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What are vibration sensors?
Why use a vibration sensor?
How do accelerometers/ vibration sensors work?
What is the difference between Piezolectric and Piezoresistive Accelerometer?
Selecting the correct sensor for your application.
What are typical vibration monitoring systems applications?
Hence, noise and vibration monitoring are starting to play increasingly important roles in predictive maintenance.
On machine vibration is simply the back and forth movement of machines or machine components. Any component that moves back and forth or oscillates is vibrating. Essentially vibration (whether audible or not) is a form of energy loss, so, if a pump, motor, gearbox, drive train or servo-valve vibrates more than usual then the component is either being overloaded or its sub-components such as bearings and teeth, are probably failing.
Monitoring vibration (this ‘leakage of energy’) is neither as difficult nor as costly as most assume, as vibration sensors and associated signal conditioning hardware are an extremely cost-effective alternative to having equipment fail.
Vibration causes the mass to accelerate
In this type of accelerometer the piezoelectric crystal produces an electrical charge which is connected directly to the measurement instruments. The charge output requires special accommodations and instrumentation most commonly found in research facilities. This type of accelerometer is also used in high temperature applications (>120C) where low impedance models can not be used. This robust device has no moving parts and offers long term stability and reliability. It has a wide frequency and dynamic ranges and signals can be integrated to give velocity and displacement values
The piezoresistive accelerometer similarly depends on the change of an electrical property when a crystal is subjected to a force These tips will help you isolate the most effective sensor types for your task but with such a wide and varied offering we welcome your enquiry to our technical sales team who will enable you to pinpoint the perfect match for the task in hand. On this site we provide one or more icons to indicate the most suitable applications.
What do you need to do?
For vibration analysis and condition monitoring, look to those sensors with an AC or charge output, and for continuous monitoring and machine protection look to those sensors with a DC output.
Which Application are the sensors going to be used in?
Against each accelerometer we provide one or more icons to indicate the most suitable applications.
How will you connect the accelerometer to your measuring system?
Monitran’s sensors either have ‘plug and socket’ connections or are supplied with integral cables.
For many models there is a choice of Top or Side Entry, with the latter having a lower profile and therefore ideal for use when space is at a premium.
Many of our accelerometers are ATEX- or IECEx - approved versions and are suitable for use in flammable gas or dust hazard areas, both in petrochemical and underground environments.
We can supply top or side entry ATEX or IECEx Group 1 sensors for mining or tunnelling environments.
The mounting method will typically be governed by the nature of the machine or structure to which the sensor will be and the permanence of its installation. Bearing this in mind, mounting methods include male studs, female threads, epoxy adhesive or magnetic attachment. The quickfit option ( with a wide range of adapters available ) is particularly useful for sensors with stiff integral cables.
The Graph below gives examples of the different reading you will achieve with various mountings:-
For any given application you need to select a suitable sensitivity and output range. Most sensors have standard sensitivities and ranges, which are given on this site and , but please refer to our datasheets ( which you can download on this site ) for other sensitivity/range options.
Most of our sensors operate in the range 1Hz to a few kHz but if you need to measure seismic vibrations or movements within large structures you will need a low frequency sensor which measures, and produces an output, down to DC (0Hz). For very high speed machines, consider a charge output sensor which, with the right charge amplifier, will respond at very high frequencies.
All sensors have high resistance to liquid penetration with fully submersible to IP68 versions available for deep water applications.
Which temperature range do you need?
Most sensors will work in sub-zero temperatures and most can handle any heat generated by the machinery to which they are attached. For hotter environments we can supply sensors which will operate in temperatures as high as 250°C.
During the past 20 years condition monitoring has evolved as a significant opportunity to make an industry run in a more cost effective way. Vibration Analysis is one the effective condition based maintance technologies. Our sensors can be used to monitor vibration levels on pumps, motors, fans and all other types of rotating machinery. This will in turn enable you to use the data for troubleshooting and fault diagnosis.
In our sensor guide, which you can request by emailing our offices; we have labelled each sensor with an industry symbol to help you identify the best sensor for your particular application. Whilst this list is not conclusive – and your industry requirement may not be ‘featured’ it gives a guide to the full range of applications our sensors could be used,
For further information on the different applications please go through to our Application Page.
