VI Training Courses

Vibration Analyst Category

ISO 18436-2 Recommended Experience for Exam Eligibility

Courses Recommended as Partial Preparation for Certification Exams* **

IMV

BMV

BRM

MVA

AVC

RDM

AVA

Category I

≥ 6 months

1

Category II

≥ 18 months

2

Category III

≥ 3 years

3

4 

Category IV

≥ 5 years

5 

6

7

* A candidate is not required to take Vibration Institute courses to sit for a certification exam, however we recommend taking equivalent ISO 18436-3 compliant classes.

** The numbers show the recommended order to take VI courses.

This course prepares attendees to perform a range of simple, single channel machinery vibration condition monitoring and diagnostic activities, is recommended for individuals as an introduction to machinery vibrations and is partial preparation for the Vibration Analyst Category I Certification Exam.  The workshops and demonstrations, scheduled throughout the training course, are used to illustrate theory and applications.

• All registered  attendees in the Introduction to Machinery Vibrations training course receive the following:
  • Copy of the course power points in color
  • Class notes
  • Workshops containing examples, workshop problems and the Body of Knowledge found in ISO 18436-2 Annex A
  • Training course examination study guide
  • Calculator and a ruler
  • Certificate of completion

It is recommended that attendees review the Body of Knowledge found in ISO 18436-2 Annex A prior to the training course which can be found at www.vi-institute.org under Certification.

Vibration: Sources, Uses, Effects
Background, definitions, sources, effects, uses, predictive maintenance, measurement concepts, equipment 

Workshop I: Vibration Demonstrations and Workshop Questions

Introduction to Machinery Vibrations I
Physics; units; properties; measurement conventions; motions; amplitude; frequencies; time, frequency, and orbital domains.

Workshop II: Definitions, Terminology, Measurements, Demonstrations

Introduction to Machinery Vibrations II
Measures, conversions, analysis, excitation, natural frequencies, resonance, and critical speeds.

Workshop III: Measure Analysis, Natural Frequencies, and Demonstrations

Introduction to Data Collection
Physical observations, sensors, frequency spans, measures, triggering, sensor mounting and location, instruments.

Workshop IV: Data Collection Demonstration and Workbook Questions.

Introduction to Machine Knowledge
Fault sources, frequencies, design and function of machines.

Introduction to Vibration Testing
Periodic and permanent monitoring, machine analysis (fault and condition), acceptance testing.

Workshop V: Vibration Testing

Introduction to Spectrum Analysis
Frequency identification and matching and procedures.

Workshop VI: Spectrum Analysis and Demonstrations

Introduction to Common Machine Faults
Mass unbalance, misalignment, looseness, bearing defects, and electrical defects.

Workshop VII: Fault Analysis

Introduction to Vibration Severity
Criteria, procedures, charts on housings, shafts, and bearings.

Workshop VIII: Vibration Severity

Course Review

Training Examination on Course Content (One hour)

Training Examination Review 

• OPTIONAL: Vibration Analyst Category I - IV Certification Examinations will be offered the day following the conclusion of the IMV training courses.

• February 19-22, 2013:           Four Points by Sheraton, Tempe, AZ
• April 29-May 2, 2013:             Emerson Process Management Center, Knoxville, TN
•  June 18-21, 2013June 18-21, 2013:                  Wyndham Jacksonville Riverwalk, Jacksonville, FL
• August 19-22, 2013:              Emerson Process Management Center, Knoxville, TN
• October 1-4, 2013:                 The Hawthorne House, Salem, MA
• December 2-5, 2013:             Emerson Process Management Center, Knoxville, TN

2013 IMV Training Course Fee:                 $1,150

Optional Certification Examination: 
Category I Certification Exam Fee:            $275                  
Category II Certification Exam Fee:           $300                   
Category III Certification Exam Fee:          $350                  
Category IV Certification Exam Fee:          $450

This course prepares attendees to perform basic machinery vibration analysis on industrial machinery using single-channel measurements, with or without triggers signals, according to established and recognized procedures,  It covers basics of sensors, database and data collector setup, data collection, signal processing, fault analysis, and basics of single plane balancing.  It is partial preparation for the Vibration Analyst Category II Certification Exam.  The workshops and demonstrations, scheduled throughout the training course, are used to illustrate theory and applications.

