When I first started, setting up a PM program utilizing vibration analysis involved going to school to learn how to use the complicated, and expensive, vibration equipment. Collecting vibration data, downloading it to your computer, and then analyzing the spectrums and time wave forms easily requires someone to teach you how to make sense of all the data. Engineers were the only people with enough training. But that is not necessary anymore.

Vibration equipment is now reduced in physical size as well as required training to understand how to use it. Improved technology has made it easier to measure, and monitor, the health of your rotating equipment. Hand held vibration meters, such as the SKF Vibration Pen, can give you an overall vibration amplitude level, a bearing condition level, and even temperature. Extech Instruments has a variety of hand held, vibration monitoring instruments to select from. How do you choose what is best for you?

First you have to define how "in-depth" you want your vibration program to be. Ideally, you probably should have a resident engineer trained and dedicated full time to collecting and analyzing vibration data. But since this is not an ideal world, you will probably have to settle for something less. The SKF vibration pen is ideal for collecting and trending data. Measure the vibration daily, or weekly, or even monthly, write it down, and compare how it varies over time. Other than learning where to collect data, no special training is required.

The next step up will involve purchasing vibration monitoring equipment, probably with computer software, and at a much greater price... $5,000 or more.  Don't even consider spending this amount of money for equipment without purchasing the manufacturers' operator training.

Finally, the most common solution to vibration PM is to buy the service. Contract with someone who already is trained in vibration analysis. They have already purchased the $20K, $30K, or $50K vibration equipment, and are factory trained to use it. They usually spend many hours a week collecting and analyzing vibration data, so it is almost like having that resident engineer on your staff!

The efficiency of your PM program comes down to the quality of your tools and the training of your technicians. Invest in PM, it will save you money!