featured article greetings microlog analyzer users! also ......enormous microwave telescope are...

Featured Art icle

South Pole Telescope - Vibration data monitored via satellite

Also in this Issue

Moving your plant to the clouds?

Resistance to Change

- Engineers' Tips - How changing one sett ing can improve efficiency

Do you know what your "ARM" is for?

Setting up a route without swapping out your accelerometer and accessor y

Why and when to use the Recorder module

Differences in filters between CMXA70, 75 and 80 Micrologs

- The Customer Corner - Creating video records of faults

- SKF Updates - SKF @ptitude Analyst – New features

SKF Self- Help Portal goes Mobile SKF @ptitude Exchange Forum

Greetings Microlog Analyzer Users! The Analyst Newsletter is designed to be a vehicle for

Analysts to share technical information about their use

of the SKF Microlog Analyzers. Of the thousands of

Microlog users who receive our quarterly news, we are

certain that you have stories about your success in identifying and

analyzing machinery issues - and the posit ive results that were an

outcome.

From December 1, 2012 to December 1, 2013 we will o ffer one

FREE SKF Microlog Module* for each customer's article that is

published in the newsletter.

The art icle should be between 600 and 1,000 words and tell what the

problem was, how it was identified and diagnosed and the end result.

Please send art icles for submission to [email protected] .

Microlog Modules* that are available to choose from:

For CMXA 45, 48, 75 and 80 models: Analyzer and Bump, Balancing,

Data Recorder, Conformance Check, Run up Coast down, Frequency

Response Function, Spindle Test, or Idler Sound Monitor.

For CMXA 44 and 70 models: Analyzer, Bump, Balancing, Data

Recorder, Conformance Check, Run up Coast down, or Frequency

Response Function.

This offer is not available for the CMVA or 51- IS Microlog models.

* Addit ional accessories may be required and will be sold separately.

SKF Microlog Analyzer Newsletter 2012’Q4 | 1

mailto:[email protected]

https://members.exacttarget.com/Content/Email/ContentLoader.aspx#Differences

South Pole Telescope Slow- speed vibration data monitored via satellite

In the freezing landscape of the South Pole, scientists at an

enormous microwave telescope are studying the expansion

of the universe and dark energy. Data on distant galaxy

clusters are being gathered to determine the condit ions of

the universe, adding to our knowledge about a very distant

future.

The South Pole Telescope spent the years 2008 to 2011

gathering data on galaxy clusters, scanning about 2,000

square degrees, or roughly a tenth of the southern sky.

Although it performed well, in 2011, University of Chicago

researchers detected trouble with the South Pole Tele-

scope’s crit ical azimuth bearing, which is the large slewing

r ing bearing that supports the telescope and enables it to turn in a horizontal plane, from left to r ight and r ight

to left.

South Pole Telescope

After the azimuth bearing failed, SKF was consulted in an attempt to find out if there were any monitoring

techniques that could be used to identify the problem at a stage where intervention could have extended the

life of the bearing or allowed for a t imelier repair.

The bearing in question was a Rotec tr iple race with 2440 mm bore. The telescope could be rotated at a

maximum of 4° per second for monitoring purposes. That was an effective speed of 0.667 RPM, or 360° in 90

seconds and that setup was collected from February 2011 to June 2011. The slew rate was modified to 2.2°

per second in July 2011, result ing in 360° in 164 seconds or 0.367 RPM. Four quadrant readings of 183

seconds each are being collected each month on the bearing.

With a bearing this slow, t ime waveform analysis is the best tool for monitoring it . Using Acceleration

Enveloping, the team also records high resolution data over the 360° sweep of the telescope. SKF’s SEE®

Technology (Spectrally Emitted Energy) is also being used periodically to detect the earliest stage of lubrication

issues by means of an ultrasonic measurement. Faults developing in the bearing will show up as spikes in the

t ime signal. Bearing geometry will determine spacing of periodic spikes, indicating a roller or race defect. While


randomly spaced spikes will result from

lubrication boundary events, indicating

lubrication breakdown or debris in the

lube, high overall with no specific

events might indicate a rubbing or

sliding component.