• All registered  attendees in the Basic Machinery Vibrations training course receive the following:
  • Copy of the course power points in color
  • Basic Machinery Vibrations textbook
  • Workshops containing examples, workshop problems and the Body of Knowledge found in ISO 18436-2 Annex A
  • Training course examination study guide
  • Calculator and a ruler
  • Certificate of completion

It is recommended that attendees review the Body of Knowledge found in ISO 18436-2 Annex A prior to the training course which can be found www.vi-institute.org at  under Certification. 

Basic Machinery Vibrations I
Period, frequency, amplitude, phase, measures, and conversions.

Basic Machinery Vibrations II
Analysis, units, natural frequencies, forcing frequencies, resonance, critical speeds, and damping.

Workshop I: Machinery Vibrations
Period, frequency and amplitude.

Workshop II: Basic Vibrations

Basic Data Collector Setup I
Measure selection; frequency spans; time, frequency, and orbital displays.

Transducers
Proximity probes, accelerometers, optical pickups, selection, location and mounting.

Workshop III: Data Acquisition

Basic Data Collector Setup II
Data sampling, triggering, window selection, resolution, dynamic range, and averaging.

Basic Analysis Techniques
Orders, spectrum analysis – direct frequency, side bands.

Workshop IV: Data Processing

Analysis of Operating Speed Faults
Orders, mass unbalance, misalignment, looseness, distortion, rubs, resonance, bearing wear, and case histories.

Gear and Bearing Analysis
Measurement methods, frequencies, analysis techniques, and case histories.

Motors, Fans, and Pumps
Basics, frequencies, techniques, and analysis.

Workshop V: Fault Analysis

Evaluation of Machine Condition
Measures, procedures, severity charts, and alarm settings.

Workshop VI: Condition Evaluation

Machine Testing
Test plans, impact testing, and acceptance testing.

Periodic Monitoring
Screening, alarm setup, frequency of measurement, trending, and reports.

Balancing
Fundamental aspects of single-plane balancing.

Workshop VII: Machine Analysis

Course Review

Training Examination on Course Content (1.5 hours)

Training Examination Review 

• OPTIONAL: Vibration Analyst Category I - IV Certification Exam will be offered the day  following the conclusion of the BMV training courses. 

• March 19-22, 2013:             Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites, Indianapolis, IN
• April 22-25, 2013:                Emerson Process Management Center, Knoxville, TN
• May 14-17, 2013:                 Hilton Garden Inn-Westbelt, Houston, TX
• August 12-15, 2013:            Emerson Process Management Center, Knoxville, TN
• September 17-20, 2013:      Marriott Southwest-Burr Rdige, Burr Ridge, IL
• November 5-8, 2013:           Doubletree by Hilton - Seattle Airport, Seattle, WA
• December 9-12, 2013:         Emerson Process Management Center, Knoxville, TN

2013 BMV Training Course Fee:            $1,350

Optional Certification Examination:
Category I Certification Exam Fee:           $275 
Category II Certification Exam Fee:          $300
Category III Certification Exam Fee:         $350
Category IV Certification Exam Fee:         $450

This course covers single- and two-plane balancing techniques for both rigid and flexible rotors.  It includes both field balancing and shop (balancing machine) balancing.  Topics such as pre-balance checks, influence coefficients, balance quality and tolerances, residual unbalance testing and case histories are included. It is partial preparation for the Vibration Analyst Category III and IV Certification Exams.  The workshops and demonstrations, scheduled throughout the training course, are used to illustrate theory and applications.

• All registered  attendees in the Balancing of Rotating Machinery training course receive the following:
  • Copy of the course power points in color
  • Class notes
  • Workshops containing examples, workshop problems and the Body of Knowledge found in ISO 18436-2 Annex A
  • Training course examination study guide
  • Calculator, ruler and balancing tools
  • Certificate of completion

It is recommended that attendees review the Body of Knowledge prior to the training course which can be found at www.vi-institute.org under Certification. 

