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IoT Wireless Vibration Sensors can be used for a multitude of applications and equipment when it comes to data collection and condition monitoring. Additionally, NCD Vibration Sensors can be used for preventative maintenance purposes to prevent future failure in many settings and on various types of machinery, such as compressors, pumps, motors, fans, and others.
To be able to prevent failure on machinery, it must first be determined when, and how often data needs to be gathered. It is possible to collect data too often. Alternatively, data can be collected too infrequently. Commanding too much bandwidth while operating a wireless sensor will often result in errors, or the sensor may not collect data as it should. Not collecting enough data may result in an absence of important readings. Choosing the right transmission interval will ensure an accurate and informative data collection. This will vary depending on the type of machinery on which the sensor is being applied, and how many sensors are attached to said machinery or equipment.
After the sensor has been installed, and data is being collected at a regular interval, the user will be more familiar with the preventative maintenance and condition monitoring NCD Vibration Sensors can offer. Thus, the sensors can be used to predict future machine failure. (Please see NCDs full line of vibration sensors – here.)
Failure, as defined, is nonperformance of something that is due, required, or expected.
Now, how does the user employ this information to use preventative maintenance systems and avoid the potential failure of machinery?
When a pump, motor, compressor or fan, for instance, begins to perform in a manner that is faulty, an NCD Vibration Sensor will collect that data, and transmit it to the user. An NCD Vibration Sensor can detect if a piece of equipment is vibrating abnormally or heating to an unsafe level. Gathering this data early and often will ensure that any malfunction is detected far before failure occurs – this in turn saves time, and any future repair costs that may be incurred. Alternately, early indicators of malfunction aren’t alway indicative of impending failure. It’s important to know your equipment, and if there is failure that may occur, or if there’s simply a maintenance issue that needs to be addressed. For example, a bearing that needs to be replaced. This will also minimize downtime on the factory floor.
When using NCD Vibration Sensors for preventative maintenance purpose, it will be recognized that there is a pattern of vibration for any one particular piece of equipment or machinery being used. After some time, the user will begin to recognize which patterns of vibration will correspond with each piece of equipment. Below is a general vibration guideline to how your motor, pump, compressor, or fan may operate.
General Vibration Guidelines
Reading or Vibration Level Condition Action Required
.01g or Less Excellent Condition No Action Required
.035g or Less Good Condition No action required unless the machine is making undue noise or is running at an abnormal temperature
.5g or Less Fair Condition No action required unless the machine is making undue noise or is running at an abnormal temperature
.75g or More Rough Condition Possible action required if the machine is making undue noise. Check bearing temperature.
1g or More Very Rough Condition Further analysis required. Monitor if condition persists. Check noise and temperature.
1.5g or More Dangerous Condition Immediate analysis required – check installation and temperature level.
2.5g or More Danger and Instability Conditions Present Shut down the machine immediately and analyze cause. Call a technician for immediate repair.
(For Heavy Machinery, these readings may be 1.5x to 2x greater than listed above.)