Using video as a sensor has enabled two vibration-centric outputs: magnified video to understand the relative motion, and vibration measurement.
While motion magnification is revolutionizing the way we see and understand machinery vibration, simultaneously measuring vibration data helps to reconcile this new sensor back to the rich heritage of vibration-based diagnostic information.
For example, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has developed ISO 10816-3 – Mechanical Vibration – Evaluation of machine vibration by measurement on non-rotating parts. Part 3 is for “Industrial machines with nominal power above 15kW and nominal speeds between 120 r/min and 15 000 r/min when measured in situ”. This standard provides references for when to start worrying, take action, shut down, etc. based on the general size of your machine. The lingua franca is overall vibration levels measured on non-rotating parts for given classes of machines. While it is still a challenge inherent in the technology to produce a highly accurate overall vibration value, frequency-specific information is readily available on all viewable non-rotating parts, and can serve as a valuable data point when referencing standards. Other standard bodies maintain vibration-based recommendations similar to ISO, such as the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the Hydraulic Institute (HI).
What becomes logically apparent is the need to detect and quantify vibration at low levels |
What becomes logically apparent is the need to detect and quantify vibration at low levels.
First and foremost, this provides the asset manager with vibration information before action is required. Measuring vibration information at (or beyond!) recommended shutdown levels is handy, but it sure would be nice to know what’s going on during the incipient stages of failure.
Second, by ensuring detection at low levels of vibration, it reduces the risk of false negatives, where vibration was not high enough to be detected and quantified, yet could still be causing a problem. And at higher frequencies, it requires more energy to reach given levels of displacement, making low levels of detection all the more critical.
This is why we’ve built VibVue® from the ground up to accurately measure AND quickly magnify vibration at incredibly low levels of displacement, including at high frequencies. And it’s why we continue to push the technological boundaries to see how low we can go. We’re excited about how this technology is transforming the way we think about vibration.
