Machine Diagnostics Toolbox

Changes in vibration levels measured on the surface of a machine are the result of changes in internal forces. These forces, and therefore vibration levels, increase when the condition of the machine deteriorates – due to unbalance, misalignment, bearing & gear tooth wear. High vibration can also arise from resonances or structural modifications such as corrosion, structure and foundation cracks, coupling resonances, etc.

Brüel & Kjær now present a new complete Machine Diagnostics Toolbox that introduces the vibration analysis hardware, and the software tools, which enable the Plant Engineer to succeed in diagnosing a wide range of machine fault types, including those which are not caused by faulty rotating parts. 

Machine Condition Monitoring

Checking machine vibration levels over a period of time or permanently, as is done in on-line monitoring systems, will indicate the development of fault conditions (but not the nature of the fault). This process is called Machine Condition Monitoring.

Machine Diagnostics

By using various diagnostic techniques, which also use vibration measurement as an indicator, the root cause of the deteriorating machine condition can be established. The Plant Engineer can therefore plan the corrective measures at a convenient time, and prepare appropriate spare parts. Diagnostic techniques are extremely effective because they use the information contained in the machine's vibration signature. The signature is obtained by frequency and time analysis of the machine vibration signal from a sensor fixed on the surface of (or inside) the machine. It enables troubleshooting of rotor dynamic problems, rotating component deterioration as well as structural problems. This process is called Machine Diagnostics.

The Machine Diagnostics Toolbox Type 9727 is based on the PULSE Multi-analyzer System Type 3560. This means that the hardware for acquiring the vibration signals from various vibration transducers is available in many different versions. PULSE System Type 3560 B offers from 1–5 input channels and Type 3560 C offers 17 input channels. Hardware is available for hundreds of channels. A portable version of the PULSE System is available in a yellow ruggedized and weatherproof suitcase, including a Laptop PC. Both the PULSE Front-end and the Laptop PC are powered from rechargeable batteries.

The PULSE Front-ends accept signals via BNC/BNT connectors from Tacho Probes, Accelerometers, Velocity Probes, Proximity Probes as well as Direct Voltage signals available from Condition Monitoring systems. Performing Rotor Dynamics Analysis is then an easy task, since the Proximity Probe signals can be obtained from the Condition Monitoring system, using simple BNC-BNC cables.

Easy-to-use Diagnostics Software

Additionally, the Machine Diagnostics Toolbox offers a comprehensive range of software tools for diagnosing various machine faults. The modularity of the software and freedom to choose only the desired software packages allows for tailoring the Machine Diagnostics Toolbox exactly to your needs, whether it is for oil & gas industry, petrochemical industry, power industry, cement industry, etc. Always, the software Type 7770 is required as a basis. All software packages have an easy-to-use, task oriented graphical user interface. In this way, performing the measurement and analysis is simply done by following a sequence of tasks.