Thank you for choosing a Metra Vibration Measurement Instrument!
1. Purpose
The VM23 has been developed, particularly, for the measurement and monitoring of
vibrations on rotating machines. In addition is is a useful tool for machines which
have the purpose of generating vibration, like vibration conveyors, vibrating screens
and separators.
Such measurements help to monitor the condition of the machine in order to avoid
unscheduled shut-down. Furthermore vibration measurement is carried out prior to
the distribution of new machinery and subsequently to repair with a view to quality
control and the issuing of product guarantees.
The basis for successful machine condition monitoring is the measurement of the vi-
bration severity over a longer period of time. Measurements are taken at regular in-
tervals of time and recorded.
The VM23 measures and records vibration velocity, also known as vibration sever-
ity. Its specification corresponds to the ISO 2954 regulations and is suitable for,
among other things, the measurement of machine vibrations on machines with a
nominal speed at or above 20 min- , in accordance with ISO 08 6. Additionally
the VM23 can measure vibration displacement and main frequency.
The VM23 includes different band filters for acceptance measurements according to
various standards, like ISO 208 6 or ISO 8528.
An external piezoelectric accelerometer is used as the sensor, and is provided to-
gether with the instrument. The VM23 is fitted with an electronic measurement
point detector (VMID) which enables it to take routine measurements of a large
number of measurement points very effectively. A software package for transferring
the measurement data to a PC is also available from Metra.
In the common hierarchy of condition monitoring the VM23 is equivalent to “Level
”. This represents the long term monitoring of parameters with low technical and
personnel requirements.
For fault detection (“Level 2”), as a further step, spectral diagnostic measurements
are taken, which require a large degree of expertise and sophisticated measurement
technology.
In the development of the VM23 value was placed on simple operation and mainte-
nance requirements, which enable trained personnel to operate the instrument with-
out the need of being specially qualified.
2. Function
2.1. The Sensor
The VM23 operates with a piezoceramic shear accelerometer. Piezoelectric vibra-
tion transducers are characterized by high precision and resolution with great ro-
bustness. The accelerometer of the VM23 has an integrated electronic circuit for im-
pedance conversion in accordance with the IEPE standard. At the base of the sensor
a magnet has been integrated for mounting to the measurement point. In the center
of the magnet there is a contact point from which the identification number can be
read. The measurement point ID is saved in the available VMID measurement
points.
The coupling surface is protected by a metal cap which attaches to the sensors mag-
netic base.
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