Through the Machine Health Report ing

Program (MHRP), University of Chicago

maintenance personnel were

instructed on how to use a Microlog

Analyzer and have, since then, been capturing data during their normal duties. Monitoring is done on a

monthly basis and the MHRP program allows SKF to perform expert analysis on the data that is collected on

site after it is sent to the SKF cloud

Newly installed bearing

server via satellite.

Johnny Simmons is the analyst looking at these slow- speed vibrations. “We’re looking for lubrication problems

that can be addressed proactively,” Simmons says.

The latest report indicated that “there is nothing in the data to indicate there are any issues with the azimuth,

slewing ring bearing. The data indicates the lubrication is adequate and no indication of metal to metal

contact.”

And where is he crunching the South Pole data? Jacksonville, Florida, where the weather is a litt le warmer!


Moving your Plant to the Clouds?

By Luis Econom

Less is more. In the world of cloud computing nothing could be truer. Less, as in less capital investments, less

personal requirements, less t ime restraints but in turn, more storage, speedy deployment and more access.

Even though it sounds too good to be true, cloud computing is the real deal. Cloud computing is a buzz term

describing an offsite IT infrastructure which companies use to access, store, and manage any range of

information, software programs or databases. The original idea was created back in the 80s but over the past

decade technology has made this service a more realist ic and affordable option.

Five advantages of using the cloud:

1. Scalability – The power of the cloud isn’t just for the industry giants or fortune 500, companies of all size

can benefit from cloud computing. This aspect is really nice for small to mid size companies who have

limited IT resources and want to focus more efforts on their business goals and less on IT issues. IT

support can slow growth and progress, as your company grows - so does your cloud.

2. Faster – Setting up an IT infrastructure is a headache. Period. Server storage, cooling and heating, server

maintenance, database configurations etc. All issues that take up enormous amounts of t ime, and that’s

before any of it is even functional. Choosing the path of the cloud can bring a company up to operating

speed in a fraction amount of t ime compared to the t ime it takes to build an in- house IT department. Time

is money and it never hurts to have addit ional amounts of both.

3. Automated Updates – It seems like the rate in which technology is progressing, that there is always some

type of software update that comes out. Cloud computing does not change that, but just makes it less your

problem and more somebody else’s. The cloud handles the updates for you to ensure you are always

using the newest versions and features.

4. Lower Costs – According to a recent art icle by Bookings Institut ion, on average companies saved 25- 50%

in related costs when they “moved to the cloud.” This may be the largest draw to cloud computing – a

reduction in cost. The cost savings is possible due to the majority of reasons listed above.


5. Global Access – Keeping information uniform is not a new development, just a smart one. This becomes

even more evident as companies increase the size of their production. Having assets being monitored in

Argentina while running a diagnostic program in Texas and reports being sent to Hong Kong is a reality

now thanks to the cloud. Unlimited access is vital, constancy is effective and with these; expansion can be

painless.

How can Cloud Computing be a service to SKF Microlog Analyzer users?

Quicker predict ive maintenance (PdM) program start ups – no PC hardware and minimal software

installat ions and configuration (only a small thin client application for the transfer of route data is required).

Accessibility – route up/downloads may be performed and reports may be accessed from any part of the

plant and other corporate sites without the need to install SKF @ptitude Analyst clients.

Standardization – asset configuration, database parameters, and reporting can be easily managed across

the plant and other corporate sites

Peace of Mind – virtually a worry free IT environment… no more OS updates, PC hardware upgrades,

software upgrades, and compatibility issues to deal with.

Second opinion – with cloud computing it is possible to use SKF experts to bring addit ional analysis

capabilit ies to your program.

Cloud computing is more than a quick fix for a company’s IT problems – it ’s the next stage of IT and will

replace the current system. Companies can now have a more accommodating service that is quicker, requires

less involvement and keeps costs to a minimum. More capabilit ies mean more at the bottom line, and that’s a

business goal everyone can agree one.


Resistance to Change – How to Recogn ize It and What to Do about It

By Stephen J. Thomas (Sections reprinted with permission from Industr ial Press, Inc from

Successfully Managing Change in Organizations: A Users Guide)

For more information about a two- day on- site training on “ Successfully Managing Change in

Organizations” , scroll down to page 10 of this document.

