FFT analysis for machine vibrations
Measuring machine vibrations is an important aspect of measurement technology, as it provides information about the condition and performance of machines. Machine vibrations are caused by the movements of rotating or oscillating parts of a machine. They can have a variety of causes, such as uneven mass distribution, imbalance or misalignment. By measuring these vibrations, their amplitude, frequency and phase shift can be determined. A high amplitude may indicate damage or deterioration of the machine, while an unusual frequency could indicate a potential problem. It is therefore important to measure machine vibrations regularly in order to detect potential failures or damage at an early stage and take appropriate action.
Unacceptably high vibrations on systems, machines and test benches result in inefficient operation or lead to shutdowns. With the Expert Vibro devices, a wide variety of vibration transducers can be processed unfiltered in a frequency spectrum from 0 to 20,000 Hz. The spectrum can be used to determine excitation frequencies. Only when these are known can measures for improvement be implemented. The Expert Vibro-device can permanently detect and monitor the level of harmful frequencies. Expert Vibro-devices work completely autonomously thanks to the integrated data logger memory. Visualization is carried out with the software ProfiSignal. The measured values can be displayed as cascade, FFT or trend diagrams.
FFT analysis (Fast Fourier Transform) is a method for analyzing machine vibrations. It enables the representation of vibration signals in the frequency range by breaking down the vibration signal into individual frequency components and visualizing them. These frequency components are displayed as spectral lines, with the height of each line representing the amplitude or strength of the vibration frequency in this range. FFT analysis can be used to identify various vibration phenomena, such as unbalances, adjusted bearings, pulley problems or transmission gears. It also makes it possible to isolate and analyze frequencies in order to identify possible causes of vibrations and take targeted measures to eliminate faults. FFT analysis is therefore an important part of machine condition monitoring to maximize operational efficiency and minimize unplanned downtime.
Application highlights of machine vibration
- Connection options for any vibration sensors (mV, mA, IEPE)
- FFT analysis in the device and frequency band monitoring
- Monitoring of vibration levels and intelligent data logger memory in the device
- Visualization and analysis using time signal, trend, FFT cascade and orbit diagrams
- Record process and vibration measured variables together
Practical example of a machine vibration
Decentralized vibration analysis on gas turbines
The vibration monitoring system was installed on gas turbines from a well-known manufacturer to prevent costly damage and diagnose the causes of shutdowns. Vibrations are recorded decentrally on the gas turbines, stored and automatically transmitted to the main plant via the Internet. There, a complete evaluation is carried out by the specialists. In the event of a fault, the supervisors are notified by e-mail. The measured and stored characteristic values and FFT analyses are encrypted and regularly transmitted via the Internet.
Typical areas of application
for the machine vibration
- Vibration measurement on machines and systems
- Turbine and generator monitoring
- Diagnosis of vibration causes
- Vibration measurement on gas, hydropower and steam turbines
- Measurement of vibrations on test benches
- Acceleration measurement and FFT analysis
- Search for vibration exciters
- Checking the effectiveness of vibration damping measures
- Measurement of structure-borne vibrations
Hardware and software for your measurement and testing solution
Flexible, scalable and expandable solution for seamless data acquisition and monitoring
The Loggito device is a compact data logger system designed for the acquisition and recording of measurement data. It has a variety of analog and digital inputs to connect different sensors and signals. The device records the data with high accuracy and stores it on an internal memory or external storage media such as SD cards.
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Data acquisition and analysis
With ProfiSignal Go you can display online data from the Message and Expert hardware in diagram form. Numerous analysis functions, such as zoom, cursor, movable axes, flags, ASCII export and calculation channels, enable fast display of measured values and post-processing.
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Precisely record, autonomously store, automatically transmit and evaluate measured values.
The FPGA-based Expert Logger device is particularly powerful and enables the processing of up to 46 analog input channels, both at low and high sampling rates. Measured values can be recorded precisely, stored autonomously and transferred automatically via USB or LAN to the Internet or PC for evaluation.
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Operating and monitoring
ProfiSignal Basic combines the functions of ProfiSignal Go with operating and monitoring elements of process visualisations, e.g. digital and analogue displays, switches, buttons and signal lamps. With Basic, you can create everything from simple visualisation diagrams to complex visualisation systems.
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Modular measuring, monitoring and automation in one device.
The ProfiMessage D device is a state-of-the-art data logger system that has been specially developed for industrial data acquisition and analysis. It offers a wide range of functions such as the recording and storage of measurement data, monitoring of process parameters and alarms in the event of deviations.
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Automate and control
ProfiSignal Klicks supplements ProfiSignal Basic with functions for process automation. Structural diagrams for mapping the process as well as a script language (completely operable with the mouse) enable even the non-informatician to create complex test stand and automation applications with automatic report generation.
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State-of-the-art processor technology and extreme precision for vibration measurement.
The Expert Vibro device is a powerful vibration analysis device that has been specially developed for monitoring and analyzing machine and system conditions. It enables vibration data to be recorded and evaluated in order to detect potential problems or signs of wear at an early stage.
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Fast project planning and analysis of measurement data
With ProfiSignal 20 Go you can visualise your measurement data in just a few steps, both online and offline, in various diagram types, monitor, analyse, archive as a measurement file or export directly in the appropriate file format.
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Intelligent data recorder for synchronous recording of transient and periodic events.
The Expert Transient device enables the recording and evaluation of transient signals over a certain period of time and provides important information for the optimization of processes and systems. The device is characterized by its high accuracy, fast sampling rate and simple operation.
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Visualisation and operation
With ProfiSignal 20 Basic you can create individual diagrams using a wide range of operating and monitoring elements. Both continuous processes (e.g. production data acquisition) and discontinuous measurement tasks (e.g. test measurements) can be visualised, operated and monitored without any programming effort. You can create the operating and monitoring diagrams by assembling and configuring the prefabricated elements.
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Modular system for use as a measuring, control and monitoring device.
The ProfiMessage devices are a modular, expandable and easy-to-use system for measurement data acquisition, monitoring and automation of machines, systems or test benches. ProfiMessage can be used wherever measured values need to be recorded quickly, precisely and electrically isolated, as well as intelligently pre-processed or monitored.
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Central measurement data management
The Delphin Data Center is the solution used for the worldwide measurement networking and control of plants, machines and test stands.
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PC-supported data acquisition and test stand
The Expert Key device is a measuring and control device that can be used in various applications. It enables the acquisition and evaluation of measurement data as well as the control of processes. The device has various interfaces and can be connected to a wide range of sensors and actuators. It is often used in automation technology, mechanical engineering and research.
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Compact and flexible measurement data laboratory with precision measurement technology.
The LoggitoLab device is ideal for use in laboratory environments, research projects, quality control and other applications where precise data acquisition and analysis is required. It offers a reliable and user-friendly solution for monitoring and recording measurement data.
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Test stand for measurements with potential using an internal data memory.
The LogMessage device is a powerful data logger system designed for the reliable acquisition and recording of measurement data. It offers a variety of analog and digital inputs to connect different sensors and signals. The device records the data with high accuracy and saves it to an internal memory or external storage media.
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