Abstract: A machine monitoring apparatus collects, processes and communicates machine data to be used for process control purposes and to be used in analyzing the machine performance. The apparatus includes one or more sensors that may be attached to or adjacent the machine for generating signals indicative of a performance parameter of the machine. An analog-to-digital converter converts the signals generated by the one or more sensors to bulk digital data corresponding to the sensed performance parameter. A processor receives and analyzes the bulk digital data and generates control digital data based on the bulk digital data. The control digital data may include one or more scalar values or status messages related to the operational performance of the machine as indicated by the bulk digital data. The apparatus includes a control data interface for providing access to the control digital data via a control data network, and a bulk data interface for providing access to the bulk digital data.

Abstract: A portable route-based machine data collector stores audio files to supplement associated machine performance data, such as vibration data. The audio files, which may include voice comments, audio segments of raw vibration data, or frequency-shifted components of the vibration data, are stored in the data collector as standard-format digital audio files and are later downloaded to a computer for further analysis. Test personnel can then replay the audio files for data analysis personnel to get second opinions regarding whether machine faults may be indicated by the recorded sounds. Also, audio files associated with normal and abnormal machine operation may be saved on the portable data collector and used as baselines or for training purposes. Verbal operating instructions may also be stored as audio files on the portable data collector for replay by test operators in the field.

Abstract: A machine data collection system compares a plurality of measured values to one another and determines the measured value indicating a worst-case condition. The machine data collection system then reports the worst-case measured value across the control network. In some embodiments, the measured values are normalized based on each individual measurement's typical range, or a user-defined operating range, thereby producing a plurality of normalized values each corresponding to one of the plurality of measured values. The data collection system compares the plurality of normalized values to a nominal value and determines the normalized value indicating the worst-case condition. The system reports the measured value corresponding to the worst-case normalized value. In some embodiments, the data collection system also reports the worst-case normalized value across the control network.

Abstract: A portable route-based machine data collector stores audio files to supplement associated machine performance data, such as vibration data. The audio files, which may include voice comments, audio segments of raw vibration data, or frequency-shifted components of the vibration data, are stored in the data collector as standard-format digital audio files and are later downloaded to a computer for further analysis. Test personnel can then replay the audio files for data analysis personnel to get second opinions regarding whether machine faults may be indicated by the recorded sounds. Also, audio files associated with normal and abnormal machine operation may be saved on the portable data collector and used as baselines or for training purposes. Verbal operating instructions may also be stored as audio files on the portable data collector for replay by test operators in the field.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for monitoring an electrical signal appearing on a rotating machine shaft. The system comprises a probe assembly for placement against the rotating machine shaft that is in electrically conductive contact with the shaft. The probe assembly includes at least one circuit for receiving the electrical signal from the rotating machine shaft and producing various electrical signals that are read by a data processing system, which is coupled to the circuit. The data processing system determines from the electrical signal obtained from the circuit, the RMS AC voltage, DC voltage, peak voltage, and the RMS AC and DC current through two different resisters that are all appearing on the rotating machine shaft. The data processing system also performs Fast Fourier Transforms on the RMS voltage and current signals and produces a frequency spectrum over time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for machine data collection includes a hand-held personal computer (HPC) having route-based machine information data stored therein, and at least one hand-held sensor unit which includes a sensor for sensing an operating characteristic of the machine. The sensor unit includes a microcomputer for controlling the overall operation of the sensor unit, and a wireless communications port for wirelessly communicating with the HPC and/or other peripheral device. Wireless communications between the HPC and the sensor unit include uploading route-based machine information and instructions from the HPC to the sensor unit, and downloading collected sensor data from the sensor unit to the HPC. Data may also be manually input to the HPC, including reading from control panels and process gauges. All LCD visually displays information and instructions to the operator, and a set of headphones aurally informs and instructs the operator with regard to data collection.

Abstract: A portable, hand-held, battery-powered rotor balancing calculator has a data port, which includes a host communications port to down-load set-up data from, and upload collected data to a host computer. A rotation sensor communications port receives data from the rotation sensor, and a vibration sensor communications port receives data from vibration sensors. An angle sensor communications port receives data from an angle sensor, and the calculator determines how far and in what direction the rotor has been rotated. The calculator also employs a power supply, a processor, and an operator interface. There is also a memory for data storage, menus with check-off lists, and procedures, including raw data screening procedures and collected data analysis procedures. A display is provided which depicts gathered data in a graphical form which is easily reconfigured for rotor viewing orientation.

Abstract: A method for rotationally positioning a rotor for balancing procedures uses an instrument within a housing that is temporarily mounted to the axial face of a rotor for determining rotational locations with respect to a reference mark located on the rotor. The instrument has a needle indicator which is responsive to gravity, and is mounted such that it can rotate independently of the position of the housing. Tick marks representing degrees are arranged in a circle around the edge of the needle indicator. Two sets of numerical scales are provided, each in a different color, one increasing in a clockwise direction, and the other increasing in a counter clockwise direction. Two arc shaped arrows are provided, one each in the two colors used for the two sets of numerical scales. The color of the arc shaped arrow that points in the direction of incremental rotor rotation indicates that the set of numerical scales printed in the same color should be used for reading the degree of rotation.