High-precision sound and vibration measurements

July 2003 Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration Other technologies

National Instruments is offering two new additions to the company's 34-bit sound and vibration measurement hardware family. The NI PXI-4472B device is a new version of the NI 4472 optimised for vibration and low-frequency AC measurements. The new four-channel NI PCI-4474 board is suitable for the sound and vibration engineer requiring fewer channels yet still desiring the accuracy of 24-bit technology.

All of the NI 447x devices feature 24-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) that deliver 110 dB of dynamic range across a bandwidth of 45 kHz. The devices feature four or eight simultaneously sampled analog input channels and provide built-in programmable integrated electronic piezoelectric (IEPE) conditioning for accelerometers and microphones.

By using this hardware with powerful software tools such as the LabVIEW Sound and Vibration Toolset and the LabVIEW Order Analysis Toolset, engineers can perform a variety of tests including fractional-octave analysis, order analysis and extraction, spectral analysis, joint time-frequency analysis (JTFA) and sound-level measurements. They can use these tools to create complete test systems for applications such as noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) testing, machine condition monitoring and audio testing.

About National Instruments

National Instruments ( http://ni.com) is a technology pioneer and leader in virtual instrumentation - a concept that has changed the way engineers and scientists approach measurement and automation. Using the PC and its related technologies, virtual instrumentation increases productivity and lowers costs for customers worldwide through easy-to-integrate software, such as the NI LabVIEW graphical development environment, and modular hardware, such as PXI modules for data acquisition, instrument control and machine vision.

Further reading:

Operational efficiencies and safety compliance with preventive maintenance programmes
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Konecranes explains how its Lifecycle Care Preventive Maintenance programme reduces unexpected downtime, improves safety compliance and delivers measurable financial benefits for operators of cranes and lifting equipment across any make or sector.

Read more...

---

Portable appliance tester
Vepac Electronics Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Vepac Electronics’ new portable appliance tester enables precise safety testing of electrical appliances in accordance with DGUV regulation 3 and BetrSichV, with simple three-button operation and battery-powered mobility.

Read more...

---

Why lubrication fails in mining and what to do about it
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Lubrication Engineers explains the recurring failure points behind mining lubrication problems and how the right product, storage and application practices can improve equipment reliability.

Read more...

---

When digital twins move from concept to critical tool
IT in Manufacturing System Integration & Control Systems Design Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Digital twins are moving out of the lab and onto the mine, the factory floor and the transport network where they predict failures before they happen. Amritesh Anand looks at where they earn their keep, the data and integration work behind them, and the security questions every organisation should ask before switching one on.

Read more...

---

Why asset level intelligence is now essential for resilient wastewater plants
Schneider Electric South Africa Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Sub-Saharan Africa’s wastewater operators face mounting pressure to keep ageing plants running smoothly and meet tougher environmental standards, all while lacking visibility into the health of their medium-voltage (MV) drives and other critical rotating assets. Adding predictive analytics, digital twins and enterprise dashboards enables optimisation across multiple sites, ensuring every drop moves safely and efficiently through the water cycle.

Read more...

---

How multiple boilers can minimise costly downtime
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Associated Energy Services explains how multi-boiler systems reduce downtime risk for South African manufacturers, covering redundancy planning, fuel source diversification and the strategic management of backup boiler capacity.

Read more...

---

Field calibration made easy
Instrotech Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Instrotech’s locally designed and manufactured Calog calibrator range feature a rugged IP54-rated housing, backlit display with data logging via SD card, and a lithium-ion battery with approximately eight hours of run time.

Read more...

---

Repair and maintenance services boost system efficiency by 30%
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Following the expansion of its local sales and services network, Rittal South Africa continues to offer comprehensive onsite installation, repair and maintenance services to customers nationally.

Read more...

---

Keeping lifting equipment safe and securely on track
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
In the hustle and bustle of mining production, the focus on the servicing of lifting equipment can unintentionally be sidelined. This situation can easily be avoided with a customised Konecranes Service Agreement that offers a comprehensive and systematic approach to asset management.

Read more...

---

Tablet oscilloscope
Vepac Electronics Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
The PeakTech 1212 is a new, innovative oscilloscope designed to resemble a standard tablet in size and form. This tablet oscilloscope allows users to record any common measurement quantity and type, just like a desktop oscilloscope.

Read more...

---