Vibration analysis for your predictive maintenance
Vibration analysis is the most widely used inspection method for anticipating repair needs in industrial installations that use high-speed rotating equipment. Its longevity compared to other forms of condition-based maintenance gives it a cost advantage. It not only allows identifying the loosening elements, but also to detect balancing issues, misalignment, and bearing deterioration.
Predictive maintenance is based on the actual condition of the equipment to decide when to replace components. By meticulously examining every aspect of an appliance's operation, it is possible to gain an extremely fine understanding of its health condition and that of its components at a specific moment. Among the available techniques, vibration analysis stands out for its ability to provide extremely precise information.
What is vibration analysis?
This approach consists of observing the vibrations emitted by equipment so that specialists can accurately assess the state of various components at a given moment. With this data, managers can then decide on the optimal and most economical time to carry out the necessary repairs. Although the implementation and monitoring of a vibration analysis system represent an initial investment, these costs are offset by the long-term savings achieved.
Several IoT solutions are available on the market to provide relevant information in the field. The vast majority are associated with corrective or preventive maintenance. Generally, the steps to implement this type of analysis are:
- Define tolerance thresholds: The maintenance team defines criteria for normal operation for the equipment that will be equipped with sensors.
- Installation of connected sensors: A specific sensor is installed on the equipment (Example with the WISE-2410 from Advantech, LoRaWAN vibration sensor)
- Connect the sensors to an analysis platform: The connected sensors are linked to a platform dedicated to analyzing the collected data.
Then alerts are issued to detect malfunctions.
In the context of predictive maintenance, you have 2 options:
- Use of a vibration analysis solution with Artificial Intelligence
- Use of a solution based on advanced algorithms.
The former allows for a more comprehensive approach and can prevent failures up to several days in advance. In fact, AI is capable of analyzing gigantic volumes of data to extract critical patterns. Our motor maintenance solution: PHM is based on this type of system.
Predictive vibration analysis, a source of savings
By anticipating repair needs in advance, costly interruptions are avoided. This is especially true when significant repair work is necessary, which translates into additional savings. Finally, by avoiding major failures thanks to a thorough understanding of the condition of machines, companies are able to achieve significant savings.