By Yossi Tuchner, vibration specialist certified to
ISO 18436 CAT III
Background: What Is Vibration Monitoring?
Vibration monitoring is the continuous or periodic observation of rotating machinery to detect abnormal motion
and alert the maintenance team in time to prevent failures. It is a core tool for identifying developing faults early,
so corrective work can be planned before damage escalates and costs rise.
Early Identification of Wear and Mechanical Damage
All rotating machines generate some level of vibration. As bearings or other components approach end of life,
overall vibration and noise typically increase and the vibration pattern becomes more characteristic and easier to diagnose.
How to Monitor Rotating Equipment Accurately
Effective programs use portable or permanently installed vibration instruments with accelerometers
or other suitable transducers. Sensors can be mounted permanently or attached temporarily using magnets or other
methods. These sensors act as the system’s “ears,” capturing machine motion for analysis.
Modern analyzers convert the time-based vibration signal (time waveform) into a frequency-based view
(vibration spectrum) by applying a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). Data are collected,
trended, and evaluated in analysis software to locate the source of vibration and determine the appropriate remedy.
What a Periodic Vibration Program Enables
-
Evaluate overall machine condition per
ISO 10816.
- Establish and track the trend of deterioration over time.
- Identify the vibration source and define the recommended corrective action to maintain reliability.
Condition Monitoring (CM)
Condition monitoring is the periodic measurement of machine-health parameters that, when combined, indicate the
development of a fault. Typical parameters include:
- Vibration levels
- Machine temperature or a thermographic survey
- Ultrasound measurements from the machine
- Motor current draw
- Oil condition and contamination levels
CM is a key element of a predictive maintenance (PdM) program. It helps maintenance plan the right
tasks at the right time to prevent failures, and it provides a basis for forecasting how quickly a machine’s
condition is changing.
Business Impact
When condition monitoring is applied properly on a periodic basis, plants can significantly reduce maintenance and
operating costs for rotating equipment. Implementing PdM, combined with periodic vibration monitoring and analysis,
improves equipment availability, finished-product quality, and overall operating margin.