Vibration Sensors and Accessories

Vibration sensors provide reliable and precise measurement of machine vibration

Vibration Sensors and Accessories

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Sensors and accessories for vibration measurement and Condition Monitoring

  • Large selection of vibration sensors: accelerometers, displacement sensors, VIBCODE transducer and triaxial sensors
  • Accelerometers measure vibration acceleration, shock pulse (roller bearing condition) and pump cavitation
  • Also available in compact size, for low-speed machines and as combi sensors for vibration and temperature
  • Patented tandem-piezo technology eliminates the disadvantages of conventional sensors
  • High-quality signal transmission over long distances up to 1,000 meters (3,200 feet) with current line drive (CLD) signal amplification
  • Various mounting types
  • EX / ATEX versions available
  • Temperature probes, keyphasers, cables, adaptors and tools available
  • Vibration Sensors and Accessories
  • Vibration Sensors and Accessories
  • Vibration Sensors and Accessories
  • Vibration Sensors and Accessories
  • Vibration Sensors and Accessories
  • Vibration Sensors and Accessories
  • Vibration Sensors and Accessories

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Universal vibration sensors for precise and reliable measurement

Types VIB 6.12x, VIB 6.14x

  • Measures vibration acceleration, shock pulse (roller bearing condition), and pump cavitation
  • Tandem-piezo sensor
  • Current line drive (CLD) signal amplification
  • Mounting options: bonded, threaded, magnetic
  • IP68 option
  • EX version available

Technical data (excerpt)

  • Frequency range (±3dB) 1 Hz … 20 kHz 0.3Hz … 10 kHz
  • Linearity range (±10%) 961 ms-² 450 ms-²
  • Sensitivity 1µA/ms-² 5.35µA/ms-²
  • Resonance frequency 36 kHz 17 kHz

Types VIB 6.202

  • Vibration acceleration, shock pulse (roller bearing condition), pump cavitation
  • Compact design
  • Space-saving cable routing
  • Economically priced
  • Tandem-piezo measuring element
  • Current line drive (CLD) signal amplification
  • Mounting options: bolted, glued, magnetic
  • EX version available

Technical data (excerpt)

  • Frequency range (±3dB) 2 Hz … 20 kHz
  • Linearity range (±10%) 961 ms-²
  • Sensitivity 1µA/ms-²
  • Resonance frequency 30 kHz

Types VIB 6.172

  • For slowly running speeds: starting at 6 RPM (=0.1 Hz)
  • ICP voltage output
  • Mounting options: bolted, glued ,magnetic (VIB 3.423)
  • ICP sensor also available with intrinsic safety

Technical data (excerpt)

  • Frequency range (±3dB) 0.1 Hz … 10 kHz
  • Linearity range < 70 g (r.m.s.) (±1%)
  • Sensitivity 100 mV/g
  • Resonance frequency 17 kHz

Type VIB 6.655 for VIBXPERT vibration analyzer and VIBSCANNER 2 data collector

  • Simultaneous vibration measurement in X, Y and Z direction
  • Mounting via threaded connection or magnetic adapter
  • ICP voltage output

Technical data (excerpt)

  • Frequency range (±3dB) 0.6 Hz … 10 kHz
  • Linearity range (±10%) 50g (peak)
  • Sensitivity 100 mV/g

Sensor for easy data acquisition

The intelligent sensor knows at all times where to measure and which measurement to take.

  • Vibration acceleration, shock pulse (roller bearing condition), and pump cavitation
  • Coded measurement locations for easy data collection
  • Stable connection via bayonet mount
  • Reproducible results
  • Tandem-piezo technology
  • Current line drive (CLD) signal amplification
  • Compatible with VIBSCANNER 2 and VIBXPERT II
  • Measures signals on low-speed machines (>2 Hz)

VIBCODE is a smart sensor that ensures reliable data collection even by untrained operators. It recognizes each location and takes the programmed measurements fully automatically, thereby enhancing trending reliability and eliminating repeat measurements due to mixups.

The measurement stud is encoded with location number and measurement type. A special patented probe locks onto the stud to measure both vibration and bearing condition (shock pulse) with excellent signal transmission and repeatability.

Shaft vibration and displacement on rotating machinery

Inductive proximity sensor
For VIBXPERT vibration analyzer

Type VIB 6.640

The inductive proximity sensor VIB 6.640 is used for contact-free measuring the gap of metallic objects within the specified range. The sensor connects to VIBXPERT vibration analysers.

