Abstract: An apparatus monitors a tumble mill and includes at least two vibration sensors mounted on a first main bearing and at least two vibration sensors mounted on a second main bearing of the mill. Sensors may be disposed radially with respect to the bearing. A vibration sensor is also connected to a thrust bearing of the mill oriented in a direction parallel to the rotational axis of the shell of the mill. A signal analyzer receives and analyzes signals from all vibration monitors on the bearings and displays an operating condition of the tumble mill. Additional vibration sensors may be mounted on the shell, and sensors may be provided to sense electrical power input and mechanical power output of the motors. In operation, the mill is loaded with a standard charge and operated at a standard rotational rate. The sensor data is analyzed and displayed when the mill is operating.

Abstract: A computer-animated graphical model visually conveys the movement and vibration of an entire shaft rotating within its bearings, and the behavior of the shaft at each individual bearing. The model aids a user in (1) visualizing an animated three-dimensional mode shape of a modeled shaft at high speeds, (2) visualizing the alignment state of the bearings of a modeled shaft at slower speeds, (3) visualizing the axial movement of a modeled shaft relative to a stationary component, and (4) visualizing the relationship between a rotating element, such as rotor, and a stationary element, such as a rotor housing, at locations other than the bearing locations. The model enables a user to compare shaft behavior at different operating conditions during a transient event, to see if a shaft is running at a proper position within its bearings, and to see if a shaft is contacting bearing surfaces or is dangerously close to such contact.

Abstract: A computer-animated graphical model visually conveys the movement and vibration of an entire shaft rotating within its bearings, and the behavior of the shaft at each individual bearing. The model aids a user in (1) visualizing an animated three-dimensional mode shape of a modeled shaft at high speeds, (2) visualizing the alignment state of the bearings of a modeled shaft at slower speeds, (3) visualizing the axial movement of a modeled shaft relative to a stationary component, and (4) visualizing the relationship between a rotating element, such as rotor, and a stationary element, such as a rotor housing, at locations other than the bearing locations. The model enables a user to compare shaft behavior at different operating conditions during a transient event, to see if a shaft is running at a proper position within its bearings, and to see if a shaft is contacting bearing surfaces or is dangerously close to such contact.

Abstract: An efficient vibration data collection, analysis, and storage system automates the analysis of time waveform data and optimizes use of available memory and minimizes data collection time by parameterizing the time domain vibration waveform produced by a vibration transducer attached to a machine. Various parameters are calculated from the time domain waveform and compared to predetermined thresholds or other criteria representative of possible anomalous conditions within the monitored machine. When one or more anomaly criteria are met, an alarm is generated and the system automatically collects, or stores vibration data, which may include both the time waveform and frequency spectrum. Alternatively, the system may be programmed to conduct further analysis of the vibration data during an alarm condition prior to data storage. Preferably, time waveform data is stored only for machines that are in alarm, and the calculated parameters are stored for each machine regardless of the machine's condition.

Abstract: The disclosed invention senses a machine's vibration spectrum, converts the vibration signal into a frequency-domain vibration spectrum, and analyzes the vibration spectrum to generate a narrowband alarm limit envelope against which the vibration spectrum of a previously uncharacterized machine may be compared. The limit envelope is generated from the test vibration spectrum of the machine which is the subject of the test, thus providing a performance benchmark against which to compare the vibration level of the previously uncharacterized machine. A limit envelope is also generated from a test vibration spectrum which has been designated as a reference or baseline spectrum. Further, a limit envelope is generated based upon a mean spectrum which is generated by combining several test vibration spectra. A limit envelope is also generated based upon mean and standard deviation spectra when a statistically significant number of test spectra are available.