Turbomachinery monitoring systems capture and analyze vibration data

An integrated, computerized monitoring system that provides for the capture and analysis of vibration data is described. The heart of the system is the Transient Data Manager (TDM) Communications Processor (CP), a computer interface that captures data during machine startup or coastdown. In addition, steady-state data are captured during online machine operation. Data captured include current static values and dynamic waveforms. The system collects and stores static data every four seconds from each monitor in a rack. In addition, dynamic transducer waveform data are captured and stored from each applicable monitor approximately every 40 seconds. Any time an alert, danger, or transducer-not-OK status is detected, the information is stored in an alarm event list. A status change notification is sent to the computer, and the computer subsequently retrieves the list and notifies the user of the status change. The system consists of at least one CP, software, and a computer. Examples of its application are provided. The future use of expert systems for this application is discussed.<>