Using Orbits For Condition Monitoring

Using Orbits for Condition Monitoring
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Gary James, Ludeca, Inc.
Tags: conditio n mo nitoring, vibration analysis
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Orbits have historically been used to measure relative shaft movement within a journal-type
bearing. The shape of the orbit told the analyst how the shaft was behaving within the
bearing as well as the probable cause of the movement. This was accomplished using
proximity probes usually mounted through the bearings with a 90-degree separation and a
tip clearance set to around 0.050 inches. With todays modern analyzers, it is possible to
also collect an orbit using case-mounted velocity probes or accelerometers to see how the
machine housing is moving. Another way of putting it would be the orbit represents the
absolute path in space that the machine housing moves through (see Figure 1).
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Figure 1
Figure 2
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This is accomplished utilizing a two-channel instrument and collecting an orbit with the
sensor of choice being a velocity probe or accelerometer. This is whats referred to as a poor
mans operating deflection shape or ODS (see Figure 2).
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The analyst can interpret the data to determine machine movement at a particular
measurement location or a section of the machine if a tachometer trigger is used during
orbit collection as a phase reference. Analysts must keep in mind the exact location of each
sensor so that when they look at the shape of the orbit it is possible to tell the movement in
relationship to the sensors location. The sensors should be placed 90 degrees apart or at
least as close as possible to 90 degrees. Keep in mind that a properly wired sensor shows
motion toward the sensor as a positive signal and motion away from the sensor as a
negative signal.
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An orbit is usually collected while the machine is at its normal operating state or speed, but
it can also be collected while the machine is increasing or decreasing in speed, such as
during a coast-down or startup. The data can be collected in a steady state, in what is known
as an unfiltered orbit, requiring no tachometer (see Figures 3 and 3A), or at multiples of
running speeds such as first, second or third order to look for issues relating to that or
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another specific frequency (see Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7).
Figure 3 - Unfiltered displacement orbit
Figure 4 Second order setup
Figure 3A - Unfiltered velocity orbit
Figure 5 Second order results
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Figure 6 Third order setup
Figure 7 Third order results
About the Author

Gary James is a vibration application engineer and instructor for Ludeca Inc. He can be
reached at (305) 591-8935, Gary.James@ludeca.com or www.ludeca.com.
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