
problems before the machine is
turned over to operations
before they do damage to the
machine.
We begin the seminar with
introducing the course instructor

and the attendees (their

backgrounds and goals for the
seminar), who are all
encouraged to share their
experiences to add to the
knowledge being offered. The
philosophies of maintenance are
discussed as a vibration
program must work within that
program and cannot be separate
from the overall maintenance
program.
The basic concepts of vibration
are reviewed (some introduction
to vibration is preferred) such as
the types of amplitudes and
when to use each. Moving right
to analysis, the four types of
data needed are introduced:
history, amplitude, frequency
and phase. The importance of
each with simple examples of
how they are used in analysis is
shown.
History is often a neglected area
which often reflects a
communication gap in the plant.
We address this concern
throughout the seminar as it is a
very important element in an
effective program. The concept
of amplitude analysis
(comparing amplitudes at
various positions and directions)

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is demonstrated and practiced.

Even at this early stage the
concept of resonance is
introduced, as it can affect even
the most basic analysis.
The introduction of waveforms
and spectra are shown with
hands on exercises on the
simulator. Frequency analysis
is then introduced with a unique
understanding. At the same
time we can lay a foundational
understanding of the concept of
phase. The limitations of some
of the rules of thumb that many
heavily rely on are explained
with an understanding of
vectors. Finally, there is an
introduction to the under used
practice of phase analysis.
At this point we look again at
the financial implications of the
vibration program and how to
quantify it. The job of a
vibration analyst includes
justifying the program to
management and effectively
communicating what is working
and what can be improved.
Training in this area is seldom
given to the analyst who often
expects the fruit of his labor to
just be noticed by management.
A generic overview of the types
of vibration instruments and
transducers is covered with an
emphasis is on the setting and
parameters that must be
addressed with each instrument,

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such as resolution, low

frequency cutoff and sampling
rate. We will be using Updates
virtual instrument to
demonstrate in the classroom
but only the generic concepts,
applicable to all instruments,
will be taught. The focus with
transducers will be on proper
mounting techniques.
Beginning spectral analysis
starts with definition of terms
and clearing up common
misconceptions. An overview
shows what symptoms show up
in each area of a spectrum.
What can create vibration at
frequencies less than 1x RPM,
at running speed, in the lower
harmonics, and at higher
frequencies. This will show the
typical pattern for most
vibration problems. Later, each
problem is addressed in depth,
including the exceptions to the
rules.
Three very important concepts
need to be understood in order
to do effective analysis without
confusion. Truncation of a
waveform which creates
harmonics in a spectrum,
modulation of a waveform
which creates sidebands in a
spectrum, and beats, created by
two frequencies going in and
out of phase with each other.
Knowing why these occur will
provide a better understanding

of the conditions that produce

symptoms.
The most common distinction
that the analyst will have to
make is that of separating
imbalance from misalignment.
This subject is covered in depth
using spectra and vectors,
including why the simple rules
dont always apply. Later we
will apply phase analysis to
enhance the analysis.
In turn, we examine the topics
of vibration from looseness and
rubs, electrical hum and rotor
bar problems, identifying the
various stages of bearing
failure, flow related problems in
pumps, problems in belt driven
machines and gear problems.
Case histories and exercises
help the student learn these
subjects.
Resonance is a major concern
for the vibration analyst as there
are usually more machines with
at least a partial resonance
amplifying vibration a source.
While the concept of resonance
is introduced earlier, this is the
point where it is studied in
depth. A number of very
effective, practical techniques
for detecting and eliminating
resonance are covered. Many
of these techniques can be
performed by non-analysts
(such as mechanics and
operators) with just minimal

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training. Topics of special

interest include foot related
resonance and resonant whirl.
Again, case histories add to the
students knowledge.
While the concept of phase is
applied in a number of vibration
courses and is used in
balancing, too few analysts use
phase analysis in their work.
This is a very powerful tool to
accurately separate
misalignment from imbalance,
which sometimes looks similar
in spectra. Exercises practice
the application right away.
An in-depth look at the causes
of the two most common
machine problems, imbalance
and misalignment, are taken
here. The analysts job is not
just finding the problems but
helping prevent them from
occurring again. We begin by
understanding balancing
tolerances and their origin, what
it considered true precision.
Understanding the difficulties of
balancing narrow and overhung
rotors and how to get past them
gives the analyst the ability help
create proper specifications and
procedures. All the proper
balancing, however, will not
result in a precision balanced
machine unless precision
assembly is done in the field. A
review of the common assembly

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errors that affect balance

addresses this issue.
Many mechanics are led to
believe that just using a
precision alignment tool will
assure that the alignment job
will be precision. We look at
the many things that can make
an alignment difficult as well as
inaccurate.
The final topic is the direction
the best programs are evolving
to. The most effective way to
avoid problems is a system to
prevent them from happening in
the first place. We cover unique
procedures to spot and eliminate
problems before the machine is
put into service, most of which
can be performed by others with
minimal vibration training.
This brings us to about noon on
Friday. The afternoon is
reserved for those who wish to
take the optional certification
test. The test fee is $200US.

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