Greetings, everyone! Let me introduce myself - I am a third-year Mechanical Engineering student currently completing my first co-op work placement at a prominent power station in Queensland, Australia. The main focus of my work involves creating an Operational Deflection Shape (ODS) model for the Primary Air (PA) Fans at the station. However, we are encountering recurring issues with the bearings in these fans, with the majority experiencing failures every four years. As a result, we are looking to model the fans, particularly the Fan Drive End, to address these issues. As I near completion of the fan model, I have a question regarding the positioning of measurement points. I anticipate needing over 100 measurement points and am unsure whether a scientific approach to their placement is necessary, as opposed to a basic grid layout. Is there a recommended method for the optimal positioning of measurement points on machinery for an ODS model? Any guidance on this matter would be highly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your assistance. Warm regards, Glen
Hello Glen, it is crucial to approach this with a scientific mindset. Randomly placing points may lead to more failures than successes. Take, for example, the vibration of a beam in different configurations - fixed-fixed, fixed-free, or free-free. How many points are necessary to accurately identify the first few modes in each scenario? Consider the dominant frequencies in your fan vibration. What modes could these correspond to? Ensure you have enough points to detect these modes. Additionally, every retaining bolt, AV mount, or fixing point poses a potential vulnerability. Be thorough in covering them all. Are you using a triaxial accelerometer or a single-axis one in three directions? These are just some points to ponder. Please update the community on your test results, and best of luck with your studies - persistence in this field can lead to a stable career. Tom Murphy.
Thank you for the valuable advice, Tom. The project I am working on involving fans is a new endeavor for our team, and with limited time due to IT issues, I am in need of assistance. I have access to our vibration data and have identified dominant frequencies around 22Hz from mills and a running speed of 25Hz. I plan to use a triax and speedvue for phase analysis. How can I address these weak points effectively? Should I focus on adding more measurement points in these areas? Do you have any recommended reading materials on this topic? I have struggled to find sufficient documentation and the software support has not been very helpful. I may share an image of my model soon. Please forgive my numerous questions and perceived lack of expertise. My ultimate goal is to successfully model this machine and enhance my skills in the process. Your assistance is greatly appreciated. Thank you, Glen.
For a prompt response, consider reaching out directly via email to one of the top experts on the forum. If they're not overwhelmed, they'll provide you with a valuable answer. I've personally been assisted by Tony Dematteo at tony.dematteo@4Xdiagnostics.com in the past. Feel free to contact him for assistance. Aubrey
Thank you for pointing that out, Aubrey. I've observed that he is quite active on these online forums. - Glen
Hi Glen, glad to hear about your work! Being a Mechanical Engineer myself, I've spent quite some time with ODS models. In my experience, the placement of measurement points is critical. While a grid layout may seem like a simple and convenient approach, it falls short in providing detailed understanding of complex machinery aspects. I'd recommend a more scientific method, focusing on key components more likely to affect overall performance. Key functional areas like shafts, bearings, gearboxes should have higher density measurement points. This allows you to more accurately capture the machine vibrations at these critical areas, leading to a more effective ODS model. Of course, balancing the quantity and quality of measurement points always must be considered based on your project's specific needs and limitations.
✅ Work Order Management
✅ Asset Tracking
✅ Preventive Maintenance
✅ Inspection Report
We have received your information. We will share Schedule Demo details on your Mail Id.
Answer: - The purpose of creating an ODS model for the PA Fans is to address recurring bearing failures and improve the reliability of the fans.
Answer: - The positioning of measurement points is crucial for accurately capturing the behavior and vibrations of the machinery, which can help identify potential issues and optimize performance.
Answer: - Yes, a scientific approach to the placement of measurement points is recommended to ensure comprehensive data collection and accurate representation of the machinery's behavior in the ODS model.
Answer: - Over 100 measurement points are anticipated to be needed for the ODS model, as this large number allows for detailed analysis and a more thorough understanding of the fan's vibrations and operational characteristics.
Answer: - By utilizing an ODS model, engineers can visualize and analyze the structural dynamics and vibrations of the machinery, which can help identify the root causes of bearing
Join hundreds of satisfied customers who have transformed their maintenance processes.
Sign up today and start optimizing your workflow.