How Real-Time Machine Vibration Monitoring Protects Your Equipment and Minimises Delays

Machine vibration is a leading (and sometimes ignored) indicator of mechanical wear, misalignment and potential failure. Left unchecked, excessive vibration creates dangers not only for equipment, but also for building occupants and project timelines.

In industries where heavy machinery is critical – like mining, manufacturing and construction – machine vibration monitoring plans can prove essential in reducing costs, maintaining safety and proving compliance.

In Western Australia, these industries operate under strict safety and reliability standards, including:

• ISO 10816 / ISO 20816 – Defines acceptable vibration levels for rotating machinery.
• AS 2670.2-1990 – Addresses whole-body vibration exposure.
• Work Health and Safety (Mines) Regulations 2022 – Requires mine operators to maintain safe operating conditions for machinery.

Implementing a comprehensive vibration monitoring plan ensures compliance with these standards, reducing the risk of legal penalties and operational delays.

In this article, we explain how machine vibration monitoring protects your equipment and minimises downtime to help your site maintain productivity.

If you would prefer to speak directly with a member of the our team, you can contact Monitel at admin@monitel.com.au or call (08) 6219 8284.

Why Machine Vibration Monitoring Matters

Vibration occurs naturally in machinery, but abnormal vibration patterns often signal mechanical issues that could escalate into serious failures. Monitoring vibration gives operators the information to:

• Detect early signs of wear and tear before they cause shutdowns.
• Prevent damage to critical components like bearings, motors and gearboxes.
• Optimise maintenance schedules, reducing unnecessary servicing while ensuring equipment remains operational.
• Ensure compliance with regulations by maintaining machinery within acceptable vibration limits.

With a robust and continuous monitoring plan, businesses can transition from reactive to predictive maintenance.

The Vibration Metrics That Affect Machine Health

Understanding vibration data is crucial for diagnosing potential equipment problems. The parameters we find most informative and reliable include:

Peak Particle Velocity (PPV)

PPV measures how quickly ground or machine components are vibrating, recording data in mm/s.

It is used to assess whether vibration is likely to cause damage to surrounding structures the integrity of the machine.

Frequency (Hz)

Frequency indicates how many vibration cycles occur per second, measured in hertz (Hz). Different vibration frequencies are linked to different machinery issues, for example:

• High frequencies could suggest a bearing failure
• Low frequencies may indicate misalignment

Acceleration (m/s²)

Measuring in metres per second squared (m/s²), acceleration tracks how fast vibration levels are increasing.

This can prove critical in detecting the impact forces that can lead to sudden mechanical failure.

Assessing these parameters, vibration sensor data can provide real-time insights into a machine’s condition. This allows operators to adjust processes, schedule maintenance or shut down equipment before damage occurs.

You can read about the other metrics we monitor in our article ‘How to Interpret Vibration Data’.

How Monitel’s Vibration Monitoring Systems Work

At Monitel, we tailor machine vibration monitoring solutions to mining, construction and heavy industry. Designed for high-risk environments, our systems feature:

• High Precision Sensors: Easy-to-install, real-time data collection.
• Automated Alerts: Our reporting software sends instant notifications when vibration exceeds safe thresholds.
• Customised Monitoring Plans – Tailored solutions to match your equipment type, operating environment, and compliance requirements.

Machine vibration monitoring is a critical practice to minimise delays, protect equipment and ensure safety onsite. Continuous monitoring will identify the early warning signs of mechanical failure, helping you prevent breakdowns and optimise maintenance.

To learn more about how our vibration monitoring solutions or any other structural instrumentation, you can contact Monitel at admin@monitel.com.au or call (08) 6219 8284.