Please click on any question below to show the answer.
Does Vibtech have the same data collecting standards as everyone else?
Absolutely not!
Vibtech has higher standards than any other service company in Ontario.
Not only are our reporting standards directly tied to our ISO 9001:2000 registration, but our data collection parameters are far greater than the competition.
How do your data collection standards differ from other companies?
Ours are among the most stringent in the service industry.
Most other companies only collect velocity spectrum, overalls and perhaps overall high energy readings.
While Vibtech does all of this, we also take acceleration spectrum on all horizontal points, high energy spectrum readings (Spike Energy) on every point, and high resolution velocity readings on AC motors in the horizontal direction.
Compare the difference!
On a 4 bearing unit such as a pump and AC motor, the competition may only take 10 spectrum and 10 overall readings.
Vibtech takes a minimum of 26 spectrum and 20 overall readings.
Why does Vibtech take these extra readings?
We recognize that accurate analysis and interpretation of data is critical to early detection of problems and being able to positively identify their source.
Are the extra readings the only difference in Vibtech's data collection?
Again the answer is a definitive no!
Our standards also require that we have 800 lines of resolution for all velocity readings along with 4 averages to weed out spurious data.
Most service companies only use 400 lines of resolution with 2 averages.
What difference does lines of resolution make?
This is a huge point.
The lines of resolution directly relate to the ability of the analyst to differentiate close vibration frequencies.
It could mean the difference, for example, between calling mechanical looseness in a 3600 RPM motor – or identifying an electrical problem.
If more spectrum are preferred with higher resolution and averages, why don't all companies collect data this way?
It’s usually a matter of economics.
The more data collected per point, the longer the reading takes.
It is usually not limited by the data collection hardware, but rather the amount of time the service company is willing to dedicate per machine.
Is it only the time on site that is affected?
Certainly not!
There is no point in collecting data if you aren’t going to review it – and that means more analysis and report time.
Why does Vibtech charge a premium for the initial visit?
This is an excellent question.
In addition to all the extra readings Vibtech takes, we do a lot of extra work on the first visit which is not done by our competitors:
all machines have a stroboscopic inspection to positively identify speeds and a visual check of the visible rotating components
machine Nameplate data is collected
Speaking of reports, don't all companies have similar reports?
This is a great misconception!
Many companies only use generic computer codes to generate their reports which in many cases leads to ambiguity.
Vibtech’s reports are “composed” by the analysts and include very specific comments.
I don't want to have to wade through a massive report to find areas of concern. How does Vibtech eliminate this?
Vibtech’s reports are constantly being refined to give the customer the precise information needed in a format which is easy to read and interpret.
Our colour priority bar allows the user to quickly identify the specific machines requiring the most immediate attention.
What if I just want an overview without having to read all of the details?
The optional “Trending Report” allows management to visually identify the condition of the plant’s equipment at a glance.
My people are not used to technical jargon, will they be able to understand your reports?
Not a concern!
All of Vibtech’s reports are written in everyday language so anyone from the shop floor to the Plant Engineer can understand the problem and the corrective action required.
Other companies offer repair services. Why doesn't Vibtech?
Because we feel it is a direct conflict of interest and would cast a shadow of doubt over our reports.
If we were to do repairs, it would be in our best interest to find problems and get the repair work.
It is our opinion this would inherently bias our reports.
So we do what we do best – monitor your equipment with no vested interest in the outcome of our calls.