The Dos and Don'ts of Vibration Sensors

By: John Bernet

When it comes to vibration sensors, there are a number of considerations to keep in mind. They are an effective tool for vibration monitoring, but that doesn’t mean that any vibration sensor works for every scenario. Here are some dos and don’ts for using vibration sensors as part of your maintenance strategy:

Don’t assume you need sensors on every asset

Not every asset in a plant needs the frequency or level of monitoring that a vibration sensor can provide. Mounting a vibration sensor on every machine you have is not an effective use of money or time—and could leave you with an overwhelming amount of data. Instead, using a combination of handheld vibration monitoring tools and machine-mounted vibration sensors is a straightforward way to monitor assets without breaking the bank.

Do use sensors strategically

For some assets, it is sufficient to use a handheld vibration monitoring tool and have vibration measurements taken as part of regular route-based maintenance. Then, if a change or abnormality is detected with a handheld tool, further inspection and action can be planned.

Handheld vibration measurement tools can also be used effectively in conjunction with vibration sensors intended for screening. A screening sensor is designed to indicate whether a machine is in good shape or bad shape. It can trigger an alarm when an asset is experiencing a potential issue, at which point a technician can take a portable tool to the asset to capture more data.

Do evaluate when to use wired vs. wireless vibration sensors

A well-rounded vibration monitoring system can include both types of sensors. The key is to identify the appropriate type of sensor for each asset that will have a sensor. There are numerous variables to consider, including the criticality of the asset and how accessible it is.

Wired vibration sensors can measure and send vibration data continuously, while wireless vibration sensors do so at regular intervals. This interval can vary depending on the sensor’s attributes and the asset’s criticality and needs, but it can be as often as once a minute.

Wired vibration sensors cost more than wireless sensors, in part because the installation process requires additional materials and planning. Installation for wired sensors can be three times more expensive than for wireless sensors because someone has to run the conduit and the cables. However, the cost of wired sensors can be justified for some assets and situations.

Wired sensors can collect more extensive and detailed data than their wireless counterparts. Machines with a lot of changes related to process, temperature, condition, and structure necessarily produce a lot of data. With a wired sensor, you can transmit as much data as you want without needing to consider the sensor’s battery life or bandwidth. 

Wireless vibration sensors are simpler and cheaper to install, making them ideal for use at scale. Their data transfer speeds can depend on factors such as connectivity and location. Wireless vibration sensors make sense when it’s feasible to monitor an asset by getting snapshots of data, limiting the battery and the bandwidth used. They are ideal for simple machines such as pumps, fans, compressors, and blowers.

Wireless sensors are well suited for hard-to-access places or when assets are behind panels or up high. These types of settings are common in many facilities today. Wireless sensors are also beneficial when you have limited labor resources.

Don’t overlook proper mounting

It’s important to use the right method of securing a sensor to a machine. In some instances, if you don’t want to permanently mount a sensor, it can be as simple as cleaning the area and mounting it with a magnet. For machines that are not magnetic, an adhesive mount is an option.

If you’re going to permanently mount a sensor on a machine, take steps such as scraping off some paint, using degreaser to remove any residue, and choosing industrial epoxy or a stud mount to permanently mount the sensor on the machine.

Where you mount a vibration sensor on a machine matters too. Putting a sensor on an enclosure or cover can leave the sensor too far removed from the source of the vibration to be effective. Mount sensors on the solid metal of the bearing housing because that is the direct path of metal-to-metal contact from the rotating shaft. Vibration from the rotating shaft and the components on the shaft—including the pump and the motor—is transmitted through the bearings into the bearing housing.

Don’t get overwhelmed by data

Do you have a plan for what you will do with vibration data once you get it? It’s important to select the sensor that will give you the most useful data, not just the most data. If you and your team get bogged down with too much data, it becomes a nuisance instead of a helpful tool.

Having a plan for analyzing your vibration data—smart sensors, analysis software, a vibration analyst on staff, hiring expert consultants to provide analysis, or some combination of these—ensures that you’ll get the most out of whatever sensor setup you choose.

There are a few key pieces of information you should look to get from your vibration data. Namely, you should be able to answer, “What is the fault, how bad is the fault, and how should we act on it?” The ultimate goal is to have a vibration sensor that gives you the information you need to make a maintenance decision. Is the machine good or bad? Can you just let it run? Do you need to plan for parts? Is it time to take this machine down and do an overhaul before it fails?

Vibration data can also be trended over time, providing you with insights about your operations and making it possible to optimize your decisions.

When making vibration sensors part of your condition monitoring program, take the time to consider these dos and don’ts to be sure you are choosing the best options for your needs.

About the Author:

As a mechanical application and product specialist with Fluke Reliability, John Bernet works with customers from all industries to successfully implement their reliability programs. He has more than 30 years of experience in the maintenance and operation of commercial machinery and as a nuclear power plant electrician in the U.S. Navy. He holds a Category II Vibration Analyst certification and is a Certified Maintenance Reliability Professional (CMRP).