Acoustic analysis

What is acoustic analysis?

Acoustic analysis, sometimes known as noise and vibration analysis, is the process of studying sound waves. Sound waves exist in all environments, from homes to offices to factory floors. Acoustic analysis in maintenance can be used to determine how much noise a machine produces and how it may affect asset health.

What are the different types of acoustic analysis?

Here are a few different types of acoustic analysis that can be used in maintenance:

• Vibration analysis (opens in new tab): This type of acoustic analysis involves monitoring the vibrations or oscillations of equipment or machinery using a vibration sensor (opens in new tab). Abnormal vibration patterns can often signal a problem, such as imbalance, misalignment, or wear.
• Ultrasonic analysis: Ultrasonic waves are sound waves that have a frequency above the range audible to humans. In ultrasonic analysis, these high-frequency waves are used to detect defects or changes in materials or systems. This technique is often used for checking the integrity of welds, detecting leaks, and identifying cracks in materials.
• Frequency analysis: This type of acoustic analysis involves looking at the frequency spectrum of sound waves produced by equipment or machinery. Different defects or failures can create unique frequency signatures, which can help identify the specific problem.
• Envelope analysis: Envelope analysis or amplitude demodulation is a bearing and gearbox analysis tool. It separates high-frequency noise from the modulated low-frequency bearing defect signals. It can accurately detect faults even in a noisy environment.
• Sound level measurement: This primary method measures the overall sound level produced by equipment or machinery. An increased sound level may signal an issue, such as excessive wear or imbalance.
• Impulse response analysis: Impulse response analysis uses the sound wave generated by a sudden, brief input of energy (an impulse) to examine the behavior and health of an asset.
• Waveform analysis: Waveform analysis looks at the shape and form of the sound wave produced by equipment or machinery. Specific issues can produce unique waveforms, helping to diagnose problems.

What are the benefits of conducting acoustic analysis?

Acoustic analysis provides several advantages regarding the maintenance of machinery and equipment. Here are a few significant benefits:

• Early fault detection: Acoustic analysis can identify faults and failures in their early stages, often before they become severe enough to cause a breakdown. This allows for timely maintenance and repairs, reducing the risk of unexpected equipment failure.
• Improved maintenance planning: By identifying potential issues in advance, maintenance can be scheduled at convenient times to minimize disruption to operations. This moves maintenance from a reactive strategy (fixing things when they break) to a proactive one (preventive and predictive maintenance).
• Increased equipment lifespan: Detecting and correcting faults early can prevent further damage and extend the lifespan of machinery and equipment. This can lead to significant cost savings over time.
• Safety: Unexpected equipment failures can pose safety risks, especially in industries or sectors such as energy, manufacturing, or transportation. Acoustic analysis can reduce these risks by detecting problems early.
• Cost saving: Acoustic analysis can lead to significant cost savings. By preventing unexpected breakdowns and major failures, it can avoid expensive repair or replacement costs and the costs associated with downtime.