PeakVue Signal

Processing

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Objectives
Understand the basics of the PeakVue process and
how to set up for data collection and analysis.
Apply PeakVue alarms appropriately to field
equipment.
PeakVue
PeakVue = peak value
PeakVue is used to detect short duration higher frequency
waves called stress waves.

Stress waves are created when metal is bent or deformed

and they accompany the sudden displacement of small
amounts of material in a very short time period. In rotating
machinery, this occurs when impacting, fatigue cracking,
scuffing, abrasive wear, and similar processes occur.
PeakVue
The accelerometer senses the movement at the surface where it
is mounted and measures the amplitude of the resulting stress
waves. As can be seen, the frequencies excited are in the 2 to
10 KHz. range for the larger ball and the 10 to 40 KHz range for
the smaller ball.
This example is intended to demonstrate the high frequency
nature of stress waves. If we visualize the stress wave source as
a roller striking an outer race defect, then we can see that the
high frequency stress wave event will repeat at the same rate
that the rollers strike the defect.
PeakVue Signal Processing
The PeakVue process in the analyzer will normally be set up
with a high pass filter to eliminate the high amplitude forces that
cause the vibration of the machine. This filtered data includes
the high frequency stress waves without interference or
masking from the amplitude of the normal vibration. This allows
the full dynamic range of the analyzer to be utilized in the
PeakVue process.
Once the data is filtered, it is sampled at a fixed sample rate of
102,400 Hz in the analyzer's A to D converters. The data is then
sent to a peak amplitude detection circuit, which holds the
highest sample amplitude for a time that is determined by the
settings for the Fmax, number of waveform samples, and the
samples on the PeakVue spectrum. The resulting waveform
data is rectified and the specified number of waveform data
points is stored. An FFT is performed on the rectified waveform
to provide the PeakVue spectrum.
PeakVue Sensor Selection
PeakVue Sensor Selection
Since the source for PeakVue data is the repetition rate of high
frequency events, we will want to use an accelerometer and a
mounting method that is appropriate for high frequency data
collection. Depending on the machine, the data collection for
PeakVue may require some preparation of the machine surface
to enable the best data to be collected. The resultant PeakVue
spectra are a low frequency analysis of the high frequency
stress wave repetition rate.
To summarize the information presented above, the hand held
probe is not usable for PeakVue data. Use the 2 pole magnet for
applications that use a 1000 Hz high pass filter setting or lower.
The Rare Earth magnet is best applied with any filter up to the
2000 Hz High Pass. The rare earth magnet will generally
provide the best data when compared to the 2 pole magnet, with
the possible exception of the curved surface application.
PeakVue Sensor Selection
Since the PeakVue process detects the repetition rate of
high frequencies, the mounting technique must
accommodate the reception of high frequency information.
This means that some surface preparation is usually
required, along with cleaning the mounting area before
taking data. Any dirt, paint, oil, and etc. will act as a
mechanical low pass filter and limit the reception of the
high frequency stress wave information. Surface
preparation can consist of using a file or grinder to remove
paint layers and make a flat mounting area for the rare
earth magnet.
PeakVue Sensor Selection
The need to see higher frequencies on gearboxes and
induction motors may require the use of stud mounts to
achieve a mounting method that is capable of 5000 Hz
and higher filters. At the highest frequency filter settings,
the analyst will want to select a high frequency response
accelerometer.

The analyst should realize the high frequency stress

waves will be rapidly attenuated as the accelerometer is
moved from the proximity of the source (Load Zone, for
example) to more distant measurement locations.

Therefore, data should be acquired as close to the load

zone as practical for the best data.
Data Analysis Using PeakVue
PeakVue data analysis begins with the proper setup of the
analyzer for data collection. We first ask the question, what
information do we need?
The important parameters to capture from stress wave activity are:

1. Amplitude of each event

2. Approximate time required for the detected event to occur.

3. The rate (periodic or non-periodic) at which events are occurring

with emphasis on event rate versus specific fault frequencies
which are dependent on both the specific component and on
machine rotational speed.

STEP 1:
Select an appropriate Fmax for our PeakVue spectra that includes
several (usually 4) harmonics of the highest expected defect
frequency on the machine.
Data Analysis Using PeakVue
STEP 2:
Select a spectral LOR that provides enough resolution to
differentiate the defect frequencies.

STEP 3:
Set One average for the spectra.

