When Decibels Arent Enough.

Part 2

Figures 4a & 4b: Dual display of the Ultraprobe 15000 instrument used above, FFT (top) and time waveform
(bottom). FFT only below. Users have their choice of views.

The latest version of advance spectra analysis software has a new on

screen bearing calculator. The end-user simply enters the RPM and how
many balls or roller elements are in the bearing. You can also select outer
race, inner race, ball pass, or cage frequencies (see Figures 5a and 5b).
On pump #4, our harmonic cursor indicated the inner race bearing
frequencies as the problem.
Figure 5a: Pump motor No. 4, played through software identifies inner race problem.
Photo Courtesy of: Jim Hall, Ultrasound Technologies Training Systems

Figure 5b: All five pump motors overlay. Notice No. 4 with inner race in "white" coloring.
Photo Courtesy of: Adrian Messer, UE Systems, Inc.
Still not satisfied with the results, I forwarded the findings to Peter
Marquardt of Predictive Maintenance LLC in West Point, Virginia. Pete is
certified Ultrasound Inspector Level II and Vibration Analyst Level II. He
offers services in vibration analysis, thermal imaging, ultrasonic leak
detection, ultrasonic bearing analysis, precision laser alignment, field
balancing and consulting.

Pete wrote in his reply to me, "Utilizing the ultrasound data collected at
the filtration pump/motor number four 'outboard' bearing, from a vibration
analysis point of view and without actually having been there to collect
this data using my own vibration analyzer, I was able to determine the
6212 bearing has an inner race defect. A normal 6212 bearing has 10
rolling elements. At 1750 rpm, this bearing would produce a vibration at
inner race frequency of around 175Hz. The FFT data shown on the image
sent has a dominant harmonic of 172Hz. This, along with the running
speed sidebands and running speed harmonics, would indicate the most
reasonable conclusion for this analysis. Inner race defects will usually
produce these running speed harmonics as the race goes in and out the
load zone once per revolution. The ultrasonic waveform data in live mode
also shows this impacting with a slight ring down."

Trending bearings with decibels alone may sometimes not be enough.

Recording a wav file, either with an ultrasound instrument or a simpler
digital recorder, and then analyzing the wav file further in a FFT or time
waveform diagnostic software may be your next great move. However, I
must caution anyone wanting to utilize FFT or time waveform to make a
diagnosis that you should first understand how to properly capture
repeatable signals for analysis.

Randy Stiver, the Ultrasound Level II Certification Program instructor at

Ultrasound Technologies Training Systems (USTTS), demonstrates to
Ultrasound Level II (USTTS-II) attendees how to properly capture
ultrasonic detector output signals using digital recorders, vibration
spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes and personal computers. The use and
understanding of the captured signals are then used for analysis. This
better equips even the novice in the fundamentals of sound analysis
when using FFTs and time waveform along with ultrasound frequencies to
determine faults.

Can ultrasound determine every fault each time? No. Therefore, you
should still utilize, if available, vibration analyzers, oil analysis, infrared
and ultrasound instruments. Their usage is especially important when
you're in doubt or mission critical depends on a motors operation.

Jim Hall is the President of Ultrasound Technologies Training Systems

(USTTS). He has over 20 years experience and is a "vendor-neutral"
company providing on-site ultrasonic training and consultation. USTTS
provides an Associate Level, Level I and Level II Airborne Ultrasound