Why Do People and Their Organizations Resist Change ?

Why do people resist change that is clearly to their benefit? The simple answer is that they do not view the

change as an improvement. Often, if asked, they will tell you they actually see it as a step in the wrong

direction.

Many people resist because they sense a mismatch between the new environment (what you are trying to do)

and their comfort zone — the area in which they operate on a daily basis. Within this comfort zone, they do

not feel threatened either by the work or the environment. This state is often called the status quo. Take

people out of their comfort zone and they not only feel uncomfortable, but they also do whatever they can to

re- stabilize their environment. Sometimes this is easy for them to do. But at other t imes, protecting the status

quo can be difficult or outright impossible. At these t imes, an individual's level of stress increases and they try

even harder to restore the status quo. Thus, a cr it ical component of this comfort zone model is that the

further you take people beyond this zone, the more that stress levels increase to the point where they become

unbearable. The stress can become so severe that they must try either to restore the status quo or to expand

or shift the area encompassed by the comfort zone to include the new set of condit ions. In both cases stress is

lowered and everyone’s comfort level is restored.

Now let’s consider a work process redesign effort. What is different about this type of change? This broader

change affects not just you, but an entire organization. Even if everyone is agreeable, expanding the collective

comfort zone is not done easily or quickly. The stress level that results is high, having a negative impact on

those involved. The transit ion could be made easier with planning and sound execution. However, the issue of

the comfort zone still remains.

Faced with change, what does the organization do? Assume that planning and execution are not an issue. The

organization has two choices. The first choice is to collectively expand its comfort zone to encompass the new

set of processes. The second choice is to try to reduce or even eliminate the new set of processes, thereby


allowing a return to the former state. This is typically referred to as resistance. Either of these choices works.

The former, however, can lead to progress (assuming the change is for the better), whereas the latter can lead

to stagnation or worse.

Forms of Resistance

Resistance takes on many forms. Before you can address resistance and have a successful work process

change, you need to be able to recognize the various forms that it can take. Some forms of resistance are

obvious and easy to recognize. Others are very subtle; if you are not paying attention, they will undermine or

even destroy the change effort before you can react.

Resistance can be categorized in four forms, depending whether the resistance is active or passive and

whether it is open or hidden. Figure 1 illustrates these four forms.

Figure 1 – The Resistance Model

The y- axis measures the visibility of the resistance of those affected by the change. This action can be open;

the resistance to the new process is obvious for all to see. The action can also be hidden. In this case, the

resistance is below the surface, not easily seen. If you are paying close enough attention, you may notice it , but

it is more difficult to identify.


The x- axis identifies the degree of resistance, whether it is active or passive. Active resistance is designed to

stop or hamper the change process. It can be destructive to the organization because, as the resistance

evolves, people may be forced to take sides, leading to substantial business related problems. Passive

resistance is more difficult to confront because it is generally less obvious. Rather than trying to actively block

change, people engaged in passive resistance are not going along with the effort. They might continue to use

the old system, ignoring change for as long as they can. They may work more slowly, take extra t ime off, and

keep “forgett ing” how to incorporate the change into the work process. As Figure 1 illustrates, the resistance

model has four quadrants. Each is discussed below.

Active, Open Resistance — Struggle. You begin to implement change when some of the employees openly

tell you the change is wrong or, even worse, they won't go along with it . A scenario like this one should never

happen. Change should be discussed and buy in achieved before you try to implement it . If you have planned

the process change and the subsequent implementation, your organization should never have to be placed in

this situation. Otherwise, you can expect active and open resistance. The one good aspect of open resistance is

that it indicates that your employees feel comfortable enough with you as the manager to tell you openly how

they feel about what you are doing. If they don't trust you, the resistance will be hidden leading to sabotage

type behaviors.

Passive, Open Resistance — Submit. Passive resistance is quite different from active resistance. It involves

people submitt ing to the new order of things, in a sense "going along." Don't mistake this submission for

acceptance and open embrace of the change. Even though they do what's necessary to make the change work,

you lose their energy, enthusiasm and loyalty. Unless you win them back, you may see a gradual downturn in

productivity and increased turnover.

