Vibration Analysis for Rotating Equipment

Unexpected noise, shaking, or premature wear in your motors, fans, or pumps can indicate more than just imbalance. Vibration analysis is a proven method to diagnose issues, detect faults early, and prevent costly downtime. In this blog, we'll explore what vibration analysis is, how it works, and why it is essential for keeping all types of rotating equipment running smoothly and efficiently.
November 11, 2025
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What is Vibration Analysis?

Vibration analysis measures the oscillations of a rotating component to identify abnormal behaviour. Using sensors such as accelerometers, technicians capture vibration data while the equipment is operating. This data is analysed to detect issues like imbalance, misalignment, bearing faults, looseness, and resonance. The objective is to spot problems early before they escalate into failures.

How The Process Works

  1. Equipment inspection and setup: The equipment is visually inspected, sensors are installed at key points, and operating conditions are noted.
  2. Data collection: Sensors record vibration amplitude, frequency, and phase while the equipment is running under normal load.
  3. Signal analysis: The data is processed to identify characteristic patterns such as unbalance (1× running speed), misalignment, bearing defects, or resonance frequencies.
  4. Diagnosis and recommendations: Engineers interpret the vibration signature and recommend corrective actions, which may include balancing, alignment, lubrication, or component replacement.
  5. Verification and monitoring: After corrective measures, vibration is re-measured to confirm improvement. Ongoing monitoring can prevent future failures.

Why Is Vibration Analysis Important for Rotating Equipment?

Vibration analysis offers significant benefits for rotating equipment by enabling early detection of faults before they lead to catastrophic failure. By identifying issues such as imbalance, misalignment, or bearing wear at an early stage, this diagnostic tool helps prevent unplanned downtime and reduces maintenance costs. It also contributes to improved operational efficiency by ensuring smoother, more stable performance. In the long term, vibration analysis extends the service life of critical components such as bearings, shafts, and couplings, reducing the frequency of repairs or replacements. Furthermore, it plays a key role in supporting predictive maintenance programmes, allowing maintenance teams to take proactive action based on data rather than reacting to breakdowns.

Common Vibration Faults and What They Mean

Fault type Vibration signature Possible cause
Unbalance High amplitude at 1× running speed Rotor heavy spot or uneven mass distribution
Misalignment High amplitude at 2× running speed, axial vibration Shafts not aligned, couplings stressed
Bearing fault Characteristic bearing frequencies, localised peaks Worn, damaged, or improperly lubricated bearings
Resonance Excessive vibration at natural frequency Structural or component design resonates with operation speed

How Does Vibration Analysis Protect Your Investment?

Vibration analysis is a valuable tool for protecting your investment in rotating equipment by identifying potential issues before they escalate into major problems. By detecting early signs of wear, imbalance, or misalignment, it significantly reduces the likelihood of catastrophic equipment failure, helping to avoid costly repairs and operational downtime. It also minimises the transmission of vibration to frames and foundations, preserving the structural integrity of surrounding systems. In addition, smoother rotation achieved through regular monitoring improves energy efficiency, ensuring that machinery operates with less waste and greater reliability. Vibration analysis also supports planned maintenance schedules and predictive maintenance strategies, enabling informed, data-driven decisions that extend equipment life and optimise performance.

Professional Vibration Analysis Services - City Rewinds & Drives

City Rewinds and Drives uses state-of-the-art vibration monitoring equipment and experienced engineers to detect faults and optimise performance of motors, fans, and pumps. Our team provides detailed analysis, actionable recommendations, and verification of corrective actions. Keep your rotating equipment running efficiently and reduce the risk of unexpected downtime.

Visit our On-Site Services page for more information about our Vibration Analysis Services, or use the form below to contact one of our team.

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