Vibration Monitoring, Diagnostics & Machine Health Management

The decision to monitor the vibration of a piece of rotating machinery is based upon Return on Investment and is usually very easy to justify when considering the machine repair or replacement costs along with loss of production. Costs of Vibration Monitoring Equipment have decreased dramatically over the years. Today monitored rotating equipment includes pumps, motors, compressors, centrifuges, turbines, generators, gearboxes, fans, blowers, air handlers, chillers, and all other rotating machinery. Here you'll find all the tools needed to monitor, measure, and prevent excess vibration or bearing damage on your expensive machinery. 

Two types of vibration sensors dominate the market today, Accelerometers and Proximity Probes. Accelerometers are used to measure the bearing cap vibration on rolling element bearings and Proximity Probes are used on Journal or Smooth Bore Bearings where the shaft is allowed to move within the bearing bore.

In essence Vibration sensors are mounted on the critical bearings and wired to the plant computer system or to a dedicated vibration monitoring system. Two alarm levels (Alert and Danger) are then set to alert the operator that maintenance attention is needed or in the case of Danger Alarm to shut the machine down to prevent failure. In some cases the Danger Alarm is wired to automatic machine shutdown.

In the case of expensive critical machinery multiple sensors may be used per bearing with each bearing of the machine train monitored. On less critical machines a single sensor may be used per bearing. On smaller motor driven equipment only the driven equipment may be monitored as the motor can inexpensively be replaced.

a. Monitors: The PT2060 is a state-of-the-art rack based continuous monitoring system that is ideal for virtually all critical machinery protection applications. It offers both superior configuration flexibility and maximum reliability.

Capable of supporting up to 48 channels per rack, the PT2060 provides the industry's highest channel density in a standard 19" rack. It uses standard "ladder logic" to make configuration easy. With full API 670 compliance and triple channel redundancy and double redundancy for relays, power supplies, analog outputs and communications, it provides a level of reliability that is unsurpassed, even by systems costing much more! 

PT2060 Features include:
Fully digital
Modbus ready
API 670 compliant
Compatible with most sensors and probes, regardless of manufacturer
Configured using standard "ladder logic", just like a PLC
riple redundant channels
Double redundant relays, power suppliers, analog outputs and communications modules
Up to 48 channels per rack
Optional local panel display
Integrated condition monitoring functions

b. Transmitters: Looking for an overall vibration measurement on your most critical machinery? Our line of 4-20 mA vibration transmitters will interface directly to your PLC, DCS or SCADA control system. Scaled in inches per second velocity or g’s acceleration, these sensors provide 24/7online protection for key plant machines, reducing downtime. Finally our impact detection products offer the ultimate machine protection. TR series Detector provides early warning of impending bearing failure from cracks and spalls developing in the bearing race. The Reciprocating Machinery Protector is an impact detector and overall vibration monitor in one 4-20 mA signal.      

TR seriesvibration transmitter uses advanced LSI technology that integrate the signal conditioning, processing and outputting circuitry into one integral unit. It can directly replace the probe driver and connect to the proximity probe and extension cable, converting the signal to a 4-20 mA output. Buffered dynamic output is available for additional analysis.

TR Series Transmitter is used to monitor:
Radial Shaft Vibration
Axial Thrust Position
Rotation Speed
Phase Reference

The TR is available as a two wire or three-wire transmitter configuration and certified for use in hazardous areas.
The TR series also has an option available to interface with existing proximity probe drivers. This option is typically used when it is desirable to drive the dynamic signal and the 420mA output up to 300 meters or for some hazardous area applications.

c. Sensors:

Proximity Probes: TM Series proximity probes are used for a wide variety of applications. Suitable for continuous monitoring systems protection of critical machinery as well as machine contrition monitoring analysis used for diagnosing matching faults. They measure both static distances and the vibration of the shaft relative to the probe tip; shaft bib ration, radial and axial shaft position, and shaft/case differential expansion.

They are interchangeable with probes used for most major brands of monitoring systems and their high reliability insures a ling life cycle.

Available in 5, 8, 11, and 25 mm configurations, complete with extension cables and probe drives or transmitters.

Available options include:

API 670 compliant
English or metric output
Reverse mounting
Extension cables
Integral Cables
Armored cables
Probe Drivers or Transmitters
High pressure feed through
Hazardous area certifications
CE
ATEX, II 1 G, EEx aii IIC T4 (pending)
CSA, Class 1, Div. 1, Grps A,B,C&D (pending)

d. Vibration Switches: The Vibration Switch is a safety device designed for protecting rotating machinery such as motors, generators, engines, pumps and fans from abnormal levels of vibration. The switch trips if the vibration level becomes excessive, shutting down the device being protected. The switch operates by means of a magnetic air gap, with an increased air gap for low vibration and a decreased air gap for high vibration levels. The air gap can be adjusted to set the sensitivity of the switch.

The PT580 Digital Vibration Switch is designed to be the "one stop shop"? for all vibration switch applications. The PT580's unique and rugged design is programmable, suitable for harsh environments and or hazardous areas. It has a universal mounting feature, wide operating temperature range, relays, 4-20mA output, Modbus communication, and works with internal sensor or a remote sensor. 

e. Condition Monitoringprovides valuable, proactive information, helping equipment owners set up effective, comprehensive maintenance and repair plans. Analyzing data from a combination of condition monitoring "elements" - including simple inspections and regular fluid analysis to careful tracking of electronic data and analysis of equipment history - helps to accurately assess the health and operating condition of critical equipment.

The PT2060 is a state-of-the-art rack based continuous monitoring system that is ideal for virtually all critical machinery protection applications. It offers both superior configuration flexibility and maximum reliability.

Capable of supporting up to 48 channels per rack, the PT2060 provides the industry's highest channel density in a standard 19" rack. It uses standard "ladder logic" to make configuration easy. With full API 670 compliance and triple channel redundancy and double redundancy for relays, power supplies, analog outputs and communications, it provides a level of reliability that is unsurpassed, even by systems costing much more! 

PT2060 Features include:

Fully digital
Modbus ready
API 670 compliant
Compatible with most sensors and probes, regardless of manufacturer
Configured using standard "ladder logic", just like a PLC
riple redundant channels
Double redundant relays, power suppliers, analog outputs and communications modules
Up to 48 channels per rack
Optional local panel display
Integrated condition monitoring functions