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Motion Amplification to Detect Installation Problems

Stuart Walker | Reliability Engineer, Reliability Maintenance Solutions Ltd

Motion Amplification to Detect Installation Problems

This case involves a new installation at a site that does their own condition monitoring, and they noticed high vibration of 20 mm/sec. We captured the data and used motion amplification software to detect the problem.

When we viewed the footage, we saw foundation bolts that were not secure. There was no rigidity in the pressed steel system. The pump seal was also leaking—a failure induced by high vibration after startup.

The vibration went away after the repair.

With this technology, people often ask, “Aren’t you making something look bad by amplifying it?” But when you have low vibration levels, like 1 or 2 mm/sec, you cannot amplify nothing. If you amplify a healthy machine, you generally won’t see anything. If we see motion, it’s out of spec.

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About the Author

Stuart Walker Reliability Engineer, Reliability Maintenance Solutions Ltd

Stuart has worked in the Condition Monitoring and Reliability sector for the last 23years. He started his career working for Dupont as a Mechanical and Production Technician after completing a four year apprenticeship. It was here he was introduced to Condition Based Monitoring and setup a successful program at one of DuPont’s UK sites. He utilized technology’s such as Vibration analysis, Oil Analysis and IR Thermography moving the site from a time based maintenance strategy to a predictive and proactive one.  Stuart then worked for a Reliability Consultant company for a number of years implementing and running a number of other successful CBM programs across the UK.
In 1999 he setup Reliability Maintenance Solutions Ltd with his colleague Dean Whittle. Together they have successfully grown the company over the last 18 years. RMS provides
reliability consultancy, training, service, and products to a number blue chip companies across the UK, Europe and Middle East. Stuart has worked in many industry sectors including Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, Power and Paper. He is currently working on projects introducing and implementing the new Motion Amplification Technology within RMS and across a wide range of Industries at home and abroad.