Active, Hidden Resistance — Sabotage. If your employees do not trust you, resistance to change will take on

a much different form. With Struggle, employees didn't feel they were threatening their own security if they

told you exactly how they felt about the changes you were making. In Sabotage, they do feel threatened.

They will resist change as actively as the employees in the Struggle quadrant, but will try to hide their

resistance, sabotaging your efforts. At least in Struggle, you knew what resistance you faced and could

respond to it . Not here. The problem often comes from management style. Employees want to be trusted. If,

however, the management style at your company is that employees should simply do what they are told, then

resistance will be hidden and you will face sabotage.


Passive, Hidden Resistance — Submerge. This type of resistance is hidden. Because resistance is passive, it

frequently is not as severe as Sabotage. Nevertheless, it is st ill dangerous. Your employees are indirectly

saying that they will do what's asked, but will undermine the effort at every opportunity. At least with active,

hidden resistance you are aware of the resistance once it has occurred. With Submergence, you cannot see it .

On the surface, everything may seem fine. Meanwhile, below the surface, you face severe problems. In this

mode of resistance, your process may fail and you may never know why. Nor will you have anyone specific to

blame for the failure, except maybe yourself.

The bottom line is that for every change init iat ive you will encounter resistance. This is a fact of life or in our

case change. The tr ick is to be able to recognize it early and address it . Notice I did not say “overcome” it .

Resistance is a symptom of a problem with the change init iat ive and you need to figure out what is causing the

problem and take posit ive corrective action.


On- site Two- Day Training: Successfully Managing Change in Organizations Instructor: Steve Thomas ( [email protected] )

Recommended for Anyone in a management, supervisory, engineering, reliability or other leadership posit ion. Anyone who has a

real desire or need to understand what is required to implement successful and sustainable change within

their company.

Course objective To provide part icipants with a detailed understanding and plan of what is required for successful change to

take place. Participants will learn how to manage change and transfer what is learned to others in the

organization so that a collective effort is the result.

Course description This course provides the student with a deeper understanding of what is involved and required to successfully

implement and sustain change. It includes:

The basic concepts and misconceptions about change management.

Understanding of the difference between non- linear (change focused) thinking and project focused

linear thinking.

The change pyramid. Task based change is only the first level. There are two addit ional levels that

must be addressed; the strategic aspects (the eight elements of change) and organizational culture.

The Web of Change – a tool used to measure change in the form of a radar or web diagram showing

the interrelationships between the elements of change.

The Goal Achievement Model, a tool that will help take goals and develop them into measurable

activit ies.

Understanding that simply completing the goals is not sufficient. Outcomes and impacts of what you

are doing need careful consideration. Negative impacts must be reconciled.

Change Root Cause Failure Analysis, or how to figure out how to improve once the areas of

opportunity are identified.

Measurement of success through the use of audits and re- application of the web of change survey.

Key learning Outcomes Understanding the true depth of organizational change, and what is required— not just for immediate

success—but for sustainable results.

Recognit ion that implementing tasks, without addressing the other aspects of change, will lead to either

immediate or short term failure and a skeptical workforce highly reluctant to embrace the next change

init iat ive.

Being able to explain to and engage the organization in the change process in order to achieve success.

For more information contact Steve at [email protected] .




Engineers’ Tips

How changing one setting can improve efficiency sig nificantly

By Paul Edwards

Time is money. Although no one today likes to waste t ime, we do so every t ime we collect data!

By default, the Microlog is set to auto range. Auto ranging is a legacy sett ing from days when we had 8, 12

and 16 bit A/D converters. With limited dynamic range (circa 60 dB), it was important to fix the input scale to

maximize the available range. Today's Micrologs have 24 bit A/D's and have a dynamic range better than

120db's.

So what does this mean as far as auto ranging is co ncerned?

It means that we no longer need it ! We can leave the input at fixed range and collect the smallest of signals

with the same accuracy as large input signals. With auto range on the Microlog takes 4 seconds to set the

range for the first measurement of a machine with subsequent readings taking 2 seconds each. For a simple 4

measurement location machine with 3 readings per plane we actually waste 26 seconds wait ing for the

Microlog to carry out a needless function. If your route contains 10 machines you waste 260 seconds (over 4

minutes) and for a route of 100 machines you waste nearly 3/4 of an hour.

