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
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
SKF Microlog Analyzer Newsletter 2012’Q4 | 2
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!
SKF Microlog Analyzer Newsletter 2012’Q4 | 3
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.
SKF Microlog Analyzer Newsletter 2012’Q4 | 4
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.
SKF Microlog Analyzer Newsletter 2012’Q4 | 5
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
SKF Microlog Analyzer Newsletter 2012’Q4 | 6
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.
SKF Microlog Analyzer Newsletter 2012’Q4 | 7
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.
SKF Microlog Analyzer Newsletter 2012’Q4 | 8
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.
SKF Microlog Analyzer Newsletter 2012’Q4 | 9
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] .
SKF Microlog Analyzer Newsletter 2012’Q4 | 10
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.
SKF Microlog Analyzer Newsletter 2012’Q4 | 11
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:
SKF Microlog Analyzer Newsletter 2012’Q4 | 12
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.
SKF Microlog Analyzer Newsletter 2012’Q4 | 13
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.
SKF Microlog Analyzer Newsletter 2012’Q4 | 14
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.
SKF Microlog Analyzer Newsletter 2012’Q4 | 15
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
SKF Microlog Analyzer Newsletter 2012’Q4 | 16
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
SKF Microlog Analyzer Newsletter 2012’Q4 | 17
SKF Microlog Analyzer Newsletter 2012’Q4 | 18
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
SKF Microlog Analyzer Newsletter 2012’Q4 | 19
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 Microlog Analyzer Newsletter 2012’Q4 | 20
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.
SKF Microlog Analyzer Newsletter 2012’Q4 | 21
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 Microlog Analyzer Newsletter 2012’Q4 | 22
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 .
SKF Microlog Analyzer Newsletter 2012’Q4 | 23
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] .
SKF Microlog Analyzer Newsletter 2012’Q4 | 24
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!
SKF Microlog Analyzer Newsletter 2012’Q4 | 25