Information of the Machines for Vibration Analysis

Carlos E. Torres

CEO, Power-MI

eventJuly 2, 2018

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Sixty percent of vibration analysis depends on the information of the machine that is being analyzed. Far from what it may be believed, vibration data only gives us the symptoms of the current condition of the machine, but it is useless to analyze this data out of the context of operation and the history of the machine. Here we explain to you what information you must count on to make a good diagnosis.

The information of the machine must be studied before configuring the readings and collecting the data, not after.

The most common way to collect and study the information of the machines is by creating a data sheet, which is a record of the information of the machine train where the information collected during the data survey must be reflected. Likewise, the data sheet is the main part of the file of the machine train where all the maintenance tasks of the dynamic transmission components are recorded.

A data sheet for vibration analysis does not necessarily have to be the same as the technical specifications of the equipment.

The data sheet for predictive maintenance

Here we tell you some of the rules to create data sheets:

1. The format must depend on the information being included, not the other way around.
2. There must be a data sheet per machine train.
3. All the possible situations of the machines in the machine train must be considered.
4. The last update must be specified.

A data sheet must have this information:

1. Location of the machine train

2. Components of the machine train (E.g., motor, pump)

3. Operational modes of the machine train (defined according to RPM, power or process parameters)

4. Specifications and data of each machine according to data survey: bearings, couplings, etc.

5. Codes or serial numbers of the machines

6. Description of the machine train (function, special features, etc.)

7. Time of vibration data collection

8. Industrial safety notes

9. Criticality

If you are a service company, and you must request information from your client, go check out our post: How to request machine information before performing a vibrations analysis.

Remember that it is always better for you to get support from a software to manage the information of the machines. Power-MI allows you to have all the machine information independently of the technology you use.