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Vibration Analysis

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Vibration services are a key component in condition monitoring. They help you detect and define problems early so you can plan and execute repairs efficiently. Setting up your vibration database to capture the right information, along with alarms and clear reporting, is essential for a successful program. A skilled vibration analyst must be able to interpret the data and identify the root cause of the issue. Without these elements in place and implemented correctly, you’re wasting valuable resources and profit dollars. Did you know that unplanned repairs typically cost three times more than planned ones? How many failures are happening without any prior warning? What are unidentified emergencies really costing you?

What is vibration analysis in industrial maintenance?

Vibration analysis is a predictive maintenance technique that measures and interprets vibrations in rotating machinery. By detecting imbalances, misalignments, loose parts, or bearing wear, it helps identify problems early before they lead to costly failures or unplanned downtime.

Why is vibration analysis important for equipment reliability?

Unplanned repairs can cost up to three times more than scheduled maintenance. Vibration analysis gives early warning signs of developing issues, allowing you to plan repairs in advance, reduce emergency breakdowns, and extend equipment life.

What types of equipment benefit from vibration analysis?

Any rotating machinery such as motors, pumps, fans, compressors, turbines, and gearboxes benefits from vibration analysis. It’s especially valuable for critical production equipment where failure would cause major downtime.

How often should vibration analysis be performed?

The frequency depends on equipment criticality and operating conditions. High-value or high-risk assets should be monitored regularly (monthly or quarterly), while less critical machines may be assessed semi-annually or annually. Reliability Solutions can design a monitoring schedule tailored to your plant.

What makes Reliability Solutions’ vibration analysis different?

Our vibration analyst is ISO Level III certified, bringing years of experience diagnosing complex vibration problems. We provide end-to-end support from single machine troubleshooting to building entire facility programs with clear reporting and actionable recommendations.

Can vibration analysis really prevent downtime?

Yes. For example, one of our clients faced a reoccurring gear failure at a paper mill. Our analyst identified a loose gear that their routine checks were missing. After corrective action, the problem was resolved saving countless hours of downtime and profit dollars.

What are common issues vibration analysis can detect?

  • Imbalance in rotating components
  • Misalignment between shafts or couplings
  • Bearing wear and lubrication issues
  • Loose mechanical components
  • Resonance and structural problems
  • Gear mesh faults

Do I need vibration analysis if I already have other monitoring systems?

Yes. Vibration analysis complements other condition monitoring tools like infrared surveys or ultrasonic testing. While other methods detect heat, leaks, or electrical issues, vibration specifically targets the health of rotating equipment.

How do I schedule a vibration analysis service?

You can reach our service team at [email protected] or call (251) 490-2999. We’ll assess your needs and recommend the right approach whether it’s troubleshooting a single problem or setting up a comprehensive vibration monitoring program.

Our vibration analyst is ISO Level III certified and brings years of experience solving complex vibration problems. We offer vibration services for single machines or entire facilities and can support you at any stage as you build the program that fits your needs.

#1: SAVED DOWNTIME AND PROFIT DOLLARS

We were asked to assist one of our customers at a very large paper mill with a reoccurring gear failure in one of their dryer sections. Upon arrival our technician performed a brief survey of the running machine; he reviewed the customer collected data, and discovered a loose gear in the section that the customer was not capturing during their routine data collection. The vibration from the loose gear was causing the failing gear to resonate at critical amplitudes. A bump test was performed on a new gear to verify findings. Repairs were made based on our technicians recommendations and the problem was corrected. The combination of several troubleshooting techniques, a comprehensive approach, and a database review saved this customer countless more hours of downtime and profit dollars.

#2: MAINTAINED A SHIP’S SEAWORTHINESS

We were asked to assist one of our customers at a large ship building facility with vibration issues onboard a new vessel to be commissioned and sold. Upon arrival our technician met with another PDM contractor who had been trying to diagnose the problem. Our technician performed a full run cycle of the machines in question and began analysis on data collected. After review of the data our technician recommended that the machines lacked structural support and recommended that supports be added in certain locations. Once these supports were added the vibration levels dropped considerably and into acceptable levels. With these repairs in place the ship is now seaworthy and serving as one of the most advanced cargo supply vessels on the planet.

Our certified vibration analyst can help you build a program to keep your machines safe and reliable, and save you countless profit dollars in emergency repairs.

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