The application of vibration signature analysis and acoustic emission source location to on-line condition monitoring of anti-friction bearings

Abstract

The mechanical noise, vibration and heat generated by defects in fabrications, process plant and machinery are a measure of component condition, and once characterised allow on-line assessment of defect severity. Unexpected failures which might threaten the entire production process can thereby be avoided. There is an increasing need for reliable and robust condition monitoring instrumentation with on-line data processing, particularly as the trend contunues towards larger production units with little or no standby capacity for use in the event of unscheduled stoppages due to mechanical failure. This article describes the detection of incipient failure of rolling element bearings by kurtosis and the location of fatigue cracks in slowly rotating bearings by acoustic emission