What Is Vibration Analysis?
Vibration analysis is the cornerstone of predictive bearing maintenance. An accelerometer mounted on the bearing housing captures vibration signals, which are processed using FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) to identify frequency peaks corresponding to specific defect types: BPFO (outer race), BPFI (inner race), BSF (rolling element), and FTF (cage).
Implementation
Routine vibration measurements are compared against baseline values and ISO 10816 alarm thresholds. Trending detects gradual degradation months before failure. Our Condition Monitoring Guide covers setup, and the Oman Oil & Gas Case Study shows a 91% unplanned shutdown reduction using this technique.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does vibration analysis detect bearing faults?
Each bearing defect (inner race, outer race, rolling element, cage) produces vibration at a specific frequency related to shaft speed and bearing geometry. An accelerometer measures these vibrations, and FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) analysis decomposes the signal into frequency components that match known defect frequencies.