Turning off auto ranging is very simple: go into the route configuration menu, scroll down to auto range and

select fixed. This fixes the input range

scale at 50% of full scale and if the

Microlog sees the input is over this, it

automatically switches to full scale, so

your data is st ill good.

Switching to fixed scale has one other

advantage, you can kiss goodbye to those

annoying over range messages you see

during data collection which means the

signal was clipped and you need to retake

the point. So you may be able to save

even more t ime by not having to retake

your measurement.


Do you know what your "ARM" is for?

By Paul Edwards

Before you discover what ARM is for, you need to know what

ARM is!

ARM is the acronym for Analysis and Reporting Module,

which is an SKF @ptitude software designed for transferr ing,

displaying and analyzing data collected by the SKF Microlog

AX, GX, Advisor Pro and Consultant instruments.

ARM provides a wealth of features and is available in two

configurations:

• CMSW 7311- EN - ARM stand- alone PC based application

• CMSW 7400 ARM integrated (plug- in) with SKF @ptitude

Analyst software

With both versions, once data is collected, ARM provides an

easy mechanism for uploading data from your Microlog

Analyzer into your computer.

Figure 1 – Accessing ARM through the View menu

The plug- in version of ARM can be accessed through the

View menu in @ptitude Analyst, as shown in Figure 1 , or

through the ARM toolbar , as shown in Figure 2 .

Figure 2 – ARM toolbar

The ARM toolbar icons are:

First icon: Opens the ARM plug- in

Second icon: Shows data assigned to the asset stored in the ARM directory

Third icon: Transfers data from SKF Microlog module(s) directly into ARM

ARM support is provided to the Microlog Analyzer mo dules

Let's take the modules in turn and see what addit ional benefits ARM provides:


Balancing Module

The Balancing module allows you to balance in up to 3 planes, and it stores the results in the Microlog’s

memory. ARM allows you to import the balance data from the Microlog to a computer and, with one click,

generate a written report of the work carr ied out. This data is important and actually belongs alongside the

standard spectral data from the machine. Using ARM’s “Link to Hierarchy ” function of the plug- in version, the

data can be linked to the asset in the @ptitude Analyst database and recalled at any point in the future.

Bump Test Module

The Bump Test module provides very important information as to the natural frequencies of a machine, its

arisings and its structure; a change in any one of these will highlight potential defects such as cracking.

Spectra from the bump test can be imported into ARM and annotated with the frequencies excited. This

spectrum can then be stored against a route point or, through the Link to Hierarchy function; it may be linked

to the asset for future use. If a bump test is carried out on a regular basis, the spectra can be trended for any

change in frequencies.

Recorder Module

The Recorder module records the raw signal files.. Once imported into ARM, the raw signal(s) can be post

processed before it is stored against an asset, to provide spectral data for analysis. It is also possible to store

the raw .wav file for further analysis at a later date.

Run up Coast Down (RuCd) Module

Using the plug- in version of ARM, data from the RuCd module can be stored against the asset, recalled at a

later data and compared with newer data to check for changes.

Frequency Response Function (FRF) Module

The FRF module allows users to collect modal (hammer) or Operating Deflection Shapes (ODS) (continuous)

data. Using ARM, static mode shapes can be created by water falling the imaginary part of the FRF modules

saved data.

With the plug- in version of ARM, five separate plots are saved in the FRF data file: the FRF magnitude, the

FRF phase, the FRF coherence, and the real and imaginary parts of the FRF transform.


Addit ionally, creating a waterfall plot of the imaginary part of the data allows you to look at non- animated

mode shapes. This data can then be linked to the hierarchy and pulled back into the ARM plug- in for review or

to print. This data can also be used in a third party software package with advanced modal analysis capabilit ies.

Check to Conformance Module

For those who have the Check to Conformance test module the ARM plug- in also provides access to the Check

to Conformance setup generator. It allows you to set up complex tests with simple red/amber/green pass/fail

indicators and the results can be pulled back in to create a report.

Analyzer Module

The Analyzer module is an optional module for the route based SKF Microlog GX and AX, and is similar to

non- route. It allows you to set up and capture data in a variety of formats for on- screen analysis or extended

analysis.

