CAT IV Vibration Analysis (VCAT-IV)

CAT IV Vibration Analysis

Master Vibration Analyst (CAT-IV)

Venue: Distance Learning
Duration: 4 days (equivalent)
Continuing Education Units (CEUs): 4

Part One of the course will be delivered via distance learning; access to a Web site will be required however a computer-based version will be available at an extra cost. The course will be taught by Jason Tranter, founder of Mobius Institute. Quizzes will be performed during the course in order to gauge comprehension.

The primary focus of this course is advanced signal processing, cross channel measurements, dynamics (mass/stiffness/damping, natural frequencies, modes), resonance testing (run-up/coast down tests, impact tests, ODS, modal analysis), and corrective action (flow control, resonance correction, isolation and damping). This course will take a practical approach to these subjects. Animations and software simulations will be used to make these topics easier to understand. Mathematics and theoretical derivations will be kept to an absolute minimum.

Aim

You will come away from the course with a solid understanding of:

1. How a well designed program, and the reliability centered maintenance approach (with precision balancing, alignment, lubrication and resonance control), will improve the OEE and therefore the bottom line.
2. The condition monitoring technologies: acoustic emission, infrared analysis (thermography), oil analysis, wear particle analysis, motor testing – via supplementary training
3. How to select the correct measurement location and axis, and collect good, repeatable measurements
4. What the Fmax, resolution, averaging and other single-channel and cross-channel analyser settings mean, and how to select the optimum settings for a wide variety of machine types
5. How to analyse vibration spectra, time waveforms, envelope (demodulation), and phase measurements
6. How to diagnose a wide range of fault conditions: unbalance, eccentricity, misalignment, bent shaft, cocked bearing, looseness, rolling element bearings faults, journal bearing faults, gearbox faults, resonance, and other conditions
7. How mass, stiffness and damping affects the natural frequency of a structure
8. How to use phase readings, bump tests, impact tests, negative averaging, peakhold averaging, transient (run up and coast down), ODS, and modal analysis to determine natural frequencies and visualize machine movement
9. How to set alarm limits manually and with statistics
10. How to balance and align a machine, correct a resonance conditions, and employ isolation.

Topics

• Advanced signal processing
• Cross channel measurements
• Dynamics (mass/stiffness/damping, natural frequencies, modes)
• Resonance testing (run-up/coast down tests, impact tests, ODS, modal analysis)
• Corrective action (flow control, resonance correction, isolation and damping)
• Proximity probe and casing measurements
• Orbit and centerline plot analysis
• Rotor dynamics (natural frequencies, modelling)
• Journal bearings (design, fluid film instabilities)
• Flexible rotor balancing
• Torsional vibration

Course Takeaways

The Category IV vibration analyst will:

• Apply vibration theory and techniques, including measurement and interpretation of multi-channel spectral results such as frequency response functions, phase and coherence
• Be able to understand and perform signal analysis, including understanding of frequency and time domain processing, including orbits and their limitations
• Be able to determine the natural frequencies, mode shapes and damping of systems, components and assemblies
• Be able to determine and assess the operating deflection shapes of machines and connected structures and recommend means for correction
• Be able to use generally recognized advanced techniques for vibration analysis, parameter identification, and fault diagnosis
• Be able to apply the basic principles of rotor-bearing dynamics to vibration diagnosis
• Extend their knowledge of advanced two-plane influence coefficient or static and couple balancing theory and apply this to large, flexible rotor machines
• Use their understanding of the effect of corrective actions such as component change or repair, isolation, damping, change of stiffness and change of mass, and therefore make recommendations of the actions to take
• Be able to interpret and evaluate codes of practice and specifications published in International Standards and other documents, as they apply to balancing, alarm limits, condition monitoring programs and more
• Be able to recognize vibration caused by gas pulsation in machines, such as reciprocating machines and screw compressors, be able to measure the necessary parameters, and recommend means for correction
• Be able to recommend corrective actions for resilient mounting and other holding-down and foundation problems
• Be able to direct and audit condition monitoring strategies

Master Vibration Analyst (CAT-IV)

Venue: Live Classroom
Duration: 4 days
Continuing Education Units (CEUs): 4
Examination: Provided on the 5th day

This four-day course will be delivered in a classroom environment. Quizzes will be performed during the course in order to gauge comprehension.