STEP 4:
Set a waveform sample size to 2048 or more and the time of the
waveform sample to include at least 15 - 20 shaft rotations.
A convenient formula for computing the number of shaft
revolutions contained within a time block of data is:
Data Analysis Using PeakVue
STEP 5:
Set a High Pass Filter (Typically) or a Band Pass filter
(Occasionally) as required for the equipment to eliminate the
normal vibration and focus the analyzer dynamic range on the
stress wave amplitude.

BAND PASS and HIGH-PASS FILTER SELECTIONS

Band Pass High-Pass
20 Hz 150 Hz 500 Hz
50 Hz 300 Hz 1000 Hz
100 Hz 600 Hz 2000 Hz
500 Hz 1000 Hz 5000 Hz
5000 Hz 6500 Hz 10,000 Hz
20,000 Hz
Data Analysis Using PeakVue
STEP 6:
Acquire Data and save all spectra and waveforms. Once a peak value
time block of data is acquired, further analysis proceeds by:

A. Examination of the peak value time block of data (waveform) looking

at peak values incurred in a consistent pattern.

B. Spectral Analysis for repeatable impacting presence related to turning

speed of the machinery. Look for a defect frequency and its harmonic
family.

C. Analysis of peak value time block of data employing the auto

correlation methodology. The primary capability of this analysis tool
provides the extraction of a periodic signal from a signal consisting of
significant non-periodic noise.
The peak values are (a) trendable and (b)
useful for severity assessment.
Data Analysis Using PeakVue
STEP 6 (cont):

D. Spectral Analysis for repeatable impacting presence related to

turning speed of the machinery. Look for a defect frequency and its
harmonic family.

E. Analysis of peak value time block of data employing the auto

correlation methodology. The primary capability of this analysis tool
provides the extraction of a periodic signal from a signal consisting
of significant non-periodic noise.
Data Analysis Using PeakVue
RECOMMENDED PEAKVUE SETUP PARAMETERS FOR
DETECTING ROLLING ELEMENT BEARING FAULTS
RPM High-Pass Recommended Fmax Rare Recommended Min.
Filter Earth Averages Recommended
Magnet Lines

0-700 500 Hz 4x BPFI 40x RPM 2-Pole 1 800

701- 1000 Hz 4x BPFI 40x RPM 2-Pole 1 800

1500

1501- 2000 Hz 4x BPFI 40x RPM Flat 1 1600

3000

3001- 2000 Hz 4x BPFI 40x RPM Flat 1 1600

4000

4001- 5000 Hz 4x BPFI 40x RPM Flat 1 1600

UP

The chart above can be used as a starting point for PeakVue

data collection on Rolling Element Bearings.
PeakVue Spectral Setup for Gear Analysis
If using PeakVue measurements to detect Gear Faults, typically use
1600 Lines along with a High-Pass Filter exceeding about 2.25X
GMF unless this frequency exceeds 2000 Hz (note that the
optimum PeakVue High-Pass Filter would be specified at 3.25X
GMF if this calculated frequency does not exceed 2000 Hz; if both
2.25X GMF and 3.25X GMF exceed 2000 Hz, it will be necessary to
use the 5000 Hz High-Pass Filter, but special precautions pertaining
to the mounting surface, mounting shape and cleanliness will
demand close attention if a 5000 Hz High-Pass Filter is employed)

If there are multiple shafts within the gearbox, then a measurement

point should be located on each bearing and a high-pass filter used
that is greater than two times the highest gear mesh for the set of
gears on that shaft (preferably at 2.25 X Highest GMF). Fmax can
be changed at various points on the gearbox.
PeakVue Spectral Setup for Gear Analysis
When monitoring gearboxes, it is very important to include two
times gear mesh in the analysis bandwidth. This is to capture
possible backlashing in addition to scuffing/scoring on the gear
teeth.
The high-pass filter should be set higher than anticipated
vibration frequencies.
The problem here is it will often force a high-pass filter set at
5,000 Hz (next choice past 2,000 Hz).
This will require special care in data collection.
PeakVue Spectral Setup for Gear Analysis
If impacting is occurring in a gearbox, it is between massive
parts and dominant energy will be in the 1 to 5 kHz range.

Additionally, the higher frequencies introduced will experience

significant attenuation because of losses from gear teeth to the
outer surface where the sensor is mounted. Therefore it is
recommended that the high-pass filter be set slightly greater
than 2 times the highest gear mesh in the gearbox.

