Correcting imbalances with the VibXpert 3

Rotating equipment such as motors, pumps and generators are the heart of most industrial operations. When such equipment fails, it can disrupt production cycles and bring the entire operation to a halt. On the other hand, properly maintaining such equipment extends its lifespan so that it can operate productively for years, preventing unplanned downtime and unnecessary maintenance costs. One of the best ways to keep rotating equipment in optimal condition is to promptly detect, diagnose and correct imbalances. When maintenance teams can diagnose imbalances quickly and accurately, repairs are easier and costs remain low.

Recent advances in technology make it easier than ever to detect and correct imbalances early, before the problem requires costly and complicated repairs. In the past, it was difficult to take accurate measurements in the field. With modern technology, maintenance personnel can accurately identify the cause of an imbalance and make repairs without having to dismantle the equipment and take it to a workshop.

The VibXpert 3 Balancer vibration analyzer is one of the fastest and most accurate tools for diagnosing and correcting imbalance problems. One of the advantages is that it is easy to learn and operate. In fact, the VibXpert 3 Balancer is so intuitive to use that it can serve as a training tool that employees learn to use on the job. Used correctly, the VibXpert 3 Balancer helps teams keep their equipment and systems running longer and protects them from problems associated with imbalance in rotating equipment.

Why is imbalance such a problem?

Unbalance is one of the main causes of failure in rotating equipment. The problem is particularly dangerous because it can be difficult to detect. Unbalance in a machine is difficult to notice at first. However, if it is not corrected, it will cause damage to the machine and its components. In the worst case, an unbalance can also pose a danger to the surrounding area and the employees who work there.

Even a seemingly minor imbalance causes higher levels of vibration in the equipment. As the amplitude increases, vibration causes higher levels of friction and heat, which ultimately leads to premature wear on bearings, shafts, belts and other machine components. Imbalance can also damage the foundation of the machine.

As the imbalance becomes more severe, the system’s components must be replaced more frequently. This increases repair and spare parts costs. An unbalanced machine also consumes more energy and runs less efficiently. This further increases costs and slows down production.

Ultimately, an unbalance in a machine that goes undetected for too long can lead to it breaking down, bringing the entire operation to a standstill, consuming resources and damaging customer relationships due to poor quality. An unbalance can even become a real danger. For example, an unbalanced system can heat up so much that a fire breaks out. The noise and unpredictable movements caused by high vibration amplitudes can also be dangerous for employees and the environment.

Further aspects when correcting an imbalance

In recent years, pressures have increased on maintenance teams, affecting virtually every aspect of their work. Most operations now use more diverse and complex equipment than in the past.

At the same time, these maintenance teams are operating with fewer and fewer staff, and the skills gap continues to widen . While the most experienced employees are reaching retirement age, younger employees often lack the education and training to identify and solve problems such as imbalances using traditional tools.

The leaders of such maintenance teams must use their limited resources intelligently to keep the equipment running smoothly, often while monitoring multiple work areas.

What kind of imbalance does this mean?

Often, workers today do not have the experience or training to identify and correct unbalance problems. They need modern, sophisticated tools that can guide them through the process of measuring, diagnosing and correcting unbalance. These can be powerful on-the-job training tools that employees learn on the job.

Today’s maintenance teams also need tools that work quickly and efficiently. As machines become more complex, it becomes more difficult to isolate and diagnose defects. An efficient balancing tool should be able to take measurements quickly at multiple points. It should also be able to store the measurements and make them available for analysis.

Given the time constraints facing most maintenance teams today, modern tools must be able to be used in the field . They must also be robust, durable and easy to use in difficult environments. This may sound difficult, but it can be done.

The VibXpert 3 offers all these functions and much more

Introducing VibXpert 3 Balancer

VibXpert 3 is an innovative vibration analyzer for eliminating imbalances, tailored to the needs of today’s workforce. This requires fast, accurate measurements at up to six points simultaneously, providing 360-degree insight into the condition of a machine. The device is intuitive to use, even for employees who have no technical training. VibXpert 3 is robust and durable, making it ideal for use in the field. At the same time, its capabilities exceed those of a conventional balancing device for use on site.

The VibXpert 3 solves all common problems caused by imbalance:

He can determine the exact location of the imbalance and ensure that problems caused by imbalance have been resolved.

The VibXpert 3 has six synchronous channels, so it can easily take multi-channel measurements of vibration. With older balancers, the user must set up a vibration sensor, take and record a measurement, and then move the balancer to the next point on the site to take another measurement. This process was tedious and error-prone.

The multi-channel measurements make the VibXpert 3 much faster than traditional balancers. Setup takes just a few minutes and measurements are virtually instantaneous. The machine also measures vibration amplitude in a variety of formats, allowing the user to capture both spectrum data and overall vibration.

The result is a tool that can quickly and accurately locate the cause of the imbalance so that maintenance technicians can immediately begin work and make repairs.

The VibXpert 3 can also be used in harsh environments.

The VibXpert 3 is robust and designed to withstand the harshest environments. It can even be dropped without being damaged. It offers protection against water and dust and remains functional even in extreme temperatures. The tool’s touchscreen is scratch-resistant.

Most importantly, the VibXpert 3 works quickly and accurately, so crews can fix problems quickly and then move on to work elsewhere. Teams get the same level of accuracy that a specialist workshop offers – but save time and resources.

The VibXpert 3 is intuitive and easy to use, even for teams with limited expertise.

The VibXpert 3 has an interactive touchscreen that gives the user a full overview of the data being recorded. The touchscreen functionality is similar to a mobile app and is therefore very intuitive to use, especially for young employees. The user can navigate through fields by swiping and tapping, or enlarge the display by pulling it apart with two fingers. The menus are clear and easy to understand. In addition, all relevant vibration data is displayed in one place, making it easily accessible.

In addition, the interactive display guides the user step-by-step through the process of measuring and correcting imbalances, allowing the user to determine the exact source of an imbalance and correct the problem. And because measurements can be taken at multiple points so quickly and easily, the operator can easily double-check that they have completely corrected the original problem.

Summary

Fluke Reliability engineers designed the VibXpert 3 to be faster, more accurate and more intuitive than any other balancer. The VibXpert 3 not only identifies problems, it helps you fix them.

Due to the six synchronous channels, it can detect even slight changes in the vibration patterns of both the system and its components. The VibXpert 3 is a tool that makes maintenance easy.

The result? A simple solution for correcting imbalances. This can lead to higher availability and productivity as well as lower maintenance costs.