Vibration analysis for maintenance explained

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jan 22, 2007

Datastick Systems is holding its first vibration training seminar at its Campbell, California, headquarters from 1st to 3rd February 2007.

Datastick Systems is holding its first vibration training seminar at its Campbell, California, headquarters from 1st to 3rd February 2007.

The seminar is designed for those interested in using vibration analysis for predictive maintenance and for customers using Datastick VSA-series vibration spectrum analysers.

It covers the basics of machine vibration and vibration analysis, operation of VSA-series analysers, best practices in collecting and reporting vibration data.

The seminar will be led by 30-year vibration and balancing veteran, Derek Norfield, Datastick's new Director of Applications.

"This seminar is designed for newcomers to the subject of machine vibration", says Mr.Norfield.

"Datastick's Vibration Spectrum analysers are reasonably priced and simple to operate, and this attracts people from companies that have wanted to have vibration analysis as part of a predictive maintenance program, but have been put off by cost and complexity".

"Now that they can afford it, the next question they ask is, 'How do I do it?'".

"This seminar is designed to get them off to a good start by keeping things simple and easy to understand, and by providing lots of hands-on experience".

"Vibration is easy if it's properly taught".

Topics covered in the seminar include: the simple physics of vibration; the causes of vibration on rotating machinery; the differences between acceleration, velocity and displacement; why it's important to look at both waveforms and spectra in vibration analysis, and what to look for; complete operation of the VSA-1212, VSA-1214 and VSA-1215 vibration spectrum analysers; how to place sensors to get accurate, reliable measurements; how to produce meaningful reports in Datastick Reporting System PC software; when to call a consultant for help; and how to help the consultant to help you.

"Datastick and its customers are fortunate to have Derek Norfield to help them understand how to use vibration analysis to help prevent costly unnecessary downtime", says Penny Melrose, Datastick CEO.

"Derek has more than 30 years experience in vibration analysis and balancing, and has helped hundreds of people understand how to use vibration analysis to improve reliability".

Norfield's experience includes heading up his own vibration, balancing and training company with clients including General Electric Engine Overhaul, Chevron Richmond Refinery, Honeywell (Allied Signal), Unaxis Optics, Bayer Chemical, Pella Windows and many other process and manufacturing companies.

His employment history includes Reutlinger's Balancing Equipment division in the UK and the American Hofmann Corporation in the USA.

Last April, his book, Practical Balancing of Rotating Machinery, was published by Elsevier Technical Press.

Norfield will be assisted by members of Datastick's technical support staff.

The seminar, which has an introductory price of US $500, will take place on 1st, 2nd and 3rd February 2007 at the Datastick Systems headquarters in Campbell, California.