Basic Aspects of Machine Balancing
Purpose, mass unbalance force and causes, rotor classification, techniques, equipment, pre-balancing checks, critical speeds, trial weight selection/placement, and pitfalls.

Single-Plane Balancing Techniques
Vector and four-run methods, critical speeds, modes, heavy spot high-spot relationship, balance sensitivity, phase lag, trial weight selection, weight splitting, criteria and standards.

Workshop I: Balancing Topics
Class exercises on basic principles.

Workshop II: Single-Plane Balancing
Hands-on exercises using a rotor kit, vector method, single-plane balancing; registrants can bring an instrument or use the Institute’s equipment.

Workshop III: Single-Plane Balancing
Vector and four-run methods, critical speeds, modes, heavy spot high-spot relationship, balance sensitivity, phase lag, trial weight selection, weight splitting, criteria, and standards. 

Two-Plane Balancing Techniques
Influence coefficient and static/couple methods, calculator and graphical methods, one-shot balancing-single plane.

Workshop IV: Two-Plane Balancing
Static-couple method, class exercises.

Workshop V: Two-Plane Balancing
Class exercises.

Workshop VI: Two-Plane Balancing Coefficients
Class exercises.

Turbine/Generator Balancing
Procedures, static/couple method, influence coefficient method, plane/sensor selections, strategy for least runs.

Roll Balancing
Weight placement, critical speeds, bow effects.

Fan Balancing
Balancing techniques (single- and two-plane), overhung fans, balance sensitivity, critical speeds, case histories.

Shop Balancing Techniques
Balance machine procedures and calibration.

Balancing Case Histories
Balancing in the field, procedures, strategies, and pitfalls.

Course Review

Training Examination on Course Content (1.5 hours)

Training Examination Review 

• OPTIONAL: The Category I Balancing Certification Exam and Vibration Analyst Category I - IV Certification Exams will be offered the day  following the conclusion of the BRM training courses. ...

• August 19-22, 2013:       Emerson Process Management Center, Knoxville, TN
• November 5-8, 2013:     Doubletree by Hilton-Seattle Airport, Seattle, WA

2013 BRM Training Course Fee:              $1,450 

Optional Certification Examination:
Balancing Certification - Category I:         $250
Category I Certification Exam Fee:            $275 
  Category II Certification Exam Fee:           $300
Category III Certification Exam Fee:          $350
  Category IV  Certification Exam Fee:         $450
 

This course provides more in-depth discussions of single-channel time waveform, FFT, and phase analysis techniques for the evaluation of industrial machinery.  It includes acceptance testing, machine severity assessment, use of demodulation and HFE techniques, basic rotor dynamics, basic ODS, and single-plane balancing. This course is partial preparation for the Vibration Analyst Category III Certification Exam.  The workshops and demonstrations, scheduled throughout the training course, are used to illustrate theory and applications.

• All registered  attendees in the Machinery Vibration Analysis training course receive the following:
  • Copy of the course power points in color
  • Two-volume test, Machinery Vibration Analysis: Diagostics, Condition Evaluation and Correction
  • Workshops containing examples, workshop problems and the Body of Knowledge found in ISO 18436-2 Annex A
  • Training course examination study guide
  • Calculator, ruler and balancing tools
  • Certificate of completion

It is recommended that attendees review the Body of Knowledgefound in ISO 18436-2 Annex A  prior to the training course which can be found at www.vi-institute.org under Certification.  
 

Time and Frequency Analysis I

Display, use, and analysis of time domain, FFT analysis, modulation, clipping, pulsation, beats, side bands, spectrum shape, synchronous and nonsynchronous signals, and case histories.

Phase and Orbit Analysis
Phase measurement and analysis, orbit evaluation, loop rules, orbit analysis, case histories.

Workshop I: Machinery Vibration Analysis Techniques

Resonance and Critical Speed Testing
Interference diagrams, analyzer setup for impact and transient tests, test procedures, Bodé/polar plot evaluation, case histories.

Machine Condition Evaluation
Criteria, levels, maintenance actions, standards, evaluation of overall band, spectral, orbital, and time waveform, setting alarms, and examples.

