Summary

Variable speed assets such as VFDs and low-cost DC Drives are becoming more and more common across a wide range of industries and applications. The benefits in process control and cost savings are significant but the challenges these assets present to the vibration analyst, including increased noise, smearing and peak spreading, are equally significant. This webinar will cover the data issues before moving on to discussing available tools and solutions, including the benefits and limitations of using advanced techniques such as time synchronous averaging and precise order tracking. Please note that the webinar will not be covering operational principles or electronic issues related to the operation of VFDs in any depth – it focuses instead on challenges and solutions for the vibration analyst.

Takeaways

• What basic information should you always gather and what tools should you use to give yourself the best chance when analyzing data collected during speed changes?
• What spectrum anomalies do you need to keep an eye out for and how do you approach challenges like identifying 2x line frequency, bearing faults and pole pass frequency?
• What advanced tools are available for use on critical equipment that will clean up the data, reduce noise, smearing and peak spreading and significantly increase the confidence level of your diagnoses?

About the Presenter

A mechanical engineer by trade, Scott Dow has been working in the vibration world for over 25 years. During that time, he has worked extensively as a field analyst and as a trainer, teaching formal classes and also mentoring clients individually and in small groups. During the mid-90s, Scott developed an innovative training method based on recreating interesting and educational case studies he had encountered. Scott is currently a Training Manager for SPM Instrument.