Vibration Recorder

Machine condition monitoring is a key manufacturing maintenance task performed in production facilities around the globe. By identifying potentially problematic equipment based on machine diagnostics data, factories can take action to fix issues before equipment failures lead to costly production downtimes.

The PCE-VT 1100 and PCE-VT 204 vibration recorder models primarily are used to measure vibration acceleration, vibration velocity and vibration displacement (also referred to as three-axis or X,Y,Z vibration) in manufacturing production machines and equipment. Using one of these PCE-branded vibration recorder devices, a machine maintenance technician can assess the current condition of the equipment and identify the cause of any undesirable vibrations.

During machine vibration analysis, a graph of the vibration frequency spectrum is a useful visual aid. Increasing vibration is usually an indication that something is going wrong with the machine. Since vibration is connected to frequency, a frequency spectrum graph will reflect any increases or decreases in vibration.

The PCE-VM 25 vibration recorder has a special function used for Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis. For this reason, the PCE-VM 25 vibration recorder is ideal for detailed investigations of machine bearing frequencies. The image on the right shows the PCE-VM 25 vibration recorder in use to assess the vibration of a bearing in an industrial motor.

Vibration measurements can and should be taken not only to monitor the condition of the machine, but also to determine the effect of the machine's vibration on the machine operator. Vibrations may be permanent and continuous, or they may occur only from time to time, like impulses. Vibrations may be inertial, forced (i.e., a force acting on an object), relative or free (when displacement is involved). Depending on the position of the operator and his / her proximity to the equipment, he / she may experience whole-body or hand-arm vibrations. If exposure exceeds the permissible limits, the operator may experience long-term problems with his / her fingers, hands, back and other body parts. Therefore, no matter what type of vibration is in question, the vibration should be evaluated according to its impact on the health and safety of the machine operator. If possible, changes to the machine itself (or to the amount of time the operator spends using the machine) should be made immediately to prevent or limit the operator's exposure to negative vibrations.

Vibration recorders also are used to measure vibration in buildings. There are many factors that can contribute to vibration in buildings, such as the building's proximity to high-traffic roadways, railroad tracks, airports, quarries, construction sites and other heavy industrial areas. In addition, buildings can vibrate due to natural causes such as wind, weather and earthquakes, or due to the operation of internal building components like elevators and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Vibration testing helps to determine what areas in a building are at the higher risk for vibration. Regular vibration monitoring in high-risk areas can provide property managers with advance notice of vibration-related structural issues.

Permissible exposure limits for vibrations are established by entities such as the International Standards Organization (ISO). ISO vibration regulations include:

- DIN ISO 10816 (vibration severity in machines)
- DIN ISO 7919 (mechanical vibration)
- DIN 4150 (structural vibration, buildings)
- DIN ISO 10816-3 (machine condition, machine vibrations)
- DIN ISO 2631 (whole-body exposure)
- DIN ISO 5349-1 and DIN ISO 5349-2 (hand-arm vibration)