The primary focus of this course is the measurement, analysis, dynamics, and balancing of turbomachinery. Topics will include proximity probe and casing measurements, orbit and centerline plot analysis, rotor dynamics (natural frequencies, modeling), journal bearings (design, fluid film instabilities), and flexible rotor balancing. The course will also cover torsional vibration.

Note that this course is designed for people who have come up through the Category I, II, III development process; it is not necessary to have a degree in advanced mechanical engineering or dynamics – we will take a very practical approach. Utilizing advanced 3D animations and software simulations, topics that were possibly beyond the reach of many vibration analysts will be far easier to understand. The aim is to provide the level of knowledge that enables the vibration analyst to understand these topics to a high degree, with the expectation that if advanced analysis, design modification or modeling is required, a specialist in those areas will be called-in.

Classroom outline

Day One & Two

We will focus on advanced signal processing, structural dynamics, corrective action (isolation, resonance correction, etc.), ODS, and modal analysis. Along with the topic revision we will go through the worked examples and students will be given poll questions to test their knowledge.

Day Three & Four

We will focus on proximity probe measurements, conventions, orbits, centerline plots, journal bearings, rotordynamics, diagnosing common faults associated with journal bearings and turbo-machinery, and flexible rotor balancing. Once again, along with the topic revision we will go through the worked examples and students will be given poll questions to test their knowledge.

Day Five (Optional Certification Exam)

The Category IV examination will be offered on the fifth day.  The exam consists of 60 questions which must be completed in five hours.

Prerequisite

60 months of practical vibration analysis work experience (must be verified), CAT-III certification by Mobius Institute, Vibration Institute or BINDT, and completion of both the online learning and public classroom training components.

Student eligibility for certification

CAT-I: you’ll need 6 months or more experience in VA. When completing the experience section on the online registration form please confirm you have sufficient experience. Note that when completing the official exam registration form you will be required to provide a witness who can verify your declared experience.

CAT-II: you’ll need 18 months or more experience in VA. When completing the experience section on the registration form please confirm you have sufficient experience. Note that when completing the official exam registration form you will be required to provide suitable evidence.

CAT-III: you’ll need 36 months or more experience in VA and have a valid CAT II certificate. When completing the experience section on the registration form please confirm you have sufficient experience. Note that when completing the official exam registration form you will be required to provide suitable evidence.

CAT-IV: you’ll need 60 months or more experience in VA and have a valid CAT III certificate. Certification process: Those who successfully pass the course assessments (70% or greater pass mark required), will be eligible to sit an accredited exam at the end of the course (or at a later date if preferred).

Sitting the examination

Public Course: Mobius Institute or BINDT
Online Course: Mobius Online Examination

We offer certification that follows ISO 18536-2 and ASNT standards for Mobius, as well as BINDT. It is our policy not to favour one certification institute over the other – use the links above to make your own assessment. The BINDT certification exam price includes postage and packaging of the exam papers, and postage of your printed certificate. Important: If you opt for the BINDT certification you must also complete their Admission Form. This editable form will be sent to students after course registration.

Here you’ll find the BINDT VA syllabus. The MOBIUS certification exam price includes postage and packaging of the exam papers, and postage of your printed certificate. The Mobius exam registration is completed by each student once they are logged into their Mobius online portal. This login also gives access to the online pre-study portal.

What can I study online?

We are pleased to offer the following online training courses and learning solutions that include community-based digital support and personal instructor mentoring. You can learn at your own pace, with assistance from an instructor, and optionally take the exam at the end of the course.

