I work in the public sector and would like to hire a company to take vibration readings on our rotating equipment, mostly pumps, on a scheduled frequency and provide a report on the status of the equipment. We would like to send out a request proposal however I want to make sure that all of the companies that reply are quoting to the same standards. We don’t have the internal expertise and as such are not sure what the requirements for the program should be. Does anyone know where this type of information might be available?

The quoting companies or independent contractors should supply you with a copy of ISO Standard 10816-1 and 3. However, keep in mind that these are standards and real world vibration levels and distinct frequencies vary and baseline measurements are required to establish the true operating levels of your equipment.

Have them supply you with resumes and reports they have done along with names and contact numbers. They should have a minimum of 10 years experience and that not being 5 guys with 2 years each [5 guys with 2 yrs each is 2 yrs experience having 5 opinions].

Categorize your equipement; basically, all will fall into either monthly or quarterly route surveys.

Once you get sample reports of real world equipment that matches yours to some degree along with their setup parameters and equipment (insturments) being used, have a third disinstested party evaluate the validity of it.

Doug,

Vibbase's advise hits the nail on the head. The standards are applied as guidelines to various types/speed/capacity machines. A contractor/consultant subscribing to these, does not mean much unless, they have relevant history/experience in dealing with varied types of equipment; as Sam has rightly pointed out.
I believe in service providers who not only has the capability to diagnose faults but, could actually re-instate the said equipment, at their facility (if required); this will reinforce commitment and follow thru.
You are addressing your queries to the right group/forum, who can point you in the right direction.

Cheers...Rajan Muthukrishnan

I must say that a company that is worth its "salt", will give you a detailed report on what they see and give you the recommendations for the problem equipment based their experience. These reports will generally be of such a nature as to seek results much better than any "standard" set forth for a specific piece of equipment, unless you only want something equal to or less than what a "standard" recommends or is.

I guess what I am saying is::Most service providers strive to get equipment into better condition than an "acceptable standard" level unless the customer only wants just enough to get by.

OMOAICBTW.

acceptance is 'worst case'.

Ask if the service vendors clients get a discount on their insurance due to a good and effective PdM programme. This could seperate the chaft from the wheat.

Sam

Do you mean the vibration service vendors can support the clients to ask for a discount on their insurance premium? How much is expected? 10 to 20%?