Vibration Measure Unit - What It Is and Why It Matters
Discover what a vibration measuring unit is, how it works, and why it's critical for predictive maintenance. Explore tools and technologies from ADASH for accurate vibration diagnostics.
A vibration measuring unit is a critical tool in modern industry for detecting machinery faults and ensuring the smooth operation of rotating equipment. These units help prevent unplanned downtime, reduce maintenance costs, and extend the lifespan of assets by providing real-time insight into mechanical health.
What Is a Vibration Measuring Unit?
A vibration measuring unit (VMU) is an electronic device or system designed to monitor the vibration behavior of machines and components. It detects and quantifies oscillations caused by mechanical issues such as:
- Imbalance
- Bearing defects
- Shaft misalignment
- Gear wear
- Looseness or resonance
Depending on the type, these units may provide simple overall vibration levels or detailed frequency spectra using advanced analysis techniques like FFT (Fast Fourier Transform).
Types of Vibration Measuring Units
1.Portable Vibration Meters
- Ideal for maintenance technicians
- Quick spot-checks of equipment
- Measure RMS velocity, acceleration, or displacement
2.Vibration Analyzers
- Advanced diagnostics
- Frequency spectrum analysis (FFT)
- Trend monitoring and data storage
- Vibration signal recording
3.Online Monitoring Systems
- Continuous monitoring of critical assets
- Connected to central systems
- Automatic alarms and data logging
- Alarms based on vibration thresholds
- Supports integration with plant-wide systems (SCADA, CMMS)
Key Features of a Reliable Vibration Measuring Unit
| Feature | Why it matters |
| Frequency Range | Ensures capture of all relevant mechanical fault frequencies, from low-speed imbalance to high-frequency bearing defects. |
| Sensor Compatibility | Supports a variety of external sensors such as accelerometers and probes, allowing flexible and accurate measurements. |
| Data Storage and Export | Enables logging of measurement data for trending, historical analysis, and documentation purposes. |
| FFT and Envelope Analysis | Provides powerful diagnostic tools to detect bearing faults, gear issues, and other complex vibration patterns. |
| Software Integration | Allows seamless transfer and deeper analysis of data with specialized software for reporting and advanced diagnostics. |
Additional Notes
- A wide frequency range is critical because different faults manifest at different frequencies. For example, imbalance shows near running speed, while bearing faults appear at much higher frequencies.
- Supporting external sensors ensures you can use the best sensor for your specific application and tailor your measurement setup.
- Data storage and easy export to software like Adash DDS allow for trend analysis over time, which is essential for predictive maintenance.
- FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) and envelope analysis are indispensable for identifying fault frequencies and early-stage bearing and gear defects.
- Integration with software platforms streamlines workflows and enhances the value of collected data.
- Effective alarm systems reduce downtime by alerting maintenance teams before faults escalate.
Adash's VA5 Pro and other instruments embody these features with high-quality hardware and software support, making them excellent choices for reliable vibration measurement and diagnostics.
Applications Across Industries
- Manufacturing – monitoring motors, fans, gearboxes
- Power Generation – turbines, generators
- Mining and Cement – crushers, mills, conveyors
- Oil and Gas – compressors, pumps
- Transportation – railcar axles, engines
Why Choose ADASH Vibration Measuring Units?
At ADASH, we specialize in the development of advanced vibration measuring units designed to meet the highest standards of reliability and performance. Our product range includes:
- Portable vibration analyzers (e.g. A4900 Vibrio M, VA5 Pro)
- Vibration meters for quick on-site checks
- Online monitoring systems for 24/7 machinery surveillance
- Powerful diagnostic software for post-processing, data trading and reporting
Our solutions are used by maintenance professionals and reliability engineers in over 100 countries.
Learn more about our cutting-edge technology at www.adash.com