  • Non-contact measurement
  • Easy to mount
  • Broad linearity / working range

Technical data (excerpt)

  • Working range Sn: 3 … 15 mm
  • Max. frequency: 300 Hz
  • Inductive measuring principle

Inductive dispacement sensor
For Online Condition Monitoring Systems

Type VIB 6.645 SET

The inductive displacement sensor VIB 6.645 SET connects to PRUFTECHNIK online systems. The sensor determines the position of metallic objects within the specified range.

  • Non-contact measurement
  • Easy to mount
  • Broad linearity / working range
  • Linear voltage signal across the entire working range
  • High max. frequency
  • LED adjusting indication

Technical data (excerpt)

  • Linearity range: 2 … 10 mm
  • Rated operating distance Se:6 mm
  • Max. frequency: 500 Hz

Measure rotational speed and provide reference signal for order-based vibration analysis

Laser trigger / RPM sensor
For data collectors

Type VIB 6.631

  • Laser optical measurement
  • Easy mounting and adjustment
  • Large RPM measurement range
  • Stable stands (accessory)
  • EX version available

Technical data (excerpt)

  • Measurement range: 0.1 … 600 000 RPM
  • Measuring distance: 0.05 … 2 m
  • Output: 5V (TTL)

Inductive RPM sensor
For Online Condition Monitoring systems

Type VIB 5.992-NX

  • Inductive measurement
  • Easy mounting and adjustment

Technical data (excerpt)

  • Measurement range: < 150 000 RPM
  • Measuring distance: 2.3 … 12 mm
  • Load current: 200 mA

Permanent, handheld or magnetic temperature probes

Thermocouple type K Standard temperature probe for data collectors

Types VIB 8.607-1.5, VIB 8.608

  • For hard-to-access measurement locations
  • Magnetic mount (VIB 8.607-1.5)
  • Hand-held probe with probe tip (VIB 8.608)
  • Large measurement range
  • EX version available

Technical data (excerpt)

  • Measurement range:
    -50 … 240°C (VIB 8.607-1.5)
    -50 … 500 °C (VIB 8.608)
  • Precision: better 3%
  • Sensor type:Thermocouple type K

Suitable accessories ensure easy and reliable measurements

  • Mounting adapters and tools
  • Cables, interfaces and accessories for online systems
  • Cables and connecting adapters for portable instruments
  • Customized solutions

The quality of a measuring system depends not only on the main components, but is also a direct result of all the system components. That is why we place high importance on optimizing the entire measuring process when developing our systems – from the sensor and signal transmission to signal processing and visualization.

Measurement precision due to state-of-the-art technology

Tandem-Piezo design

The unique features of PRUFTECHNIK’s patented Tandem-Piezo accelerometers make them suitable for virtually all types of industrial vibration applications.

The unique design practically eliminates temperature shock and base strain effects; it also handles condition evaluation of turbo machinery and gearboxes, anti-friction bearings and pump cavitation – all with the same transducer, thanks to a wide linear range and a defined shock pulse resonance characteristic at 36 kHz.

  • Low base strain sensitivity, transverse sensitivity and sensitivity to temperature transients
  • High shock resistance
  • Integrated resonance suppression filters avoids amplifier overloading
  • Factory burn-in for high long-term stability

Current Line Drive (CLD)

The long cables used in permanently installed monitoring systems must stand up to considerable electrical and mechanical interference. With traditional sensors the signals barely get through the network, being drowned out by the noise and interference.

PRUFTECHNIK uses a line drive system, which consists of a tiny electronic amplifier built into each sensor to boost the vibration signal.

  • Low sensitivity to mechanical and electrical interference (cable noise, electromagnetic sources, ground looping)
  • Very long low-cost cables possible with very little signal loss
  • Cable positioning during installation is not as critical
  • Power supply current carried along the very same coaxial cable carrying the vibration signal (power comes from a source built into the receiver instrument).

There are two types of line drive systems, providing either voltage output or current output. PRUFTECHNIK systems use the latter due to its technological superiority, offering the following advantages:

  • Much lower high frequency loss in very long cables even over 1,000 meters.
  • Much lower susceptibility to induced noise and ground-loop noise, also eliminating the need for insulated sensors in most cases.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Vibration Sensor?

A vibration sensor is a device used to measure the vibrations emitted by equipment and assets. Vibration sensors measure levels of displacement, velocity, and acceleration.

