Vibration Analysis and Condition Monitoring

Overview

Vibration is often the earliest and most reliable sign that a rotating machine is developing a fault. Unbalance, misalignment, bearing damage, looseness and many process-related problems each leave a recognisable signature, and detecting them early allows repairs to be planned rather than forced by breakdown. This course teaches participants how to collect, analyse and act on vibration data within a wider condition monitoring programme. It covers vibration fundamentals, transducers and data collection, time waveform and spectrum analysis, and the diagnosis of the most common machinery faults in pumps, compressors, fans, motors and gearboxes. The programme also introduces complementary techniques, including oil analysis, thermography and ultrasound, and explains how to set alarm limits, design monitoring routes and build a condition monitoring programme that delivers measurable reliability gains.

Objectives

• Explain vibration fundamentals and measurement units
• Select and mount transducers correctly
• Collect reliable vibration data on monitoring routes
• Analyse time waveforms and spectra
• Diagnose unbalance, misalignment, looseness, bearing and gear faults
• Apply oil analysis, thermography and ultrasound alongside vibration
• Set alarm limits and design an effective condition monitoring programme

Who should attend

Training methodology

Theory is reinforced with real spectra and waveforms recorded on oil, gas and process machinery, many linked to photographs of the damage found when the machine was opened. Participants analyse case data individually and in pairs, progressing from simple to complex faults, and use demonstration equipment where available to see how faults appear in measurements. Route design and alarm setting are practised on a sample plant. A diagnostic assessment using unseen data completes the course.

Programme outline

Dates and fees

Fees are in GBP. per delegate.

Certificate

Frequently asked questions