Glossary

Common Causes of Failure

The most common causes of failure include:

Abrasion
Abuse
Age Deterioration
Bond Separation
Contamination
Corrosion
Dirt
Fatigue
Friction
Heat
Negligence
Shock
Stress
Vibration 
Wear

Condition Monitoring

Condition Monitoring is the process of monitoring parameters of condition in a machine, such that a certain data set is indicative of a developing imminent breakdown.

Electrical Fluting

A form of electrical pitting. The pit marks caused by electrical fluting usually appear as closely spaced lines running parallel to the bearing shaft.

Infrared Thermography

A type of infrared imaging science that detects radiation in the infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum and produces images of that radiation, called thermograms. The amount of radiation emitted by an object increases with temperature, therefore thermography allows one to see variations in temperature.

Laser Alignment

The use of a laser to align machinery with precision. The resulting high degree of accuracy is required for the proper operation of many industrial applications to ensure product quality.

Nondestructive Testing (NDT)

A valuable analysis technique used to determine the properties of a component or system that does not permanently alter the subject of the analysis. Also known as NDE (Nondestructive Examination) and NDI Nondestructive Inspection).

Oil Analysis

The testing of oil from machinery to determine viscosity, acid number (AN), and water content. Tests for fuel dilution, Base Number (BN), LEM® soot measurement, oxidation and nitration, may also be performed. This information is then used to determine the condition of machinery to predict warranted maintenance and prevent failures that result in downtime.

Predictive Maintenance

A range of techniques and analysis to help determine the condition of in-service equipment in order to predict when maintenance is needed. This approach has a distinct advantage over routine or time-based maintenance because service is performed only when warranted. Another advantage of predictive maintenance is fewer unplanned failures increasing reliable productivity.

Ultrasonics

Refers to the use of high-intensity acoustic energy to detect flaws and anomalies in a structure or medium.

Vibration

Vibration refers to mechanical oscillations about an equilibrium point. Vibrations are often undetectable to the human eye and ear, yet are the first signs of failing machinery.

Vibration Analysis

The collection and interpretation of vibrational data to optimize mechanical performance, resolve mechanical problems and monitor the condition of a machine.