On the SKF Microlog GX and AX, the Analyzer module may be used with both configurations of ARM:

When using the ARM plug- in version, data from the Analyzer module is linked to the asset in the

hierarchy.

When using the stand alone version of ARM, the data analyzed in the software is stored in the user’s

data folder (with the stand alone version of ARM, the data cannot be linked to the asset).

There are far more features and functions than what we can cover in this art icle so don't delay to start using

your ARM today!

Note: The SKF Idler Sound Monitor Module does not require software support and the Spindle Test

Module has its own support software in the Results Import Tool, therefore it is not supported by ARM.


Want to know how to set up a route so that you don't have to swap out your accelerometer and accessory? Read on! By Paul Edwards

Many routes today combine vibration readings with either pressure or temperature readings and it is annoying

when you get to one of these points and have to disconnect your accelerometer and plug in the accessory, and

then swap it all back at the end of the measurement.

A simple modification to the accessory route point in @ptitude analyst will allow you to plug the accessory into

Ch2 of your XA series AX or GX and have the point collected from channel 2.

Simple add the following at the

beginning of the notes field: @T2@

(ensure the T is upper case).

With this change, the next t ime your

point is taken, the Microlog will

automatically look to Ch2 for the

reading.

Unfortunately this only works if you

are using single axis accelerometer.

If you have a tr iaxial sensor in Ch1,

you will st ill need to swap the

accelerometer and accessory over.


Why and when you should use the Recorder module

By Barrie Rodgers

Many of today’s data collectors and analyzers, such as the Microlog Analyzer, have the functionality to record

and store noise and vibration data over a given period of t ime (dependent on memory capabilit ies) to a pre-

determined set of parameters set by the user. The data is stored as a * .wav file which enables the user to

recall the data for post processing. SKF calls it the “Recorder” module. But why would you want to record data

rather than analyze the data in real t ime?

There are many reasons why analysts would want to use the Recorder module, some of which are listed below:

It provides a backup of the original unprocessed signal so that it can be reprocessed in the case of a

problem

* .wav files can be e- mailed back to headquarters or to diagnostic centres where noise and vibration

experts may provide support and addit ional problem analysis

Access to a * .wav file enables the use of third party analysis packages, such as SKF’s @ptitude Analyst,

to process and display the data in ways that may not be available on the users’ instrument

It can record and playback non- stationary signals and transient signals such as drive by, fly by, run up,

coast down and modal tests

It can be used as a logger, which gives users the ability to log and display semi- static signals (process

variables) over a long period of t ime. This feature can help correlate cause and effect such as plot

vibration levels versus thermal expansion

It can be used as a recorder, allowing users to record and display dynamic signals over a long period of

t ime. This provides assistance in the diagnosis of faults that are transient in nature, such as clicks,

rubs, surges, etc.

Minimizes disruption on a production line. There is no need to stop/start machines as the recorder

module continuously collects all of the data

Reduces the need for repeat runs which can be costly in energy/fuel consumption

* .wav files can be embedded into engineering reports and presentations for playback by the reader.

This provides a clear illustration of both the nature of a sound or vibration signal and the difference

between good and bad


Things to remember when using the Recorder module

1. Ensure that the range chosen on the Analyzer for the incoming signal can accommodate unexpected

events. If in doubt, always use a range 10 to 20 t imes higher than expected. Post processing will allow

modifications to the scale.

However, an input overload will occur if the machine goes through a resonance or an impact occurs during acquisition

Time

Input range set when machine running at a steady speed

2. Due to the large sizes that may be involved when recording data, it is recommended to use the Analyzers

external memory option for storage, such as SD card. This ensures that the Analyzers internal memory

does not restr ict the recording.

It is also important to note that the frequency range that the user selects on the Analyzer shall determine

the sampling frequency, for example the number of samples per unit of t ime, hence, the maximum record

time based on the storage option selected. In simple terms, the higher the frequency range selected, the

higher the sampling frequency and the less recording time available.

Case Study

Background: A well known yacht manufacturer was having issues with one of their flagship vessels. It was

reported as having excessive vibration at higher engine speeds which was felt at the helmsman’s seat and was

deemed as unacceptable. This part icular vessel is fit ted with two diesel marine engines.