• Vibration Analysis: CAT-I, CAT-II, CAT-III and CAT-IV
• Asset Reliability Practitioner (ARP): Advocate, Engineer and Leader
• iLearnReliability CM
• iLearnReliability Professional
• iLearnReliability Enterprise

Distance learning benefits

If the high cost of travel and accommodation, and the time away from your family and work has stopped you from receiving the training that you need, then you should consider our distance learning courses.

At a time that is convenient to you, and at a pace that works best for you, you can take our lessons and learn in a very similar way to attendees of our classroom courses. Depending upon the course, you can either view fully narrated slides, or you can watch a video of the class in action.

Narrated slides

Utilizing the popular iLearnVibration and iLearnAlignment products, we offer distance learning courses where you can view the lessons at your own page, in your own time, and get assistance from an instructor when any questions arise. Of course, you can just buy the products and learn at your own pace without assistance, but you are sure to benefit from interaction with the instructor. In certain courses, you can also interact with other students.

Video lessons

These are not noisy, unprofessional videos taken from actual classrooms, each video was carefully created and edited so that you receive the full benefit. As you can see in this sample, you see the instructor talking and you see the slides (and simulators) being used in high resolution. All you need is a good Internet connection and a good monitor (1024×768 or better) and you will be ready to start learning. You can pause and rewind the video so that you can see and hear the instructor cover the topic again.

In addition to the lessons, hands-on videos are presented where a variety of vibration analyzers are used to perform a range of tests. The tests include demonstrations of averaging (linear, rms, and peak hold), bump tests, run up and coast down tests, simple ODS tests, bearing fault detection tests, phase analysis, live spectrum analysis, time waveform analysis, and more.

You can also perform activities defined by the instructor, and take quizzes that will be reviewed by the instructor.

This is a great way to learn. The convenience of learning from home, and the reduced costs associated with travel, meals and accommodation make this a very attractive option – especially while the world’s economy is still recovering.

Updated (02/11/2021)

1. The registration form must be completed and returned to confirm a place on the course. A valid email address must be supplied for each candidate.
2. Bookings are taken on a first come, first served basis, and must be received prior to attending the course.
3. If you are an existing customer then a valid purchase order must accompany the registration form. Please add the po number to the registration form and send the PO to [email protected].
4. If you are a new customer then payment will need to be made on receipt of the invoice. For credit card payments, add your card details to the registration form, or if you prefer, call the accounts department on +44 (0)1206 791917. Please note that in accordance with UK law, there are no processing fees for using personal credit or debit cards. If you are paying with a commercial credit or debit card the processing fee is currently 2.5%.
5. Any cancellations would need to be received at least four weeks before the start of the course, (so we have enough time to offer the place to someone else) otherwise a cancellation fee of half the course costs would be payable. Cancellations need to be confirmed in writing or by email.
6. Notification of a change of candidate or change of course would need to be received at least two weeks before the start of the course. An admin fee of £ 100.00 per candidate will be charged. Any changes need to be notified to us in writing or by email.
7. If a candidate does not attend the course and we have not been notified in advance or we are given less than 1 weeks’ notice, then the full course fee would be payable.

Languages

We would assume that as the course and exam are delivered in English, your level of spoken and written English is sufficient for you to be able to attend the course and take the exam. If English is not your first language we can apply for extra time in advance of the course. Please notify us as soon as possible if there is any other reason why you need extra time in the exam (eg. Dyslexia), so we can see if we can arrange extra time for you in the exam. The exam body will need to be contacted to arrange this.

Pricing & VAT

Prices listed are exclusive of UK VAT, currently at 20%. This applies to all training courses conducted in the UK. Please contact the Training team on +44 (0)1206 791917 if you have any queries.

Training Coordinator

Wendy Whittle
[email protected]

General enquiries

Training Team
[email protected]

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