Inaccurate readings, false alarms or bad calls can result when attempting to analyze rolling element bearing faults in the presence of unwanted gear mesh or electromagnetically induced variable frequency drive noise. VFD and gear drives generate first-, second- and sometimes third-order vibrations that appear as part of the high frequency spectrum. These make it difficult to identify rolling element-related vibration.
In addition, increased first-, second- or third-order gear mesh vibration might indicate a potentially serious misalignment or gear tooth problem.
The BearingLifeGuard MDA (Multiple Discriminant Analysis) system provides the PdM practitioner a means to address these issues by providing the means to suppress these unwanted frequencies to gain immediate, more accurate assessment of rolling element bearing condition, probability of failure and financial risk. However, it is important to monitor and trend the gear drive mechanisms as well. The system now provides means to isolate, track and trend the gear mesh orders and the bearing condition frequencies as well.
Most importantly, this unique, patented system provides the tools to reduce cost by helping the supervisor screen out properly operating machines and quickly identify and focus maintenance hours on only those in need of immediate attention for imbalance, misalignment, degraded rolling element bearings and for gear drive degradation.
For more information, visit www.bearinglifeguard.com.| -End- |