Handheld Vibration reading device

[Patassa]

Hello everyone,

Can anyone recommend a make & model of a handheld device that we can purchase to take vibration readings on process piping in the refinery that I work in? We need something that can read low enough for typical low frequency pipe vibrations, I see that some Fluke models are limited to 10hz which doesn't seem low enough.

 

[GregLocock]

So how low in frequency do you need? Guessing games don't appeal. If you want to find out get a scope and look at the waveform from a strain gage accelerometer with DC coupling. Piezos often have a 3 Hz high pass.

Cheers

Greg Locock


New here? Try reading these, they might help FAQ731-376

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

 

[Strong]

Do you want overall vibration levels only?
What unit do you want acceleration, velocity, displacement?
Do you need spectrum?
What is minimum frequency?
What is maximum frequency?
What sensor type: accelerometer, velometer, other?
What are sensor temperature limits, mounting type, and access (thermal insulation)?
Do you need just single axis sensor or triaxial?
How will data be recorded: time series recording, spectra, overall levels?
What is final data format: spreadsheet, plots, other?

This job may not be as easy as you or your boss thinks it is or should be!

Walt

 

[geesamand]

How low do you need to go?

Can you set your device to have a long sample time and review the waveform? Is your device using the right sensor for low frequencies?

If you want a simple handheld that gives overall readings only, we've used Balmac handheld and they are quite sensitive to lower frequencies.

Avoid any/all of the newer devices that run on the ultra low power accelerometers. They are great devices for some things but only detect vibration above 20Hz.

 

[Tmoose]

What problem are you in search of?
- Pipe failures?
- Noise?
- Some pipes' vibration looks frighteningly high ?

 

[Strong]

Are you proceeding with this project?
If yes, then what are you doing?

Walt

 

[Tmoose]

Patassa is a couple of weeks overdue for a visit.


"After joining Eng-Tips Forums on October 14, 2013, I've logged in 228 times. My last login was on Friday, March 1, 2019.

 

[WARose]

Good luck on finding something affordable that can measure less than 10 Hz. That's where it gets expensive.

On the other hand: greater than 10 Hz opens the door to some affordable models. I have one by M&A Instruments.....and it's pretty good. (For something that was about $300.)