Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration


Diagnose common mechanical problems

April 2010 Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration

Fluke’s new vibration tester delivers experience-based diagnosis of machine problems.

The Fluke 810 is an advanced trouble-shooting instrument for vibration that enables maintenance teams to collect data and diagnose and solve mechanical problems rapidly. The handheld instrument is designed and programmed to diagnose the most common mechanical problems of unbalance, looseness, misalignment and bearing failures in a wide variety of mechanical equipment, including motors, fans, blowers, belts and chain drives, gearboxes, couplings, pumps, compressors, closed coupled machines and spindles.

When it detects a fault, the 810 identifies the problem and rates its severity on a four-level scale to help maintenance personnel prioritise tasks. It also recommends repairs; context sensitive help menus provide new users with realtime guidance and tips.

The vibration tester uses a simple step-by-step process to report on machine faults the first time measurements are taken, without prior measurement history. The combination of plain text diagnoses, severity ratings and repair recommendations helps users make better maintenance decisions and address critical problems first. The 810 is designed specifically for maintenance professionals who need to trouble-shoot mechanical problems and quickly understand the root cause of equipment condition.

Mechanical diagnosis starts when the user places the Fluke tri-axial TEDS accelerometer on the machine under test. The accelerometer has a magnetic mount and can also be installed by attaching a mounting pad using adhesive. A quick-disconnect cable connects the accelerometer to the test instrument. As the machine under test performs its operations, the accelerometer detects vibration along three planes of movement and transmits that information to the Fluke 810. Using a set of advanced algorithms, the vibration tester then provides a plain-text diagnosis of the machine with a recommended solution.

A new approach to machine diagnosis

Evaluating mechanical equipment typically requires comparing its condition over time to a previously established baseline. Vibration analysers used in condition based monitoring or predictive maintenance programs rely upon these baseline conditions to evaluate machine condition and estimate remaining operating life. By contrast, the diagnostic technology in the Fluke 810 analyses machinery operation and identifies faults by comparing vibration data to an extensive set of rules developed over years of field experience. The 810 determines fault severity using a unique technology that simulates fault free condition and establishes a baseline for instant comparison to current data. This means that every measurement taken is compared to a ‘like new’ machine.

Viewer application software

The tester includes Viewer PC software, compatible with Windows XP and Vista, to expand its data storage and tracking capability. With Viewer the user can:

* Create machine setups at the computer keyboard and transfer the data to the vibration tester.

* Generate diagnostic reports in a PDF format.

* View vibration spectra in greater detail.

* Import and store jpeg images and Fluke .IS2 thermal images for a more complete view of a machine’s condition.

The unit is supplied with embedded diagnostic technology, tri-axial TEDS accelerometer, accelerometer magnet mount, accelerometer mounting pad kit with adhesive, accelerometer quick-disconnect cable, laser tachometer and storage pouch, smart battery pack with cable and adapters, shoulder strap, adjustable hand strap, Viewer PC application software, mini-USB to USB cable and a carrying case.



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