Vibration Monitoring for Motors, Pumps and Fans

Choose a repeatable measurement point

Review bearing positions and the mechanical path between the fault source and sensor. Specify orientation and mounting method, and document the installation with photographs. Loose or inconsistent mounting can change the signal. Select a sensor and attachment suited to the temperature, surface and frequency range rather than choosing only by wireless convenience.

Capture the signal needed for the fault

Define whether the project needs overall vibration trends, frequency information or short waveform captures. Sampling rate, bandwidth and filtering must support the intended analysis. A low-rate summary cannot reconstruct high-frequency content later. Plan data volume and battery use around the actual measurement schedule, including diagnostic captures after an alert.

Compare like operating conditions

Record speed, load and process mode. Variable-speed machines need interpretation that accounts for changing rotational conditions. Compare trends against a reviewed baseline and appropriate machine guidance. Increased vibration may justify inspection, but diagnosis should consider alignment, looseness, bearing condition and process effects rather than selecting one cause automatically.

Verify installation and maintenance feedback

Compare readings with a suitable reference instrument or repeatable survey. Check sensor detachment, cable issues and communication gaps. Record inspection findings and before/after readings for repairs. Use that history to refine alert usefulness while retaining the original measurements and the operating conditions under which they were collected.

FAQ

Technical References

• SKF: Machine Health Monitor