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Frequency range<\/h3>\n
If the frequency range of interest isn\u2019t already known, you can usually determine it by evaluating data from similar systems or applications or by placing a test sensor at several locations on the machine. You\u2019ll also need to know the fault frequencies you want to be able to detect. Most industrial machinery vibrations have signal components of interest at frequencies much higher than running speed; exactly which frequencies these will be depends on the type, number and placement of the component parts of the machine, the specific faults you want to detect, and other factors. After determining the frequency range of interest, make sure the sensor\u2019s bandwidth can capture the high frequency requirement. If the frequency is higher than what the sensor can measure, the signal becomes corrupted and readings are unreliable.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s a tradeoff between sensitivity and frequency range \u2013 high sensitivity accelerometers are better for measuring lower frequencies, and low sensitivity accelerometers capture higher frequencies.<\/p>\n
![\"Frequency](\"https:\/\/wilcoxon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Sensitivity-vs-frequency-response-graph.png\")
\n Sensor sensitivity vs. frequency response<\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
Consider using high-frequency, low-sensitivity sensors for monitoring bearings for roller element defects, measuring gear mesh fault frequencies, or other high frequency applications. On slow-speed machinery, low-frequency (0.1 to 10 Hz), high-sensitivity sensors are preferable for monitoring overall machine vibration. However, 100 mV\/g accelerometers are a good, cost-effective option for most applications.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Temperature range<\/h3>\n
Standard industrial accelerometers with built-in electronics can withstand temperatures up to 120\u00b0C (248\u00b0F). Any higher and you run the risk of damaging the sensor\u2019s electronic components, which will result in unreliable data and shorter sensor lifespan.<\/p>\n
If the ambient temperature exceeds 120\u00b0C, a high temperature sensor designed to operate up to 150\u00b0C (302\u00b0F) without loss of performance should be used instead. Determine if any thermal transients are present near the installation point, because these can cause metal case expansion and interfere with measurement accuracy. Above 150\u00b0C, you\u2019ll generally need a charge mode accelerometer without internal electronic circuitry and a charge amplifier.<\/p>\n
Additionally, check sensor specifications for sensitivity variation with temperature to make sure it\u2019s acceptable for your measurement requirement. Operating temperatures close to the upper limit of the sensor\u2019s range may not outright damage<\/em> the electronic components but can certainly affect measurement accuracy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There are environmental factors other than temperature to take into account. What are the humidity levels of the area where the sensor will be installed? Are any dusts, gases, liquids, or corrosive chemicals present that could contaminate or damage the sensor?<\/p>\n The hermetic seal standard on modern accelerometers helps prevent intrusion of contaminants or moisture. If there are flammable<\/em> contaminants (dusts, vapors or gases, fibers) present where the sensor will operate, make sure the sensor you choose has the appropriate hazardous location certification. (Read more about hazardous area sensors here<\/a>.)<\/p>\n Check for any nearby sources of electromagnetic or radio frequency interference (EMI or RFI, respectively) or electrostatic discharge (ESD). The accelerometer should be EMI\/RFI shielded and built to withstand ESD up to 20 kV.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The space available to mount the sensor must be taken into consideration. If there\u2019s less space around the machine, a side exit sensor can be a better choice to allow enough room for a cable run. Dual-output or triaxial accelerometers take multiple measurements from a single point and can be a good option where space is limited.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Figure out the overall vibration level<\/strong>, what fault frequencies<\/strong> you need to be able to measure, and any special environmental conditions<\/strong> or certification requirements<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Use our sensor selection checklist<\/a> to help you keep track of the information you’ll need to choose the best accelerometer. And, of course, you can always contact our technical services team<\/a> for assistance.<\/p>\n Sensor selection checklist<\/a>Environmental factors<\/h3>\n
Mounting locations<\/h3>\n
The short version<\/h2>\n
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\n12 things to consider when selecting an accelerometer<\/a>
\nSensor selection technical note<\/a>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":5278,"template":"","class_list":["post-5814","blog","type-blog","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n