Init ial analysis carried out by the manufacturer indicated that the source of the problem was within the

exhaust system. The recommendations made were carried out but the vibration levels felt at the helmsman’s



seat were still too high. SKF was then asked to conduct

another vibration analysis to possibly determine the root

cause of the problem before a costly engine replacement

had to take place.

Investigation: Init ial tests were carr ied out whilst the

yacht was moored alongside and the shafts un- clutched.

Both port and starboard engines were run in turn to

ollect comparative analysis.

hown in Figure 1 .

m these

easurements was inconclusive so sea tr ials were set up

form

his data was then imported to the Analysis and Report

lot

t was able to analyze the data.

addit ion to this, the SKF consultant was able to import the

c

An init ial set of readings was taken with a single

accelerometer placed in the athwartship direction of the

helmsman’s seat posit ion as s

Figure 1

Measurem ent

Data was taken at the same location with individual

engines running at 1500 rpm. Analysis taken fro

p osit ions

m

with accelerometers placed above the engine mounts at

4 corners of the diesel, as shown in figures 2 and 3 .

The engine was run to full power and back to idle and the

data recorded using the recorder module in * .wav

Figure 2

at.

ing T

module (ARM) and post processed to create a waterfall p

as shown in Figures 4 and 5 .

By post processing the recorded data during the Run up

Coast down, the SKF consultan

Measurem ent p osit ions

In

same data into a third party piece of software to create a 3D

image of the actual torsional vibration created.

Figure 3

This provides a very powerful

representation of what was actually

happening to the engine whilst running.

The SKF consultant concluded that the

he engine manufacturer did this, the tests

s being

ummary

engine damper was faulty due to st icking,

which was causing the torsional vibration

and recommended that this be replaced.

T

were redone and the vibration was no

longer felt at the helmsman’s seat.

This prevented thousands of dollar

Figure 4 - Raw data imported into ARM

saved by both yacht and engine

manufacturer by not needing to replace the

engine.

S

ata for post processing can be

s * .wav files, for post processing and fault diagnosis.

Recording d

very useful and an extremely cost effective

way of diagnosing particularly difficult noise

and vibration related issues with machinery.

The Recorder module used with the Figure 5 - Waterfall Plot

Microlog Analyzer series of instruments,

allows users to record vibration data, stored a


Differences in filters between CMXA70 and the 75/80 Micrologs

hen taking measurements on the newer generation of Micrologs it can often be seen that at and around

ave analog hardware filters that

The Customer Corner

of faults

nd Richard Spring, Lead Analyst

o demonstrate to our clients the faults we encounter, our operators have used a strobe light and an Apple

By Kevin Gray

W

lower frequencies there could be minor differences in the spectrum compared to the CMXA70 series. This is

due to changes in the implementation of the high pass filter in the new unit.

Previously the high pass filter in the CMXA70 unit the high pass filter would h

would cause a slight drop in the magnitude near the filter value itself. Now the CMXA75 and 80 series use bin

zeroing instead of hardware high pass filtering. This means that any numerical values from the filter set in

@ptitude Analyst and below will be replaced by zero. With bin zeroing you will not see any drop in the

magnitude due to the filter when taking measurements near the filter value, which may result in slightly larger

peak values being on the latest hardware seen when taking measurements near the filter value.

Creating video records

By Robert Duzac, Program Manager a

T

IPhone set to video mode. Once the movement is recorded, it is easy to clearly show them what is truly

happening. We have used this helpful procedure several t imes!


SKF Updates

SKF @ptitude Analyst 2012 Now Features the Statisti cal Overall Alarms Wizard with Automatic Data Outlier Removal By Robert Kaufman

The SKF @ptitude Analyst Software has an improved algorithm for using historical values from overall

vibration readings to determine where to set overall alert and overall danger alarm levels based on statist ical

analysis. Generated levels can now be viewed along side the current alarm levels, allowing the operator to

choose whether to use the software recommended levels, or to easily revert to using his or her own pre-

determined set levels.

To make this work, we have added new overall alarm sett ings for the statistically generated overall alarms.

The new statist ical alarm sett ings are compatible with the exist ing private and shared overall alarm sett ings.

