Question
Why use frequency-domain analysis and spectral alarms?
Answer
Vibration is periodic, by nature, so understanding the behaviors in terms of
magnitude and frequency has strategic value in establishing appropriate
monitoring criteria, such as spectral alarms. The typical customer will start
out taking data on their machines and will use that data and establish normal,
warning and critical alarm criteria. As the engineer develops experience, they
will likely adjust these criteria, for more efficient operation. One key value,
which will be evident later in the process, is associated with the historical
records inside of the ADIS16228. The device will store up to 14 records, so
customers can store machine-specific information, at the point of use. Here is
example of a FFT plot, with spectral alarms. Here is the plot.
Note that “warning” alarms might trigger a quality check of product quality,
measurement of other observable factors (noise, temperature, etc.) and may
eventually result in a scheduled maintenance. If that maintenance does not
reveal any real issues, the “warning” alarm level may be raised. On the other
hand, if production yields start to drop, due to a worn-out tool or handling
mechanism, the ADIS16228 could be used to study the vibration signature more
carefully, so that the spectral alarm levels can be updated, to better
observe. Our goal is to get the ADIS16228 in place as the tool that helps the
engineer develop this expertise.