I want to start a Vib. monotoring program. I could use some tips on what to look for, avoid, emphasize, and what is the best equipmentfor this project.

http://www.dliengineering.com/downloads/consultants.pdf Here's a link to an article about what to look for in a consultant, another way to read it is what's important in a program (and therefore in equipment). There's alot of other info here that may be of interest.

If you want off-line advice email me at afriedman@dliengineering.com

Dear Sir.
We can help you...we are specialist in vibrations measurement and analisis, and we development and mabufacture our products.
Please visit our website and contact us.
www.semapi.com or www.suscorp.com
Thank you.

Wayne,

I encourage you to visit our website at www.vibcons.com. There you can find information on MAX The MAchine eXpert. This portable data collector would be ideal for starting a Vibration Program. Also, our seminars offer excellent training.

Richard Collier
Mechanical Engineer
info@vibcons.com

I would start by looking at what needs to be analyzed. Have you done any kind of criticality analysis (RCM, FMEA, throwing darts at a board, etc.)? Is vibration the best tool? A good intro or Level I vibe class would be in order, too.

VENDOR

Start walking before running and investing heavily, get the worlds only intelligent vibrometer ME42 to help you on your feet:
http://www.vtab.se/pages/eng/product/me42.html
Olov

And one more thing I thought about--not to pick your words apart, but all too often folks start up vibe 'monitoring' programs and don't do anything with the recommendations. I've seen a lot of bearings go from good to bad to worse to destroyed due to lack of action, poor lube practices, etc. Not to start throwing out all the buzzwords, but if you are just converting from reactive to proactive maintenance, there might be some resistance to shift your paradigm. I defintely agree with Oli that you should start walking before running. But, no disrespect to the vendors, I feel the success of your program has very little to do with the equipment (hardware or software) you're using. When you get to that step, ease of use and maintenance of your database and the operator-friendliness of the data collector are the big things.

wayne,
If you are serious about it. You need to develop a program not just start one, as you will be spending some bucks for sure.

I would recommend you find a consultant that is independent of any hardware/software manufacturer. Their job is to assist you in the processes that need to be performed to understand what you need, why you need it and how to use it.

You don't have to initiate a "World Class Maintenance Program" to reap the benefits of starting a program. You should get assistance or gain knowledge in the area of Predictive Maintenance Technologies prior to just buying some hardware and software. The benefits really come from what you do with the information gleaned from the data that you collect and analyze.

Wayne,
I've ahd my program active since 1985 and there are definate dos and don'ts. Do get reliable equipment. Do find people that will champion the cause. Do document, document and document. This documentation of cost savings will provide your new equipment. The biggest don't is don't alienate those who can help you. That is, your maintenance people are your greatest asset so convince then that a good reliability based program will help them, not be a threat to their well being.

I strongly agree with Ron about the need to have the maintenance guys involved! I'd even suggest showing them the graphs and explaning that the peaks on the graph indicate whatever problem you're trying to have them fix. It's not so important that they understand the graphs; just they they understand that there is an indication. As time goes on, they'll understand more and more about the process and become more involved in the process. You may find them asking about results and wanting to see how their work has changed the picture.

The more they understand and are involved in the process, the more help they can be too. You may find a machine out of alignment; the maintenance guys will know to tell you about taking the coupling apart to replace the mechanical seal if they understand what's happening.

Jon
Spintelligent Lab

I have a customer that had a broken 2120 sitting on the shelf. I suggest they send it out for repair/calibration. They did and the mechanic I work with had it in his office today. He was asking about what training he should attend so he could learn how to use the meter. I asked him what he wanted to do, and he said he'd like to know when to clean his baghouse fans. That's all he really needs (right now, at least).

In 30 seconds I set up a single off-route point in displacement. "Just attach the sensor like you see me do when I balance them, and push this button. That's it."

5 minutes later he was out taking overall vibration readings on his fans, which is all he wanted.

Sometimes it's best to start simply, with what you already understand. And go from there.

It's been more than a year since you posted a request for help on implementing a benchmark PdM program. How have you done. Do you still need assistance?