Vibration testing

Fluke has introduced the unique, handheld Fluke 810 Vibration Tester. The most advanced troubleshooting instrument available for vibration, the Fluke 810 enables maintenance teams to rapidly collect data and diagnose and solve mechanical problems with an affordable, easy to use tool. Viewer PC software included with the product enables transfer of data for machine setups, more detailed diagnosis and diagnostic reporting.

The new tester is designed and programmed to diagnose the most common mechanical problems of imbalance, looseness, misalignment and bearing failures in a wide variety of mechanical equipment, including motors, fans, blowers, belts and chain drives, gearboxes, couplings, pumps, compressors, closed coupled machines and spindles.

When it detects a fault, the Fluke 810 identifies the problem and rates its severity on a four-level scale to help the maintenance professional prioritise maintenance tasks. It also recommends repairs. Context-sensitive on-board help menus provide new users with real-time guidance and tips.
Ease of use
The Fluke 810 Vibration Tester uses a simple step-by-step process to report on machine faults the first time measurements are taken, without prior measurement history. The combination of plain-text diagnoses, severity ratings and repair recommendations helps users make better maintenance decisions and address critical problems first.
Mechanical diagnosis with the Fluke 810 begins when the user places the Fluke tri-axial TEDS (transducer electronic data sheet) accelerometer on the machine under test. The accelerometer has a magnetic mount and can also be installed by attaching a mounting pad using adhesive. A quick-disconnect cable connects the accelerometer to the Fluke 810 test unit. As the machine under test operates, the accelerometer detects its vibration along three planes of movement and transmits that information to the Fluke 810. Using a set of advanced algorithms, the 810 Vibration Tester then provides a plain-text diagnosis of the machine with a recommended solution.

A New Approach to Machine Diagnosis
Typical vibration analysers and software are intended for monitoring machine condition over the longer term and often require special training and investment. Vibration analysers used in condition-based monitoring or predictive maintenance programs typically rely upon comparing a machine’s condition over time to a previously established baseline condition to evaluate machine condition and estimate remaining operating life.
In contrast, the diagnostic technology in the Fluke 810 analyses machinery operation and identifies faults by comparing vibration data to an extensive set of rules developed over years of field experience. The Fluke 810 determines fault severity using a unique technology to simulate a fault-free condition and establish a baseline for instant comparison to gathered data. This means that every measurement taken is compared to a “like new” machine and enables the maintenance professional to quickly understand the root cause of equipment conditions.
Viewer Application Software
The Fluke 810 Vibration Tester includes Viewer PC software to expand its data storage and tracking capability. With Viewer the user can:

• Create machine setups at the computer keyboard and transfer the data to the 810 Vibration Tester.
• Generate diagnostic reports in a PDF file format.
• View vibration spectra in greater detail.
• Import and store JPEG images and Fluke .IS2 thermal images for a more complete view of a machine’s condition.

The Fluke 810 Vibration Tester comes with embedded diagnostic technology, tri-axial TEDS accelerometer, accelerometer magnet mount, accelerometer mounting pad kit with adhesive, accelerometer quick-disconnect cable, laser tachometer and storage pouch, smart battery pack with cable and adapters, shoulder strap, adjustable hand strap, Viewer PC application software, mini-USB to USB cable, Getting Started Guide, illustrated Quick Reference Guide, User Manual CD-ROM and a hard carrying case.