June 2020Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Vibration in rotating machinery is merely the back and forth movement, or oscillation, of a machine and components, such as drive motors, driven devices (pumps, compressors, etc.), and the bearings, shafts, gears, belts and other elements that make up mechanical systems.
Vibration itself is not a problem. Excess vibration, however, is a symptom of internal issues, such as bearing failures, imbalance, misalignment and looseness, which shorten equipment lifespan. More than half of unplanned downtime is attributed to mechanical failures. While many things can impact the life of a machine, once the first signs of failure appear, it generally has only a matter of months before failing completely. Vibration testing provides a way to determine where a machine is on the failure curve, allowing maintenance teams to react as needed. The higher the overall vibration of a machine the worse the condition is. Comtest has on offer the Fluke 805 vibration meter that measures overall vibration, bearing vibration and temperature simultaneously.
Bearing condition is assessed automatically with the use of Crest Factor Plus (CF+) and temperature is often used as a second measurement that confirms the bearing assessment based on vibrations. With Fluke Connect for the FC enabled models, or a free Excel template, trend plots on all available parameters are easily created. Overall vibration values are used to create trend plots that help to predict the condition of a machine and to plan maintenance. Machine condition of most common machinery can be determined instantly with alarm levels that are programmed in the product.
Users such as frontline mechanical troubleshooting teams and machine operators of high-end process facilities (petrochemical, pulp and paper, primary metals, utilities, food, product, etc.) are very specific about inconsistencies in results when using vibration screening devices. Fluke 805 promises reliable, repeatable results thanks to the innovative sensor and sensor tip design that minimises measurement variations caused by angle or pressure. This unique sensor design compensates for the pressure applied during measurement and provides reliable results both for overall vibration (10 Hz to 1000 Hz) and bearing measurements (4000 Hz to 20 000 Hz).
The vibration meter provides a four-level severity scale (good, satisfactory, unsatisfactory and unacceptable) for both overall vibration and bearing condition. Rather than seeing unexplained lights or numerical indications, users can easily assess the severity of the situation with the Fluke 805’s text-based alerts.
The instrument can hold up to 3500 measurements, and if long-term trending is required, users can easily export data through a USB connection. No special software is needed because the product is shipped with a disk containing prebuilt Excel templates.
Comtest celebrates 20 years Comtest
News
It is said that time flies when you’re having fun, and so it seems to be for the Comtest Group of Companies, established in 2005, which is proudly celebrating 20 years of successful trading in the southern African test and measurement, communications, equipment, solutions and specialised systems markets.
Read more...Measuring and analysing PV circuit performance Comtest
Electrical Power & Protection
Regardless of the test method, you must know the plane of array irradiance and cell temperature to evaluate PV circuit performance. Proper sensor types and test methods like the Fluke Solmetric PVA 15i-V curve tracer should be used for reliable results.
Read more...UV water treatment system
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
bestUV is an innovative manufacturer of professional ultraviolet (UV) water treatment systems for industrial markets.
Read more...Prioritising arc flash safety Comtest
Electrical Power & Protection
Comtest has developed a range of thermal imaging and wireless testing tools from Fluke, designed to ensure safety is the top priority for engineers working in potentially dangerous arc flash zones.
Read more...RS PRO a key partner for planned maintenance RS South Africa
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
RS PRO, the own-brand of RS, offers a comprehensive selection of over 80 000 products spanning all industries and technologies.
Read more...WearCheck leads the way in condition monitoring Wearcheck
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Minimising maintenance costs of mining and power-generating machinery and maximising its operational efficiency – these goals form the foundation of the proactive/preventive maintenance services provided by the expert technicians at condition monitoring specialist, WearCheck.
Read more...Collect data three times faster SKF South Africa
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
SKF has extended its renowned Microlog Analyzer family of data collection devices with the addition of the Microlog Analyzer dBX. Currently SKF’s most powerful diagnostic tool, this cutting-edge device redefines diagnostic capabilities, enabling users to take measurements three times faster than its predecessor.
Read more...No more shocking, inaccurate insulation testing Comtest
Electrical Power & Protection
Fluke has introduced the Fluke 1535 and 1537 2500 V insulation resistance testers, engineered to simplify frontline troubleshooting, whether on the factory floor or working in the field at a solar installation.
Read more...How to test for continuity with a multimeter Comtest
Electrical Power & Protection
Understanding the role of a continuity tester in electrical diagnostics is crucial for professionals and enthusiasts alike. This guide offers a step-by-step approach to using a digital multimeter as a continuity tester, ensuring precise and safe measurements.
Read more...Enhanced distribution transformer monitor Comtest
Electrical Power & Protection
Comtest announced that the INCON Distribution Transformer Monitor (DTM) from Franklin Electric Grid Solutions has been updated to include new transformer life prediction functionality, enabling service and maintenance forecasting. This leverages predictive algorithms to estimate the remaining lifespan of transformers, streamlining operations.
printer friendly version