Vibration monitoring plays a critical role in maintaining the reliability and efficiency of rotating machinery. Maintenance engineers and managers can implement periodic and continuous vibration measurements to optimize maintenance strategies. This article outlines the benefits and limitations of both approaches and explains why continuous measurements may be more accessible than expected.
\nPeriodic (or route-based) vibration measurements involve scheduled data collection at predefined intervals, typically using portable equipment. A technician or engineer collects vibration data from machinery at weekly, monthly, or quarterly intervals, depending on the criticality of the asset.
\nFor periodic measurements, there are multiple options, such as using a portable data collector, a portable multichannel analyzer, or measurement setups where data is collected continuously but analyzed periodically.
\nContinuous monitoring requires permanently installed sensors to collect and analyse vibration data in real-time. This approach is typically implemented on critical assets such as turbines, compressors, and generators.
\nFor continuous measurements, there are multiple options, such as using a VM600 rack or a Istec VibSys.
\nAdvantages:
\nDisadvantages:
\nA growing trend in industrial maintenance is the adoption of continuous measurements beyond just critical machinery. Companies are increasingly applying this approach to less critical assets like pumps and fans, driven by advancements in cost-effective monitoring and a shift away from run-to-failure strategies. Proactive maintenance is becoming the standard, aligning with sustainability goals and improving overall reliability.
\nTo support this shift, the upcoming VibSys® system offers an affordable solution for broader implementation, making continuous monitoring accessible even for less critical machines.
\nThe decision between periodic and continuous vibration measurements depends on several factors:
\n\n| Factor | Periodic Measurement | Continuous Measurement | \n
|---|---|---|
| Asset criticality | Suitable for less-critical or redundant machinery | Essential for critical, high-value assets | \n
| Failure progression speed | Works for slow-developing faults | Necessary for fast-developing faults | \n
| Budget | Lower initial investment but higher potential maintenance costs | Higher initial investment but cost-effective in the long run | \n
| Maintenance strategy | Enables a minimal form of predictive maintenance | Enables condition-based and predictive maintenance | \n
For many plants, the optimal strategy involves a hybrid approach. Non-critical machinery can rely on periodic measurements, while critical assets are equipped with continuous monitoring. With advancements in products like VibSys®, continuous monitoring is becoming more accessible, enabling even less critical machines to benefit from improved reliability and proactive maintenance.
\nMore information about VibSys® »
\nMore information about vibration analysis by Istec »
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