You're looking to improve machinery performance. How can you find the best products for monitoring vibration?

2 Compare different technologies

When it comes to monitoring vibration, there are a variety of technologies and methods to consider, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Accelerometers are versatile, accurate, and easy to install, but may not capture all frequency ranges and modes of vibration. Strain gauges measure the strain or deformation of a material under stress, making them reliable and able to measure static and dynamic loads; however, they require complex wiring and calibration. Laser Doppler vibrometers use a laser beam to measure the velocity and displacement of a vibrating surface without contact; they are precise, non-invasive, and can measure high-frequency vibrations but may be expensive, bulky, and sensitive to environmental factors. Depending on your objectives, you may need to use one or more of these technologies or combine them with other methods such as acoustic emission, thermography, or ultrasound.

3 Evaluate different features

Once you have chosen the technology or technologies you want to use, you must evaluate the features and specifications of the products that offer them. Range, resolution, accuracy, response time, and connectivity are all important factors to consider. The range should cover the expected vibration levels of your machinery and applications. The resolution should be high enough to capture the details and variations of vibration relevant to your objectives. Accuracy must be within the acceptable error margin for your objectives and standards. Response time should be fast enough to capture dynamic changes and events of vibration. Finally, connectivity should be compatible with your existing systems and networks, offering security, reliability, and flexibility.

4 Check the reviews and ratings

Finally, you need to check the reviews and ratings of the products you are interested in, from both experts and users. You can find these on online platforms, such as websites, blogs, forums, or social media, where you can read about the experiences, opinions, and feedback of other plant engineers who have used the products. You can also look for ratings based on criteria such as performance, quality, durability, ease of use, and customer service. These will help you compare the products and identify their strengths and weaknesses, as well as any potential issues or problems you may encounter.

By following these tips, you can find the best products for monitoring vibration in your plant, and improve your machinery performance and efficiency. Remember to always test and verify the products before you use them, and to follow the instructions and recommendations of the manufacturers and suppliers.