Smart vibration switch – Monitoring, display and recording of vibration values in one compact field unit.
New developments in vibration monitoring from sensor specialists ifm electronic are spearheaded by the VNB001, the first in a new line of compact yet powerful vibration sensors. For continuous online monitoring of machine condition, the VNB001 measures and displays the average vibration velocity (mm /s or in /s). Not only can a system such as the VNB001 help maintain reliable operation, but also monitoring by vibration severity to ISO 10816 can avoid unplanned down-time and costly consequential damage. Overall vibration velocity can be measured as peak-to-peak value (highest speed achieved or rms value (root mean square) amount of vibration energy, usually between 50…80% of peak amplitudes : the VNB001 offers both, with the default setting as rms. The measuring range in(mm/s) of the VNB001 can be set up to a maximum 500 and measurement values v peak or v rms are in the ranges 2…1000 Hz (0…500 mm/s) or 10…1000 Hz (0…50 mm/s), making the VNB ideal for machines with speeds between 120 and 600 rpm.
The VNB001 is equipped with pushbuttons, making it simple to set up, requiring no PC software for parameter setting. A setting guide for switch point settings according to ISO 10816A is freely available on the ifm electronic website, www.ifm.com.
For data collection and trending over a period of up to three years, an on-board time-stamped history function logs vibration values, as well as the values from an external sensor (if used).
Once installed the user can clearly see the machine status by the colour of the LED display. The four-digit alphanumeric display shows the real-time vibration value, colour coded for “traffic light” function, (green for normal operation, amber for early warning, and red for the main alarm) allowing instant identification of a critical situation regardless of output status. A closer inspection will also reveal individual output status as well as other indications from the eight signal LED’s above the alphanumeric display.
Critical machine conditions are signalled using either two switching outputs or alternatively one switch and one analogue (4 to 20mA) output. In addition to the outputs, an input allows for the simultaneous monitoring of a further process value, for example temperature, and these values are recorded together with the vibration data.
In a fixed installation the VNB001 is powered from a standard 24V DC supply via an M12 connector. However, portable operation is also possible, in combination with, say, a tablet or laptop, where the unit can be powered using the integrated USB. The integrated display can even be used to show the ISO and temperature measurements which means not even a PC is required, just a USB battery pack.
While the VNB is designed to be simple to use, the parameter setting menu also offers many variable settings for the more sophisticated applications, from on and off delays on the main outputs and scaling the analogue to setting hysteresis values, and much more besides. The setting also features an electronic lock to prevent tampering once the required parameters have been chosen.
As a product designed for industrial applications, the VNB001 is built with a rugged die-cast housing and will operate over a temperature range of -30 °C to +60°C, with a protection rating of IP67, withstand shock and vibration to EN 60028-2 and conforms to the generic EMC requirements of EN 61000-4.
ifm is committed to working closely with its customers to develop products which precisely match their needs, and the company provides expert, readily accessible technical support to help users maximise the benefits they gain from ifm products.
For further information, contact Gemma Anderson, ifm electronic Ltd., Efector House, Kingsway Business Park, Oldfield Road, Hampton, Middlesex, TW12 2HD. Telephone: 020 8213-0000. Fax: 020 8213-2234. E-mail – gemma.anderson@ifm.com.
