A vibration meter is a type of electronic device known as an analyzing tool that transmits vibration signals. The sensor of the device allows for transforming the power signal when it is shaking on the equipment. The signal is generated through the cable to the vibration meter. The vibration meter may not only generate the power signal, but also other options such as acceleration and velocity. The device may display the vibration with high precision.
The vibration meter is a significant device in industrial applications. The vibration measurement device’s use refers to the machinery equipment maintenance. These devices are generally applied for observing newly obtained machinery equipment to provide effortless work.
While the measurement checking it is found that the vibration differs from the reference, you should immediately check the machinery equipment for damages. Moreover, the vibration meter is also significant in the measurement process before and after equipment repairings to identify whether the repair was successful. Furthermore, the vibration meter is applied to determine the frequency and vibration voltage of the equipment to be sure whether it is safe to apply the machine.
The vibration meter is also applied to observe the problem in bearings, machines, engines, and other equipment. There may be portable and handheld vibration meters that are easy to apply as they don’t require training.
Users need to choose a suitable portable vibration meter based on the mechanical type. The vibration meter for low-frequency determines low vibration level and so it is highly sensitive. However, the vibration meter for high frequency determines high vibration levels and is suitable with low sensitivity. The vibration meter is usually applied for measuring vibration levels of more than 1 Hz. The device has high-frequency features that match for determining vibrations in a high-frequency range. Such devices may be applied for observing the mechanical equipment in industrial plants.
Portable vibration meters are generally light and simple to function the machine. This portable device has a back-light display that allows measuring vibrations even in dark areas. Such a type of vibration measuring device has an automatic power-off feature that allows for the indication of proper measurements. Portable vibration meters are suitable for indicating the vibration level of machines caused by out-of-balance, gear damage, and other options.
Handheld Vibration Meter is easy enough to apply with minimal staff training. It allows comfortably measuring the vibration level of several bearings, gears, and spindles for certain purposes. Such vibration meters include an industrial accelerometer, cable assembly, mounting magnet, and headphones for comfortable audible observing. The handheld measurement device has a portable, lightweight, and battery-powered motor. This type of vibration meter is applied for measuring various fans, pumps, and other equipment.
There are three basic vibration measurements called displacement, velocity, and acceleration. These three basics are relatively important to achieve maximum measurement results.
Displacement is a vibration measurement of the amount of motion in the object’s mass. The motion of the object refers to the vibration. The magnitude of the force of the displacement is generally impacted by the amplitude produced by the vibration. The higher the amplitude is, the higher the vibration is produced by the equipment.
Velocity is the speed of vibration. Velocity is needed when the displacement appears. Velocity is the ideal indicator that allows for determining where the vibration issues may appear. Appeared vibration issues include unbalanced, mechanical looseness that leads to damage to the machine.
Acceleration is the last and significant basis for a vibration meter. Acceleration is useful for calculating the acceleration of existing vibrations. It is useful when the velocity appears. Not all types of machinery equipment may apply the acceleration for measuring equipment. Generally, to apply the acceleration measurements, the most proper type of equipment is rotating equipment. The resulting checking of acceleration is very significant for spinning machines. Detecting the issue that may appear in the gearbox that has a high speed, from acceleration is more effortless and faster.
The vibration meter functions by the same principle as the voltmeter does, the main difference is the unit the device measures. The vibration measurement device should be placed on the object whose vibration you need to identify. The sensor will provide the voltage signal caused by the vibration of the object that is generated through the cable into the transmitter inside the vibration measurement device.
Nevertheless, the vibration values are not displayed on the vibration meter in the form of voltage, but in the form of acceleration and velocity (speed per unit time). So, the way the vibration meter works relate to two groups of vibration effects: hand-arm vibration and whole body vibration.
Hand-arm vibration is a specific vibration effect that relates to the arm only. Generally, the vibration effect appears when applying equipment such as grinders, drills, electric saws, and compactors. In the meantime, the whole body vibration effect may relate throughout the body. This effect generally appears when applying heavy machinery equipment such as contractor tools or factory machines where vibrations are felt on the floor.
The vibration meter is divided into two groups: the vibration meter, and the magnetic base with the vibration meter and vibration sensor. Both groups work by the same methods and have similar functions.
To begin with, you should turn on the vibration meter and set the required measurement unit for your project from m/s to mm/s. Then you easily attach the sensor and the base of the vibration meter to the object to measure the vibration. Hold the vibration measurement device until the reading occurs on the display and becomes stable. Then you write down the readings and calculate the vibration level.
If your vibration meter is old enough, it is required to calibrate the device periodically. Vibration measurement devices applied for a long period and rarely calibrated may show inaccurate readings that may lead to a negative impact on your project. You may apply the calibration in two ways: horizontal and vertical. Horizontal calibration works by placing the sensor in a horizontal position on the bearing cap. Vertical calibration functions by attaching the device's sensor perpendicularly to the bearing cap. There are also vibration meters available with an automatic calibration option that will make your project easier and faster.
Vibration Meters may be applied in industrial engineering to measure the vibration level of structures such as buildings, roads, bridges, railway tracks, and other heavy industrial areas. Vibration measurements allow for identifying the risk of building areas due to vibration caused by earthquakes, wind, or components such as elevators, ventilation, and HVAC systems. The vibration measurement device may be used for measuring other options such as vibration acceleration, velocity, and displacement.