It is recommended that a measurement point be positioned at

each bearing on the gearbox. The high-pass filter setting should
be same for each measurement point. The resolution and
analysis bandwidth will change with the speed of the shaft.
Recommended PeakVue Trend Parameters
- Rolling Element Bearings
There are five analysis parameters which have proven to be
beneficial:

1. True Peak-to-Peak level from the PeakVue time waveform

(this value has proven to be the most reliable PeakVue
trending value or indicator of impending problem)

2. The Digital Overall of the entire PeakVue spectrum after the

waveform signal has passed through the high-pass filter and
is submitted to the FFT algorithm (absolutely not the analog
overall of PeakVue);

3. Energy in 4-10 synchronous shaft revolutions;

Recommended PeakVue Trend Parameters
- Rolling Element Bearings
4. Energy in bands surrounding bearing fault frequencies of
BSF, BPFO, and BPFI. If fault frequencies not known, then
use two generic bands based on probable number of rollers
in bearing. Specifically, for BPFO use a band of [0.25 X N to
0.52 X N] orders; For BPFI, use a band of [0.48 X N to 0.75 X
N] orders (where N equals the number of rolling elements)

5. Energy from spectral data for sub-synchronous orders

(e.g., 0.2 to 0.8 orders)
Additional Gearbox Analysis Parameters
Analysis Parameters for a gearbox should also include the
following additional AP bands:

1. Energy surrounding one times gear mesh and two times

gear mesh. The width of the band should include a minimum
of 3 times the highest speed shaft involved in the gear mesh.

2. Energy of synchronous harmonics of shaft speed (for

each shaft speed).
PeakVue Alarm Limits Chart

The chart shown above gives the recommended waveform pk-pk

amplitude for an ALERT level at different speeds. To establish an
appropriate Waveform Pk-Pk FAULT level, multiply the above values
by a factor of 2.
PeakVue Alert Alarms in Time Waveforms for
Bearing and Gear Problems at Various Speeds
(Peak-Peak g)
Component R.E. Bearing Faults Gear Faults
RPM

Inner Race, Outer Race Worn or Scored Cracked Teeth4

Cage or rolling Fault Teeth3 (Fully Loaded)
element Fault
0-900 Nominal Speed Alarm X (Actual RPM/900)0.75

901-4000 3g 6g 3g 6g
(Nominal
Speed)
4001-10,000 Nominal Speed Alarm X (Actual RPM/4000)0.5

10,001 - UP 5g 10g 5g 10g

Examples Applying PeakVue Alarms To a
Variety of Faults at Various Speeds
1. Suspected Outer Race Bearing Fault on 1793 RPM Motor:
From Table III at 1793 RPM,
PeakVue Alert Alarm = 6.0g in Time Waveform (Look for multiple
BPFO Frequencies in PeakVue Spectrum)

2. Suspected Inner Race Bearing Fault on 1793 RPM Motor:

From Table III at 1793 RPM,
PeakVue Alert Alarm = 3.0g in Time Waveform (Look for multiple
BPFI Frequencies in PeakVue Spectrum)

3. Suspected Worn Teeth on an 8000 RPM High-speed pinion:

From Table III at 8000 RPM,

(Look for multiple pinion running speed harmonics in PeakVue Spectrum

and for 1 or 2 pronounced pulses/revolution of Pinion in PeakVue TWF).
Examples Applying PeakVue Alarms To a
Variety of Faults at Various Speeds
5. Suspected Outer Race Fault on a 250 RPM machine:
From Table III at 250 RPM,

(Look for multiple BPFO frequencies in PeakVue Spectrum).

6. Suspected Inner Race Fault on a 250 RPM Machine:

From Table III at 250 RPM,

(Look for multiple BPFI frequencies in PeakVue spectrum).

These recommendations should be considered to be starting

points for the analysis program.
PeakVue Defect Patterns - Rolling Element
Bearings
Fault or Problem Condition Anticipated PeakVue Waveform Anticipated PeakVue Spectrum

A. Rolling Element Bearings:

1. Outer Race Defects (a) 5 7g Spikes typically spaced at (a) 1 3 BPFO harmonics in the beginning
1/BPFO (b) 4-6 BPFO harmonics as defects worsen
(b) 7.5 10g (Particularly at end of life) (c) 6+ BPFO harmonics, possibly
(c) >10g accompanied by 1xRPM or FTF
sidebands as faults become severe,
particularly in the load zone

2. Inner Race Defects (a) 2.5 3g Spikes typically spaced at (a) 1-3 BPFI harmonics and 1 x RPM
1/BPFI, but seem sidebands in the beginning
(b) 3.5 5g to appear and disappear (b) 4-6 BPFI harmonics with several
since highest spikes occur when 1xRPM sidebands, with a few 1xRPM
inner race defect is impacted by harmonics as defects worsen.
rolling elements (c) 6+ BPFI harmonics with many 1xRPM
(c) >5g while within load zone sidebands, along with many 1xRPM
harmonics as faults become severe.