This gives the SKF @ptitude Analyst users the ult imate control in selecting the correct overall alarm levels for

their needs.

The wizard below shows that there is a new units filter to allow the user to select points from a workspace and

apply statist ical alarm generation to only points with the correct units.


Once this step is complete, a new Statistical Overall Alarms wizard guides the user in sett ing up and creating

statistically generated overall alarm levels.

The wizard selections allow the user to choose which measurements to include in the calculation. It also

allows them to select limits that can be placed on the input set of measurements, and the outputs values to

help ensure statistically valid results are produced.

The optional outlier removal feature can be selected, or not. This feature is sometimes needed to remove

unusual data to improve statist ical results. Outlier removal is completed before statistical level calculations

are performed, to remove measurement values that are not representative of typical system behavior, and

which may distort the statist ical accuracy of generated results.

Once the statist ical calculations are performed, the new alarm levels will now be saved and assigned a unique

identifying name. From within the Overall alarm tab of the POINT properties page, users can access a drop

down alarm selection list that allows the user to activate the new statistical overall alarm levels, or to revert to

any other previously created alarm levels.


SKF Mobile Technical Support Self- Help Portal

By Kacey Newman

Last month, SKF Condit ion Monitoring announced the launch of the SKF Mobile Technical Support Self- Help

Portal for iPhone and Android mobile devices. With the Mobile version, you can easily access hundreds of

knowledge base art icles, user manuals, and more, all from your mobile device! This also means you now have

the ability to submit technical support inquir ies to Technical Support Group (TSG) through your mobile device.

Picture it… you are a plant operator with very limited access to a computer and need technical support during

one of your ROUTEs. What would you do? Stop to find a computer with decent internet access, in order to

request support or download a user manual? Maybe…but there’s a better and faster way! With the recent

launch of the SKF Mobile Technical Support Self- Help Portal, simply pull out your mobile phone and find help

“on the go” by visit ing www.skf.com/cm/tsg from its browser. Secure users can log in using the same login

credentials as the Full Site.

For more information or to view the mobile browser/OS compatibility chart, click here .


https://skf.kb.net/pf/25012/webfiles/MobileInfo.html

Microlog Analyzer FAQs

We’ve taken commonly asked Microlog Analyzer questions from SKF Condit ion Monitoring’s Technical Support

Self- Help Portal and listed them here. Click on the FAQs below to be guided to knowledgebase art icles posted

in the Technical Support Self- Help Portal.

What are the recommended best practices for my Micr olog AX / GX?

What’s the best way to format a Microlog SD Card?

How do I install the Microlog USB Driver?

What is the SKF Marine Condition Monitoring Kit?

Is this Microlog compatible with a Windows 7, 64- bit OS computer?

I don't use my Microlog very often. Sh ould I still be charging the battery?

What kind of accessories can I use with my Microlog ?

Did you know?

If you are a PSP Customer or SKF Employee, you may request access to the secure portal where even more

in- depth technical art icles, product manuals, videos, and more, are published. If you would like to request

access, click here or send an email with your contact information to kb- [email protected] .


https://skf.kb.net/kb/article?ArticleId=2732&source=Article&c=25012&cid=25


https://skf.kb.net/kb/article?ArticleId=3148&source=article&c=25012&cid=25





https://skf.kb.net/pf/25012/webfiles/NewUserFormNoResults.html


SKF @ptitude Exchange Forum Do you have questions about the vibration data that you have collected? Are FFT's or Time Spectrums

puzzling to you? SKF has a technical web site where you can not only ask questions but also send in your data

for analysis! While the purpose of the site is not to operate your vibration program for you, nor to provide

online training, it is an easy tool that provides assistance when you are stuck with a problem and have a

question!

Visit www.skf.com/cm and register for free. Located on the r ight side is the heading SKF @ptitude Exchange

Forum , which is where you click whenever you want to submit your questions or just browse through past

questions and answers. The SKF @ptitude Exchange Forum is primarily monitored by SKF personal with

many years of condit ion monitoring experience and customers often provide their opinions as well, so you are

guaranteed to learn from best practices!


www.skf.com/cm

featured article greetings microlog analyzer users! also ......enormous microwave telescope are...

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