Prediction of Defects in Roller Bearings Using Vibration Signal Analysis

Roller bearing failure is a major factor in failure of rotating machinery. As a fatal defect is detected, it is common to shut down the machinery as soon as possible to avoid catastrophic damages. Performing such an action, which usually occurs at inconvenient times, typically results in substantial time and economical losses. It is, therefore, important to monitor the condition of roller bearings and to know the details of severity of defects before they cause serious catastrophic consequences. The vibration monitoring technique is suitable to analyze various defects in bearing. This technique can provide early information about progressing malfunctions. This paper describes the suitability of vibration monitoring and analysis techniques to detect defects in roller bearings. Triaxial vibration measurements were taken at each end of the coupling on the motor and rotor bearing housings. The results indicate that bad bearing has a strong effect on the vibration spectra. Time domain analysis, vibration spectrum analysis have been employed to identify different defects in bearings. The results have demonstrated that each one of these techniques is useful to detect problems in roller bearings.