About Vibro-Meter

The Vibro-Meter HQ and main production facility Fribourg, Switzerland

Vibro-Meter has been supplying measurement solutions for 49 years. Our systems are protecting and improving the reliability and efficiency of rotating machinery in aviation, space, power, petrochemical, marine propulsion and many other areas, all over the world. Our motto is "Condition Monitoring on Land, Sea and Air". The Vibro-Meter HQ and main production facility is in Fribourg, Switzerland, where more than 400 staff are employed. Vibro-Meter is a member of Meggitt plc, a multinational concern based in the UK with interests in aerospace and industrial high-technology manufacturing.

Vibro-Meter Products for the Power Generation Industry

Special expertise in rugged sensors that work reliably at high temperatures has ensured that Vibro-Meter accelerometers and pressure transducers are original fitment on many industrial gas and steam turbines, as well as machinery such as compressors and turbochargers, and all classes of hydro generators. A reputation for high quality and reliable electronics has been gained with thousands of machinery protection systems in use all over the world.
Specific monitoring techniques have been developed for all sectors of the power industry, including:

• air gap sensing and low frequency vibration measurement for hydro applications;
• intrinsically safe vibration, dynamic pressure measurement and ice detection for gas turbines;
• displacement, vibration and position measurement for steam turbines;
• certified vibration and pressure sensors for nuclear installations;
• advanced integrated protection and condition monitoring systems, including powerful performance monitoring and maintenance optimisation capability.

VMU 100 "VibroSmart" monitor

Renewable Energy Applications

One example of a renewable energy application is for small hydro installations. More than 40 vibration monitoring channels have been successfully installed in India and Australia. A typical installation consists of type CE 680 accelerometers, cabling and VMU 100 "VibroSmart" monitors. The advantages of the Vibro-Meter systems include:

• The accelerometer is double-shielded so can be used in high magnetic fields.
• The accelerometer has a high sensitivity of 100mV/g, and being shear mode can provide reliable data at very low frequencies, with no special cable requirements.
• The "VibroSmart" monitor has a rugged IP65 industrial enclosure, with a bright LED display of vibration velocity level (mm/s or ins/sec) and monitor status.
• The "VibroSmart" can be easily re-programmed for range, high/low alarm and trip levels, frequency range and delay/hysteresis settings, to adapt the protection to evolving experience.
• An optional serial data link permits remote configuration and data transfer of vibration levels for storage and trending, using RS 232 or MODBUS protocols. Configuration software is provided with the serial link option.
• Optional 4-20mA or 0 -10V DC outputs for PLCs or plant management control systems.
• A buffered vibration acceleration BNC output is provided for analysers and data collectors.

The same advantages would apply to other renewable applications such as wind or wave power generation.

Larger Installations

VM 600

The new VM 600 is a complete suite of hardware and software products providing a modular, scaleable system that can easily be adapted and grown, from a stand-alone protection monitor to a multi-site, networked condition and performance monitoring system with thousands of inputs. Input cards accept and power any normal sensor and are software configured, greatly simplifying installation and maintenance. It can be linked digitally to plant control and management systems and is accessible remotely. The software  is extremely versatile and powerful while remaining easy to learn and to use.

Summary

Vibro-Meter has extensive experience of improving reliability and reducing costs for power generation operators worldwide. We can tailor an installation to individual requirements, together with the required training, commissioning and support services. From a single channel monitor to large complex installations, depend on Vibro-Meter for a reliable and cost-effective solution.

Vibro-Meter SA
Rte. de Moncor 4 - P O Box 1071
CH-1701 Fribourg
Switzerland

Tel: +41 26 407 11 11
Fax: +41 26 407 13 01
industrial&marine@vmfr.vibro-meter.ch

 

Click here to obtain a copy of RENEWABLE ENERGY 2008