Basic Vibration Control
Isolation, damping, resonance elimination, concepts, hardware, foundations, and pedestals.

Field Balancing Techniques
Single-plane, trial weight size and location, balance sensitivity, and phase lag.

Workshop II: Balancing Exercises

Workshop III: Vibration Control and Correction

Condition Monitoring
Objectives, program development, permanent and periodic monitoring, and alternative techniques.

Rolling Element Bearing Analysis
Analytic techniques, identification of defects on balls/cages/races, corrosion, fatigue, excessive clearance, lack of lubrication, demodulation methods, condition evaluation.

Operating Speed Diagnostics
Unbalance, sub-synchronous instability, coupling problems, misalignment, oil whirl/whip, mechanical looseness, rubs, rotor bow, resonance, fluid-film bearings, and condition evaluation.

Pumps, Fans, Blowers, and Compressors
Pump impeller/casing/piping vibrations, natural frequencies, clearances, re-circulation, cavitation, performance curves, impellers, casings, shafts, foundations, isolated bases, piping, ducting, structural/acoustic resonance.

Workshop IV: Machine Analysis

Motor and Generator Diagnostics
Mechanisms, vibration/current measurements, stator/rotor faults, shorted end rings, broken rotor bars, air-gap variation, and variable-speed motors.

Gears and Gearboxes
Measurement and analysis, gear mesh, cracked/broken/chipped teeth, gearbox evaluation.

Workshop V: Fault and Condition Exercises

Course Review

Training Examination on Course Content (2 hours)

Training Examination Review 

• OPTIONAL: The Vibration Analyst Category I - IV Certification Exams will be offered the day  following the conclusion of the MVA training courses.  

• February 19-22, 2013:         Four Points by Sheraton, Tempe, AZ
• April 29-May 2, 2013:          Emerson Process Management Center, Knoxville, TN
• September 17-20, 2013:      Marriott Southwest - Burr Ridge, Burr Ridge, IL
• October 1-4, 2013:               The Hawthorne Hotel, Salem , MA
• December 2-5, 2013:           Emerson Process Management Center, Knoxville, TN

2013 MVA Training Course Fee:                 $1,550

Optional Certification Examination: 
Category I Certification Exam Fee:               $275
Category II Certification Exam Fee:              $300 
Category III Certification Exam Fee:             $350 
Category IV Certification Exam Fee:             $450

This course is targeted to solving complex vibration problems involving transient and forced vibrations, resonance, isloation and damping, and field and shop balancing. It is partial preparation for the Vibration Analyst Category IV Certification Exam.  The workshops and demonstrations, scheduled throughout the training course, are used to illustrate theory and applications.

• All registered  attendees in the Advanced Vibration Control training course receive the following:
  • Copy of the course power points in color
  • Class notes
  • Workshops containing examples, workshop problems and the Body of Knowledge found in ISO 18436-2 Annex A
  • Training course examination study guide
  • Certificate of completion

It is recommended that attendees review the Body of Knowledgefound in ISO 18436-2 Annex A  prior to the training course which can be found at www.vi-institute.org under Certification.  
 

Transient Vibrations
Damped and undamped free vibrations, impact testing, log decrement calculation, and natural frequency calculation.

Workshop I: Transient Vibrations

Forced Vibrations
Constant and unbalanced forced response, damping analysis, base motion response, critical speeds, modes, mass unbalance response, rotor bow, gyroscopic effects, torque effects, support and rotor stiffness asymmetry, cracked rotor, oil whirl/whip, hysteresis, and trapped fluid.

Workshop II: Forced Vibrations

Vibration Control Methods
Isolation, tuning, damping, isolator selection, dynamic absorber design, and case histories.

Workshop III: Vibration Control

Understanding Journal Bearings
Advantages, lubrication basics, materials, design, and types.

Workshop IV: Journal Bearings

A Machinery User’s Guide to Practical Lateral Rotor Dynamics
Simple models, modal mass, mode shapes, critical speed map, geometry effects, unbalance response, and stability analysis.

Field and Shop Balancing Techniques
Techniques, strategy, transient testing, influence coefficient and static/couple methods, shop balancing, and balancing limits.

