Vibration transmitter suits online monitoring

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Apr 13, 2007

Wilcoxon Research's iT230 vibration transmitter with displacement output is ideal for cost-effective, online monitoring of machinery case vibrations.

Wilcoxon Research has developed a vibration transmitter with displacement output.

Its 4-20mA displacement output signal has a maximum full-scale output available of 2.54mm.

The iT230 is ideal for cost-effective, online monitoring of machinery case vibrations.

Many users prefer vibration information in terms of displacement to compare to historical data, and some manufacturers also specify case vibration maximums in this way.

The iT230 makes it possible to mount a velocity sensor, such as Wilcoxon's 793V or 797V, to the bearing case and obtain machine vibration information in terms of displacement.

It converts vibration sensor signals to proportional 4-20mA output for use in existing PLC/DCS networks.

Raw velocity vibration data is also available from a BNC connector on the front of the DIN-rail mounted module for use with portable vibration analysers.

The key advantage of the iT230 is in eliminating the need for a proximity probe to measure displacement.

Proximity probes are expensive, and installation requires a precision hole drilled directly into the bearing housing.

Using a velocity sensor and Intelligent Transmitter instead saves money and greatly simplifies installation compared to using a proximity probe.

Although this is not the same measurement as with a proximity probe, it provides useful bearing cap displacement measurements.

The iT230 is the latest release in Wilcoxon's Intelligent Transmitter series, signal-conditioning modules that make online vibration monitoring available at a lower cost.

The iT230 outputs 4-20mA data in terms of rms, peak, true peak, and true peak-to-peak.

full-scale displacements.

The options available for the iT230 exemplify the customisable nature of the iT series.

The iT series allows maintenance professionals to create a custom vibration monitoring centre.

Each iT Transmitter is custom built to user specifications, including measurement of acceleration, velocity or displacement; a selectable full-scale that can be specified in standard or metric units; and custom frequency banding to meet specific requirements based upon its intended use.

The programmed frequency band has a two-pole high-pass filter and an eight-pole low-pass filter, operates at a superior low-noise performance, and measures sensor BOV to monitor sensor performance.

The iT series also includes the iT Alarm with three programmable relays to monitor setpoint limits.

Alone or in conjunction with a PLC or DCS, the iT Alarm provides immediate notification if a machine's vibrations exceed acceptable levels.

The iT Communications Module greatly simplifies data acquisition and analysis by sending digital vibration data directly to any computer with an RS232 serial port.

Using Wilcoxon's free VibeLink software, economical online monitoring is available from any desktop.