3. Cracked Inner Race (a) 3.5 5g 1/BPDI not usually present (a), (b), and (c) When crack is visibly
in TWF. present, PeakVue spectra most always
Instead, show many 1xRPM harmonics (typically do
not contain BPFI frequencies that might be
b) 5-7g only 1-2 spikes occur each expected).
revolution as 7g rolling elements
impact the crack when in load zone.
c) >(resembles a cracked gear tooth).
PeakVue Defect Patterns - Rolling Element
Bearings
4. Rolling Element and Cage (a) 2.5 3g When TWF displays (a) 1-3 BSF harmonics accompanied by
Problems approximately 15 revolutions FTF sidebands in the beginning
(b) 3.5 5g spikes usually occur once (b) 4-8 BSF harmonics accompanied by
per 2.5 revolutions FTF sidebands as problem worsens
(c) >5g (since FTF is about 0.4xRPM) (c) 8+ BSF harmonics accompanied by
several FTF sidebands as problems
become severe (on rare occasions,
may have discrete FTF harmonics,
particularly if cracks or other faults
begin to appear).
5. Electrical Fluting (a) 5-10g Waveform patterns difficult (a) 1-3 BPFO and/or BPFI harmonics in
to predict (tend to vary with the beginning
severity of fluting.) typically shows (b) 4-8 BPFO and/or BPFI harmonics,
high amplitude spikes when possibly 1xRPM harmonics/sidebands
washboard effect is pronounced. as fluting worsens.
(b) 10-30 g (c) 8+ BPFO and/or BPFI harmonics plus
(c) >30g 1xRPM sidebands as fluting becomes
severe typically causing washboard
effect on bearing race; sometimes also
accompanied by a frosted finish on one
or more races.
PeakVue Gear Defect Patterns
Fault or Problem Condition Anticipated PeakVue Waveform Anticipated PeakVue Spectrum
A. Gears

1. Tooth Wear or Scoring (a) 2.5 - 3.0g; Impacting pattern (a) Typically 1xGMF but without
very repeatable but typically 1xRPM harmonics
only to rev. in waveform (b) Typically 1 x GMF is highest but 2
(b) 3.0 5.0g, Impact pattern is x GMF and/or 3 x GMF may
more discernable and appear in higher Fmax spectrum.
repeatable, plus growth in (c) High 1 x GMF typically
waveform amplitude. accompanied by growth in
(c) >5g; Impact pattern very amplitude of 2 x GMF and/or 3 x
distinct and typically extends GMF; also, 1 x RPM harmonics
beyond rev of worn gear. often appear if tooth cracks
propagate to the surface or root.
2. Cracked or Broken Teeth Amplitudes are difficult to predict Lower Fmax spectrum (i.e. 20 x
a. Subsurface Tooth Cracks but waveform shows 1 or 2 pinion RPM) typically shows
regions of pulses often 3-6g. TWF roughly 3-6 harmonics of 1 x RPM.
is best indicator of this problem Higher Fmax spectrum (i.e. 2.25 -
3.25 x GMF) sometimes shows
elevated 1 x GMF.
PeakVue Gear Defect Patterns
b. Visible cracks or broken Amplitudes again difficult to Lower Fmax spectrum typically
teeth predict but TWF will also show 1 shows many 1 x RPM harmonics of
or 2 regions of distinct pulses the gear with the problem. Higher
often > 15 20g. Very apparent Fmax spectrum sometimes shows
in TWF. elevated 1 x GMF and harmonics.
2. Gear Lubrication ~3-4g; TWF amplitudes are Lube problems normally cause
Problems typically low since impact elevated 1xGMF. However,
energy is concentrated in very 2xGMF will grow if lube problems
high frequencies and degrade allowing micro welding
dissipates rapidly from gears (instantaneous metal-metal
to measurement locations. contact between tooth surfaces
that can cause peeling and
flaking).
3. Backlash Often > 5-10g; High amplitudes Most always causes high 2xGMF in
in TWF are due to impact PeakVue spectra. Will often cause
between mating gear teeth many sidebands around 2xGMF,
spaced at 1xRPM (and also
sometimes spaced at 2xRPM).
PeakVue Defect Patterns - Lubrication
Problems
Fault or Problem Anticipated PeakVue Waveform Anticipated PeakVue Spectrum
Condition
C. Lube Problems

