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Hansford Sensors Cement Industry Feb 2015
Hansford Sensors Cement Industry Feb 2015
Hansford Sensors Cement Industry Feb 2015
Vibration monitoring to
boost efficiency
In this article Chris Hansford, Managing Director of Hansford Sensors, explains how predictive maintenance,
in particular vibration monitoring, helps to maximise the efficiency of machinery used in cement
manufacturing, by reducing downtime to a minimum.
They are robust and reliable, thanks onto the rotating machine accurately
to stainless steel sensor housings that – including a tapping drill, taps, tap
can prevent ingress of contaminants. wrench and a spot facing tool. These
kits are now available to allow for
To install an accelerometer correctly, different mounting threads, including
engineers should mount it directly ¼, M6 and M8. Correct mounting
onto the machine on a flat, smooth, of the sensor is vital to ensure true
unpainted surface that is larger than readings and, where possible,
the base of the accelerometer. The mounting a sensor via a drilled and
installer must ensure that the surface tapped hole directly to the machine
is free of grease and oil, as close as housing will give the best results. If
possible to the source of vibration the housing is not flat, a spot facing
and perpendicular to the axis of installation kit allows creation of a
rotation. These guidelines will help to flat surface.
ensure that the device gives the most For horizontal measurement, vibration
accurate possible measurements of Mounting sensors should be mounted on the
vibration levels – giving the maximum Correct sensor installation is essential two motor bearings or pump bearings.
boost to the maintenance regime. for reliable and consistent operation. This measures velocity in mm/sec
A vibration monitoring system must (Peak or RMS) to detect imbalance,
‘Accelerometers used to take into account issues including and problems with structural rigidity
imbalance, misalignment, bad and/or foundation. For vertical
measure vibration levels bearings, mechanical looseness, measurement, sensors should
are usually easy to install hydraulic forces (cavitation, resonance) be located on the motor or pump
and use.’ and rubbing. To detect these faults, drive end bearings. This measures
sensors should be located to ensure velocity in mm/sec (Peak or RMS) to
A good spot facing kit has the tools that horizontal, vertical and axial detect looseness and problems with
needed to mount a vibration sensor movement are measured effectively. structural rigidity and/or foundation.
Hansford Sensors Ltd. Artisan, Hillbottom Road, Sands Industrial Estate, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP12 4HJ
Telephone: +44 (0) 845 680 1957 Fax: +44 (0) 845 680 1958 Email: sales@hansfordsensors.com Web: www.hansfordsensors.com