Vibration Analysis for Hydraulic Systems

Collection frequency depends on equipment criticality and operating conditions. Critical hydraulic systems in continuous service typically require monthly vibration surveys at minimum, with more frequent collection warranted when trending indicates a developing fault. Online monitoring systems provide continuous data for the most critical assets.

Standard practice uses triaxial accelerometers mounted at each bearing housing to capture radial and axial vibration in hydraulic systems. High-frequency enveloping sensors may be added for early bearing fault detection. Proximity probes are used on equipment with sleeve bearings to measure shaft relative vibration and orbit patterns.

Yes. Vibration Analysis measurements use overall velocity per ISO 10816-3, plus envelope spectrum 1-10 kHz which capture at the bearing housing, terminal box, or sampling point without disrupting operation. The Industrial Hydraulic Systems stay online during the route. Only deep diagnostic work or repairs that follow from findings require taking the equipment offline.

Value rises with age. New Industrial Hydraulic Systems rarely show developing faults during the first 1,000 to 3,000 operating hours. The middle of the asset life (years 2-7 typically) is where Vibration Analysis catches the most actionable findings. Late-life equipment — past the 20 to 30 years for the system mark — shows higher fault frequency and benefits from tighter monitoring intervals than the program baseline.