1. Friction Induced Can cause excessive g levels > Friction-induced lubrication problems
50g, but since frictioninduced excite a wide range of high
faults generate high frequencies in frequencies, typically ranging from
the range of 10,000 15,000 Hz, just below 5000 Hz up to frequencies
much of their signal rapidly exceeding 15,000-20,000 Hz.
dissipates with distance to Normally will likewise cause an
transducer and at each interface. elevated noise floor within the
TWF is normally random with little spectrum but have random,
or no periodic events. broadband frequency content. Often
will generate FTF with a few
harmonics, but will typically have a
poor signal-to-noise ratio.
2. Impact Induced Impact is typically caused by Metal-to-Metal contact will most
metal-to-metal contact due to often generate bearing defect
insufficient lubrication (and/or frequencies usually BPFO and/or
incorrect lubricant viscosity). If BPFI; however, also commonly
metal-to-metal contact occurs in a excites ball spin (BSF) frequencies
bearing, will typically show accompanied by cage frequency
periodic pulses. TWF amplitudes (FTF sidebands.
can range to >25g, but more
typically stay within 4-8g.
PeakVue Case History
Outer Race Defect in Pinion Stand Gearbox
This pinion stand gearbox was included in a scheduled
monthly condition monitoring program employing vibration
analysis. The traditional vibration monitoring showed little
indication of a bearing fault.

In July 1997, the PeakVue methodology was introduced

into the monitoring program. The PeakVue data was
acquired as an add-on to a route defined point and hence
was not trended.
The normal vibration spectrum and acceleration time waveform data
acquired on September 15, 1997 are presented above. There is some
indication of a possible outer race problem, but not conclusive evidence.
The input shaft speed varied from 359 to 407 RPM (5.99 to 6.78
RPS). Based on the recommended "Alert/Fault" Alarm levels for
BPFO presented in Sec. 4, the "Alert" level at a nominal speed of 380
RPM would be 3.15 g's and "Fault" level would be set at 6.30 g's.
Clearly, the levels detected were well in excess of "Fault".
The data from the PeakVue methodology also acquired on September
15, 1997 is presented here. The maximum peak g-levels are up to 37
g's at the operating speed of only 359 RPM (or 5.99 Hz) with a recurring
rate consistent with the outer race defect frequency (BPFO). The PK-PK
levels experienced in the PeakVue time waveform are in the 25-30 g
level. Impacting is at the outer race fault frequencies.
For completeness, the auto correlation coefficient function is presented.
The correlation is high (around 50%) at time increments corresponding to
the BPFO fault level.
PeakVue Case History
It was obvious from the PeakVue data there was an outer race
defect on the inlet shaft. The initial reading with PeakVue showed a
clear outer race fault for the bearing on the input shaft with PK-PK
impacts of 18 g's.
The peak g readings in PeakVue continued to trend upwards
(increasing to 37 g's in mid-September 1997); then began a
downward trend (decreasing to 14 g's in early October). This
bearing was monitored monthly on Aug. 18, Sept.15, and Oct. 6,
with both PeakVue and normal vibration.
The outer race defect was persistent in PeakVue with PK-PK
values of 18 g's, 24 g's, 37 g's and 13.5 g's (the normal vibration
readings were showing 1.5 g's with no indication of a problem).
The bearing was replaced on October 22, 1997. After replacement,
the peak g-levels on the new bearing were less than 1 g.
PeakVue Case History

Due to the excessive

amplitudes found in
the PeakVue
waveform, and
validated by the auto
correlation coefficient
function, the bearing
was pulled. This
photo shows the
severe damage on the
outer race showing
significant spalling
over a wide area.
 Before replacement

After replacement

It is worth noting here that the standard vibration data showed no

indication of the severity of the defect. The high sample rate and the peak
detection capability of PeakVue provided the ability to see the true nature
of the bearing defect at the relatively low turning speed of this bearing
and shaft.