Changes in these measurements that fall outside of a predefined threshold for normal operation can indicate a problem, such as a worn bearing, misaligned parts, or other condition that requires attention. Vibration monitoring is one of the most effective forms of condition monitoring because it can pick up on these problems months before they become serious enough to cause asset failure. This enables maintenance teams to address the problems and schedule maintenance proactively, reducing the risk of unplanned downtime.

Here’s how a vibration sensor works: Every piece of rotating equipment has its own vibration signature. When a machine’s normal vibration patterns change, it may indicate a fault. Changes to vibration patterns can reveal a wide array of problems, including looseness, imbalance, or premature wear. Vibration patterns also change when your machine parts are cracked or improperly connected.

Modern vibration sensors can capture and transmit vibration data on a continuous basis, making this data available for analysis in real-time. This makes it easy for your maintenance team to see exactly what’s going on with your assets, so that they can stay a few steps ahead of your maintenance needs.

When used as part of a comprehensive predictive maintenance strategy, vibration sensors can drastically reduce downtime and increase your operation’s productivity.

There are a number of different types of vibration sensors on the market, including a variety of vibration sensing technologies, as well as both wireless and wired sensors. It is important to choose a sensor that fits your needs and your budget. The following is a high-level overview of the different types of vibration sensors on the market today.

Accelerometer Vibration Sensors

Accelerometers are the most commonly used kind of vibration sensor. They measure changes in the velocity of your assets’ vibrations.

Accelerometer vibration sensors are highly sensitive and can pick up on even subtle changes in vibration.

There are many different kinds of accelerometers, including:

Vibration Meters are small, hand-held devices that can measure vibrations on an as-needed basis.

Vibration meters often do not directly attach to your machinery, though some can be configured that way. Instead, technicians use them as part of routine inspections. Vibration meters often include accelerometers.

Vibration meters are convenient and accurate. However, they cannot provide data on a continuous basis, the way wireless vibration sensors can. This means that vibration meters alone can’t enable a predictive maintenance strategy.

MEMs Vibration Sensors are widely used because of their frequency response. They excel at picking up vibration frequencies between 0 and 1,000 hertz. Changes in those lower frequencies typically point to problems with imbalance, misalignment, and looseness. MEMs sensors are also cost-effective, offer a long battery life, and have high IP ratings for reliable operation in wet or dusty industrial environments.

Piezoelectric vibration sensors, also known as piezo sensors, are often lauded for their performance even in extreme environments. Piezoelectric vibration sensors also pick up on higher frequencies, especially frequencies above 1,000 hertz. Changes in these higher frequencies usually indicate problems with gearboxes and motor bars.

Piezoelectric vibration sensors use the piezoelectric effect to measure vibration by converting it into an electrical charge. These sensors rely on piezoelectric elements — usually quartz crystals — to convert the mechanical energy caused by vibrations into electrical signals.

Your technicians will place piezoelectric sensors directly on your equipment or component parts. As the asset vibrates, that movement creates an electrical charge across the piezoelectric element.

Piezo vibration sensors are probably the most widely used form of accelerometer because of their resilience, versatility, and ability to operate in harsh environments.

In the past, vibration sensors were primarily used for large-scale equipment like HVACs. Today, there is more pressure than ever on manufacturers to keep up their production schedules on target and minimize downtime. Most operations are also using more assets than ever before. This makes it more challenging and complex to perform routine inspections.

As a result, more and more industrial operations have started using vibration sensors to monitor the health of their equipment. Vibration sensors alert you to potential problems like misalignment, imbalance, looseness, and gear issues. In many cases, the sensors flag these conditions months before they turn into major problems. That allows your maintenance team to get in and fix the issue ahead of time.

Vibration sensors are a key part of any condition monitoring or predictive maintenance strategy. They allow you to keep tabs on your equipment without forcing you to shut down operations for routine inspections.

You’ll know exactly when and where to replace belts, lubricate parts, or perform other routine maintenance tasks. Ultimately, you’ll save on maintenance costs and maximize your uptime and productivity.

It’s generally a good idea to install vibration sensors on your critical assets. Vibration sensors can track the health of all of your rotating equipment, including:

  • Motors
  • Fans and belts
  • Pumps
  • Gearboxes
  • Conveyor systems
  • Automated assembly lines
  • Chillers

When first piloting a condition monitoring program, start by installing vibration sensors on the equipment that you rely on to maintain production levels. Install the sensors as close as possible your motor, pump, and shaft bearings. If you’re not sure where or how to mount your sensors, it’s a good idea to consult with condition monitoring experts.