Integrating Vibration Analysis and Ultrasound Readings

For Total Bearing Life Maintenance and Management

Step 1: Add a new measurement unit “dBuV” in

Introduction ExpertALERT.
A. Go to UTILITIES, Define Units…
Vibration analysis is one of the best B. Select the Process (scalar) tab
techniques available for detecting wear in rolling C. Enter the information as shown in the
element bearings. High frequency vibration figure below.
techniques such as demodulation can detect D. Select SAVE CHANGES
bearing problems in very early stages of wear and
these defects can be easily tracked to failure using
standard vibration spectral analysis.
Ultrasound technology is extremely useful
in managing a bearing lubrication regimen. Over
greasing can be avoided by listening to the
bearing while greasing it using the acoustic lube
method. Periodic monitoring of Ultrasound levels
lets one know when it is time to add additional
grease to a bearing. Improper lubrication is a
common cause of bearing wear and can seriously
reduce the life of bearings. Therefore, Ultrasound
technology can help increase bearing life.
Used together, Ultrasound and vibration
analysis complement each other in monitoring Step 2: Add a process point to a machine on
bearings. Ultrasound as a preventative measure to which you would like to collect Ultrasound
ensure proper greasing; vibration analysis to readings.
detect initial stages of wear and track bearing A. Select the machine from the tree
defects until the bearing must be replaced. B. Go to FILE, NEW POINT…
The following will show one way of C. Enter the information as in the figure
integrating ultrasound technology into below then save and exit.
ExpertALERT™. Please refer to both the SDT
manual and the ExpertALERT™ manual for
additional information including instructions on
using the acoustic lube method to grease
bearings.
 Step 3. Collect Data and Hand Enter Readings
A. Refer to your SDT manual for
information on using the acoustic lube
method to grease bearings. When
bearings have been properly greased,
you will see an Ultrasound amplitude
reading on your SDT meter. Write this
value down.
B. In ExpertALERT™, Select the
Ultrasound point from the tree and
then go to DATA COLLECTION,
Hand Enter Process Readings…
C. Enter the reading and the date as in the
figure below

D. You should see the new point on your

tree as in the figure below.

D. Select SAVE CHANGES

253 Winslow Way West

Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 U.S.A. Integrating Vibration Analysis and Ultrasound Readings
Tel.: (206) 842-7656 -Application Note
Fax: (206) 842-7667 © 2004 – DLI Engineering Corp. - All rights reserved.
E-mail: sales@DLIengineering.com Printed in U.S.A.
Step 4: Set Alarm Levels after First Measurement
A. Select the Ultrasound point on the tree
B. Open the point to edit it
C. Enter Alarm Levels, 5 above first
reading for “high alert” and 10 above
first reading for “high critical” as in
the figure below.

Step 5: Take New Measurements and Look for

Alarms
A. Every month or as dictated by your
Ultrasound survey schedule, collect
dBuV readings and hand enter them
into ExpertALERT™.
B. An increase of 8 to 10 dBuV indicates
that the bearing needs to be greased
again using the acoustic lube method.

D. Click on Graph View to see the

reading displayed with alarm levels as
in the figure below.

253 Winslow Way West

Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 U.S.A. Integrating Vibration Analysis and Ultrasound Readings
Tel.: (206) 842-7656 -Application Note
Fax: (206) 842-7667 © 2004 – DLI Engineering Corp. - All rights reserved.
E-mail: sales@DLIengineering.com Printed in U.S.A.