Enveloping on a Fan Drive Motor

This is the fifth video case study from the ‘Book of Gold, Practical Condition Monitoring Case Studies’ (#BookofGold) by JPS Reliability. As part of a routine data collection program, a slight change was noted in the fan motor vibration levels. Vibration monitoring frequencies were increased to daily as the defect detoriated. This process enabled planning and a controlled change out of the motor.

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Motor Bearing Sub-surface Fatigue Defect

This is the fourth video case study from the ‘Book of Gold, Practical Condition Monitoring Case Studies’ by JPS Reliability. In this video James is not in his shed (it’s too cold), instead he’s in front of the Christmas tree! James hopes to provoke discussion around the questions: how early do you want to detect the defect, what caused the failure, and how can the defect be eliminated. This case features a set of pumps on separate metal base frames secured to the same concrete bed. The motor bearing has a suspected sub-surface fatigue defect.

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False Brinelling on a Standby Pump Motor

This is the third video case study from the ‘Book of Gold, Practical Condition Monitoring Case Studies’ (#BookofGold) by James Sylvester. In this video James is back in his garden shed sharing a case study that he hopes helps answer the question, how to prevent false brinelling on a standby pump motor. This is a set of pumps on seperate metal base frames secured to the same concrete bed with a common inlet and outlet pipework.

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Stage 4 Rolling Element Defect Due To Edm

This is the second video case study from the ‘Book of Gold, Practical Condition Monitoring Case Studies’ (#BookofGold) by James Sylvester. In this video James can again be found in his garden shed! But hopefully this time you know why! In this video James analyses a Stage 4 Rolling Element Defect that is due to Electrical discharge machining (Edm).

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Aged Bearing – Worm Wheel Gearbox

This is the first video case study from the ‘Book of Gold, Practical Condition Monitoring Case Studies’ (#BookofGold) by James Sylvester. In this video James can be found in his garden shed! Why you may ask! Because that is where he keeps the broken parts from all his case studies – aha! In this video James shows that failure was due to the use of an aged bearing in a Worm Wheel Gearbox. Read more


What are common types of Misalignment?

30-second summary

  • Common misalignments are usual and can happen to machines in a variety of ways.
  • Left alone misalignment can reduce the longevity of bearings, shafts, seals, and even couplings.
  • Misalignment is the root cause of most machine breakdowns: bearing failures, and damaged seals, shafts, and couplings.
  • It is widely believed that 50% of machine failures are due to misalignment.
  • Treating the misalignment early on, whether by a soft-foot correction, dial indicator alterations or a full-fledged laser alignment, will help to prevent total machine failure.
  • The basic rule of thumb is, machines that are precision aligned will function for a longer period and costs less to run.

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How can thermal imaging help diagnose faults?

30-Second Summary

  • An infrared camera is one of the most primitive yet trusted methods for identifying an electrical connection or component problem.
  • Misalignment, steam/water leaks, bent shafts, and moisture are some of the issues that can be detected using thermographic analysis.
  • You can learn more about thermographic analysis by enrolling on a CAT I Vibration Analysis course.

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Dynamic Vibration Absorber

This is the 6th, and bonus video case study from the book ‘Enhanced System Reliability Through Vibration Technology’ (ESRTVT) by James Sylvester. In this video James covers a 2-year project period from initial root cause diagnosis on a dynamic vibration absorber to designing, trialing, and implementing an innovative cost-effective solution. Read more


Four-point Contact Bearing – 23RPM Defect

This would have been the final of five video case studies from the book ‘Enhanced System Reliability Through Vibration Technology’ (ESRTVT) by James Sylvester; but James added a sixth, as a bonus! In this video James demonstrates vibration analysis of a slow rotational Four-point Contact Bearing, with a 23RPM Defect. This is to remind us that correct database set up, and Time Waveform Analysis is so important in slow rotational bearings.

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Vibrating Screen Gearbox Bearing Defect

This is the fourth of five video case studies from the book ‘Enhanced System Reliability Through Vibration Technology’ (ESRTVT) by James Sylvester. In this video James shows how it’s possible to diagnose faults on a vibrating screen gearbox. By measuring the correct vibration parameters you can resolve defects in harsh applications, even an inner raceway defect on a vibrating screen.

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Variable Frequency Drive Deterioration

This is the third of five video case studies from the book ‘Enhanced System Reliability Through Vibration Technology’ (ESRTVT) by James Sylvester. In this video James shows how analysing vibration and thermal data can diagnose electrical drive faults on a variable frequency drive.

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Standby Fan Motor Bearing Defect

This is the second of five video case studies from the book ‘Enhanced System Reliability Through Vibration Technology’ (ESRTVT) by James Sylvester. In this video James shows how analysing bearing damage on a fan motor bearing can lead to the root cause of the problem. Read more


Electrical Vibration Problem

This is the first of five video case studies from the book ‘Enhanced System Reliability Through Vibration Technology’ (ESRTVT) by James Sylvester. In this video James shows how vibration analysis can be used to diagnose electrical vibration problems on a VFD driven Motor. Read more


30-Second Summary

  • Understanding the machine, getting early warning of faults, detection of all fault conditions, and repeatable measurements are crucial for effective vibration analysis.
  • Vibration analyst courses that are compliant with courses that follow the ISO 18436 standard are quintessential in the present-day scenario.
  • An efficient vibration analyst must take quick and economical measurements, and aim to detect the most common faults before the failure of the machine.

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How can Vibration Analysis help detect bearing faults?

30-Second Summary

  • Vibration analysis can help detect bearing defects, but can’t do much to enhance plant reliability.
  • Detecting the root cause of the bearing defect is equally important when it comes to ensuring that the same problem doesn’t occur in the future.
  • RMS offers Online, Public, and Onsite ISO 18436-2 CAT I to CAT IV courses for vibration analysis.

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