Adapters and mounting hardware for vibration sensors
Correct installation of vibration sensors is essential to achieve Reliable and reproducible measurements. Even the best sensor can give misleading data if it is not mounted correctly on the machine.
At TME Solutions we offer a selection of Mounting adapters and accessories from Hansford Sensors, which enables vibration sensors to be installed correctly on both new and existing installations. This applies to both Portable measurement routes with handheld analysers and by Permanently installed sensors for online monitoring.
Sensors should be mounted on a flat, clean and unpainted surface, so that the vibrations can be correctly transmitted to the sensor and provide accurate measurement results.
Mounting for handheld measurement routes
For periodic vibration measurements, a handheld vibration analyser, where the sensor is moved from machine to machine.
Flexible mounting solutions are typically used here, such as:
- magnetic adapters
- glue dots
- quick-fit studs
These solutions make it possible to quickly place the sensor on the machine without drilling into the equipment.
Advantages of this method:
- Quick installation
- Flexible measurements on many machines
- No permanent changes to the machine
However, the coupling between sensor and machine is not quite as rigid as with fixed mounting, which can limit the measurement of very high frequencies.
Mounting for permanent sensors
By Permanently installed vibration sensors a more robust mounting method is usually used.
Here the sensor is typically mounted with:
- Threads directly into the machine
- mounting spigot
- threaded adapters
This method provides the Best mechanical connection between sensor and machine, which ensures:
- Better frequency response
- More stable measurements
- Higher data quality
Therefore, direct threaded mounting is recommended for online condition monitoring systems and permanent installations.
Drilling or gluing the sensor?
There are several methods to establish a measuring point.
Drilling and threading
The most accurate method is to Drill and tap a hole in the machine, where the sensor or a mounting stud is screwed on.
Benefits:
- Best possible signal transfer
- High measurement accuracy
- stable installation
This method is typically used for Permanent sensors and critical machines.
Glue dots
If you don't want to drill into the machine, you can use glue dots, which is glued to the surface of the machine.
The sensor can then be screwed into the chip.
Benefits:
- No drilling in the machine
- Quick installation
- Suitable for temporary measurements
However, the adhesive layer can reduce the rigidity of the mount, which can affect measurements at high frequencies.
Adapters for different sensor types
Vibration sensors come with different thread types, which is why there are adapters that make it possible to adapt:
- Customise different thread dimensions
- Mount sensors on existing measuring points
- Create flexible installation solutions
This makes it possible to Reuse existing metering points and make the installation more flexible.
Professional installation of vibration sensors
The correct installation of vibration sensors has a major impact on the quality of the measurements. That's why TME Solutions also advises on:
- Correct placement of sensors
- Establishing permanent measuring points
- installation of condition monitoring systems
- Optimisation of vibration measurements on machines
Correct installation ensures More accurate measurements, better fault diagnosis and more reliable machine monitoring.
