Correcting rotational asymmetry with the VibXpert 3

Rotating equipment such as motors, pumps and generators is the heart of most industrial operations. Failure of such equipment can disrupt production cycles and require the entire operation to be shut down. Proper maintenance extends the life of the equipment and maintains productivity for many years, eliminating the risk of unplanned downtime and unnecessary repair costs. One of the best ways to keep rotating machinery operating at optimum efficiency is to quickly identify, diagnose and correct rotational misalignment. By enabling maintenance technicians to quickly and accurately diagnose misalignment, the complexity of repairs can be reduced, minimizing maintenance costs.

The latest technological advances have made it easier to identify and correct asymmetries early, reducing the risk of expensive and complicated repairs. In the past, it was difficult to make accurate measurements in the field, but today modern technology allows maintenance technicians to precisely identify the sources of asymmetry and make repairs without having to dismantle and transport the equipment to a workshop.

The VibXpert 3 Balancer is one of the fastest and most accurate tools for diagnosing and correcting imbalance problems. It is extremely user-friendly, which is an added bonus. The VibXpert 3 Balancer is so intuitive to use that it can be used as an educational aid that allows you to learn while using it. When used properly, the VibXpert 3 Balancer can extend the life of your equipment and protect it from problems caused by unbalanced components.

Why is asymmetry such an important issue?

Asymmetry (also known as imbalance) is one of the main causes of failure of rotating equipment. It is a dangerous problem that can be difficult to identify. Initially, the asymmetry is minimal. However, if it is not corrected in a timely manner, it can eventually cause damage to the machine and its components. In the worst cases, imbalance can also pose a risk to the surroundings and workers in the vicinity of the machine.

Even seemingly minor asymmetry increases the vibration level of components. Increased vibration levels cause excessive friction and heat, which ultimately leads to premature wear of bearings, shafts, belts and other machine components. Asymmetry can also damage the machine’s foundation.

The increasing asymmetry results in the need to replace device components more frequently, which translates into the accumulation of repair and spare parts costs. An unbalanced machine consumes more energy and works less efficiently – which also increases costs and slows down production.

Uncontrolled machine imbalance can result in failure, which will bring the entire operation to a halt, waste resources, and undermine customer relationships. Machine imbalance can be dangerous—an overheating imbalanced component can cause a fire. Noise and unpredictable operation caused by high vibration levels can also pose a risk to workers and the surrounding area.

Problems related to maintenance

In recent years, maintenance workers have been faced with new, complex problems that affect virtually every area of ​​their work. Today, most processes use more and more complex equipment and systems.

However, service teams are struggling with labor shortages and a growing lack of skills . The most experienced professionals are reaching retirement age, and new employees often lack the skills and training to identify and resolve issues such as imbalance with traditional tools.

Maintenance managers must find intelligent solutions to keep systems running efficiently using limited resources, in many cases overseeing multiple locations.

The importance of asymmetry measurement in device diagnostics

Today, many workers lack the experience or training to identify and correct imbalance problems in rotating equipment. They need modern, advanced tools that will guide them through the process of measuring, diagnosing and correcting imbalances. Such tools can be very useful in terms of on-the-job training, allowing workers to learn on the job.

Maintenance workers also need tools that can work quickly and efficiently. As machine designs become more complex, isolating and diagnosing defects becomes increasingly difficult. An efficient tool for correcting asymmetry in rotating equipment should be able to quickly take measurements from multiple points. It should also be able to save measurement results and make them available for further analysis.

Given the time constraints most maintenance teams face today, modern instruments must also be fully functional in the field . This means they must be rugged, durable and easy to operate even in harsh conditions. This may seem impossible, but it is all within reach.

VibXpert 3 meets all these requirements – and more.

Introducing VibXpert 3 Balancer

VibXpert 3 is a next-generation precision balancing instrument designed to meet the needs of today’s machine operators. It provides fast and accurate measurements from up to six points simultaneously, providing a complete overview of the machine’s condition. The instrument is highly intuitive and easy to use, even for those who are not very technically experienced. VibXpert 3 has a robust and durable design, making it ideal for field work. Its capabilities go beyond the functions of a traditional field stabilizer.

VibXpert 3 solves all typical asymmetry problems:

VibXpert 3 can pinpoint the exact location of asymmetry and provide a solution to the problem.

VibXpert 3 uses six synchronous channels, making it easy to perform multi-channel vibration measurements. Legacy stabilization solutions require users to set up a vibration sensor, take and record a measurement, and then move the instrument to the next point on the machine to take another measurement. This process is complex and error-prone.

With its multi-channel measurement feature, the VibXpert 3 is much faster than older stabilization instruments. Set-up takes just minutes and measurements are virtually instantaneous. The instrument also measures vibration levels in multiple formats, allowing users to collect spectrum data and analyze overall vibration levels.

In this way, the instrument enables the source of imbalance to be determined quickly and accurately, allowing maintenance technicians to get to work immediately and make repairs.

The VibXpert 3 can be used in the field, even in difficult conditions.

VibXpert 3 is a durable solution, designed to work in the harshest conditions. Don’t worry about damaging it when it falls out of your hands! It is resistant to moisture and dust and maintains full functionality even in extreme temperatures. The touchscreen is scratch-resistant.

Above all, VibXpert 3 works quickly and accurately, so workers can quickly measure and find a solution to the problem. Now you can take measurements as accurately as in a specialist laboratory – saving time and money.

VibXpert 3 is intuitive and easy to use, even for operators who do not have advanced expertise.

VibXpert 3 features an interactive touch screen that gives users a complete view of the data recorded by the instrument. The touch screen functionality is similar to a mobile app, so this instrument may be a natural choice for users accustomed to this type of solution. Menu functions can be navigated by swiping the screen. To zoom in or out, simply pinch or spread your fingers. The menus are clear and easy to read. In addition, all relevant vibration data is displayed in one place, providing easy access to all measured parameters.

The interactive screen also provides step-by-step guidance for measuring and correcting rotational asymmetry, helping users pinpoint the source of imbalance and correct the problem. Multi-point measurements are quick and easy to perform, so operators can easily verify that the original problem has been completely eliminated by re-measuring.

Worth remembering:

Designed by Fluke Reliability engineers, the VibXpert 3 is faster, more accurate and more intuitive than any other balancing tool. The VibXpert 3 not only detects problems, it makes it easy to eliminate them.

With 6 synchronous channels, the device can capture even subtle changes in vibration patterns, both in the entire device and in individual components. VibXpert 3 is a device that facilitates precise diagnostics.

The result? Balancing rotating equipment is now easier, which helps extend equipment life, increase operating efficiency and reduce maintenance costs.