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Salah Attia
Technical Director (MIEAust - VCAT4 - IRTCAT2 - LCAT2 - ARPA - CMRP)

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Salah Attia • 1st

Technical Director (MIEAust - VCAT4 - IRTCAT2 - LCAT2 - ARPA - CMRP)
3mo •

Title: Detecting Pulley and Belt Problems through Vibration Analysis Spectrum

Introduction:
The vibration analysis spectrum is a powerful tool for identifying pulley and belt
problems in industrial machinery. By analyzing the vibration patterns and frequency
spectra, you can pinpoint issues related to pulley alignment, belt tension, belt wear,
and belt rate. In this post, we will delve into how to use vibration analysis to detect
these problems and understand the characteristic vibration patterns associated with
various belt faults.

1. Pulley Alignment:
Pulley misalignment can lead to vibration issues that affect the overall performance of
machinery. To detect pulley alignment problems using vibration analysis, follow these
steps:
- Collect vibration data using accelerometers placed strategically on the machine.
- Analyze the frequency spectrum: Look for peaks at specific frequencies that indicate
misalignment.
- Common frequency peaks might appear at harmonics of rotational speed.

2. Belt Tension:
Improper belt tension can result in vibrations that can damage components and
reduce efficiency. To diagnose belt tension problems through vibration analysis:
- Gather vibration data while the machine is operating under load.
- Focus on frequency peaks that might indicate belt tension issues, typically found at
sub-harmonics of belt frequency.

3. Belt Wear:
Worn-out belts can lead to irregular vibrations that affect the machinery's
performance. Detect belt wear problems using vibration analysis:
- Collect vibration data over a range of operating conditions.
- Look for frequency peaks that correspond to belt resonances and harmonics.

4. Belt Rate:
Changes in belt rate, caused by varying loads or other factors, can impact vibration
patterns. To identify belt rate problems:
- Monitor vibrations during different load conditions.
- Observe frequency peaks that fluctuate with changes in belt speed.

Vibration Patterns and Frequencies Associated with Belt Faults:

1. Pulley Alignment: Look for peaks at frequencies that are multiples of the shaft's
rotation speed, indicating misalignment.

2. Belt Tension: Frequency peaks at sub-harmonics of the belt frequency suggest

tension-related issues.

3. Belt Wear: Frequency peaks corresponding to belt resonances or harmonics might

signify belt wear.

4. Belt Rate: Fluctuating frequency peaks correlated with changes in belt speed reveal
rate-related problems.

Conclusion:

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11/26/23, 1:59 PM (6) Post | Feed | LinkedIn
The vibration analysis spectrum is a valuable tool for diagnosing pulley and belt
problems in industrial machinery. By analyzing frequency peaks and vibration patterns,
you can detect issues related to pulley alignment, belt tension, belt wear, and belt rate.
Understanding these characteristic patterns empowers maintenance teams to address
problems promptly, ensuring smooth and efficient machinery operation.

Saquib Khan (VA-CAT II) and 235 others

236 10 comments · 13 reposts

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Tsietsi Monnanyane • 2nd 3mo

Maintenence Practitioner:Condition Monitoring. VA CAT I-II, |IRT Level 1,MLA 1,
BTech Mechanical Engineering

Thanks for posting

Like · 1 Reply

Stanford Miukin • 2nd 3mo

Reliability Engineer|B, Eng. Mech|VCAT I|

Insightful article. Thanks for sharing

Like · 1 Reply

Brent Hardeo • 2nd 3mo

Mechanical Engineer Graduate/Predictive Maintenance Technician /CAT 11
Vibration Analyst Certified

Very useful! Keep up the good work.

Like · 1 Reply

RAHUL SAHA • 2nd 3mo (edited)

Chief Data Scientist -TCS IOT DE | AI & Analytics Consultant | MTech-Data
Science | ExPGDM-Biz Analytics

Absolutely agree. Only challenges is to map the frequency band with specific
type of problem for a specific machine configuration. And based on my
understanding it may vary on multiple factor.

Like · 2 Reply

Wesley Staton • 2nd 3mo

Owner and Operator at Linnway Logistics LLC

Let’s Map Out a Vibe study on a Class 8 Highway Truck @ 60 MPH. From
flywheel to wheel assembly. That’d be fun!

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Talmadge Ward • 2nd 3mo

Owner VibRental.com

Anyone know the run out limits for new pulleys? I have a vendor telling me
0.001" per inch of diameter up to 20" pulleys. This seems excessive.

Like · 1 Reply · 4 Replies

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Eric Frieze • 2nd 3mo

Senior Associate Rotating Mechanical Equipment Leader

Facial run out? Out of round or groove run out? Existing Belt and
sheave specs are a complete joke in my experience. The ones I've found
are written by the manufactures to allow garbage to be sold under a
spec. The application and speed are also important as you well know. I
will personally allow 0.0015" groove, 0.002" out of round and …see
0.0005
more
x

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