Corporate Buyers Guide

The common wear points in machines are bearings, belts and gears. Vibration measurements at these points can detect the need for repair before it becomes a problem.

Every machine has some vibration. It is almost impossible to have a perfect balance.

Measuring the vibration of key points when a machine is put into service, establishes the base line for future measurements.

To do the measuring, the transducer can be a velocity sensor or accelerometer. The meter can be hand held or panel meter displaying the amplitude of the vibration signal. If the sources of potential vibration in a machine are known and any wear patterns predictable, tracking the magnitude of the transducer signal will be sufficient.

For complex systems with a number of wear points, measuring the vibration at each point may not be possible. In that case signal analysis is needed. Spectrum analysis takes the sinusoidal, complex signal and presents the harmonic frequencies that make up the signal. If the frequencies that are unique to different points of the machine are known, the spectrum analyzer indicates which section is giving potential problems. To perform this level of vibration analysis requires signal analyzers, software and training.

Finding suitable software and training is a challenge. Adds for software and training are found in maintenance magazines and have to be researched to suit any application.

The cost of energy and the drive for more efficient use of energy should be affecting the design and rating of industrial bench and in particular, laboratory ovens.

The manufacturer web sites tout economical models and may or may not mention efficient design.

What is needed is an Energy Star type program that will encourage the design of more efficient ovens and a rating system to enable comparison of similar types.

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