Workshop V: Balancing Exercises
Participants are welcome to bring their data collectors or use equipment provided by the Institute.

Workshop VI

Course Review

Training Examination on Course Content (2 hours)

Training Examination Review 

• OPTIONAL: The Vibration Analyst Category I -IV Certification Examinations will be offered the day following the conclusion of the AVC training course.

• May 14-17, 2013:   Hilton Garden Inn - Westbelt, Houston, TX

2013 AVC Training Course Fee:                 $1,750

Optional Certification Examination: 
Category I Certification Exam Fee:               $275
 Category II Certification Exam Fee:              $300
  Category III Certification Exam Fee:             $350
  Category IV Certification Exam Fee:             $450
 

This course teaches both practical and theoretical modeling of rotating systems using journal and rolling element bearings. It is partial preparation for the Vibration Analyst Category IV Certification Exam.  The workshops and demonstrations, scheduled throughout the training course, are used to illustrate theory and applications.

• All registered  attendees in the Practical Rotor Dynamics and Modeling training course receive the following:
  • Copy of the course power points in color
  • Class notes
  • Workshops containing examples, workshop problems and the Body of Knowledge found in ISO 18436-2 Annex A
  • Rotor Dynamics and Modeling Program
  • Training course examination study guide
  • Certificate of completion

It is recommended that attendees review the Body of Knowledgefound in ISO 18436-2 Annex A  prior to the training course which can be found at www.vi-institute.org under Certification.  
 

Introduction to Rotor Dynamics
Rotor types, natural frequencies, modes, critical speeds, mass unbalance response,  whirling, rotor bow, gyroscopic effects, torque, support stiffness asymmetry, rotor stiffness asymmetry, cracked rotor, instabilities, oil whirl/whip, aerodynamic cross coupling.

Balancing Review

Transient and Forced Vibrations

Workshop I: Rotor Dynamics

Workshop II:  Journal Bearings
Lubrication basics, bearing dynamics and design

Rotor/Bearing Instabilities
Oil whirl/oil whip, aerodynamic cross-coupling, hysteresis, rubs and parametric instability

Rotor/Bearing Modeling
Modeling techniques, discrete mass/stiffness models, distributed parameter models, rolling element and fluid-film bearing stiffness and damping, mass allocation, computer program interface, and examples.

Workshop III: Modeling Lab

Simple Engineering Calculations
Stiffness, mass, influence coefficients, natural frequency formulas, and examples.

Workshop IV: Natural Frequency and Unbalance Response

Computer Calculation Techniques
Application of models to computer programs, forces, and damping.

Workshop V: Modeling and Computation

Rotor-Dynamic Model Validation
Transient tests, two-channel tests, and applications.

Course Review

Training Examination on Course Content (2 hours)

Training Examination Review 

• OPTIONAL: The Vibration Analyst Category I - IV Certification Examinations  will be offered the day following the conclusion of the RDB training course.

• September 17-20, 2013:    Chicago Marriott Southwest - Burr Ridge, IL

2013 RDM Training Course Fee:                 $1,750

Optional Certification Examination: 
Category I Certification Exam Fee:               $275
  Category II Certification Exam Fee:              $300
 Category III Certification Exam Fee:             $350
 Category IV Certification Exam Fee:             $450
 

This course teaches a wide array of advanced vibration analysis tecniques such as two-channel analysis, advanced signal processing, orbits, natural frequencies, modal analysis, isolation, and damping. It is partial preparation for the Vibration Analyst Category IV Certification Exam.  The workshops and demonstrations, scheduled throughout the training course, are used to illustrate theory and applications.

• All registered  attendees in the Advanced Vibration Analysis training course receive the following:
  • Copy of the course power points in color
  • Class notes on signal processing and dual-channel analysis
  • Workshops containing examples, workshop problems and the Body of Knowledge found in ISO 18436-2 Annex A
  • Training course examination study guide
  • Certificate of completion

It is recommended that attendees review the Body of Knowledgefound in ISO 18436-2 Annex A  prior to the training course which can be found at www.vi-institute.org under Certification.  
 

Signal Processing
RMS, coherent and non-coherent signals, peak detection, vector addition, filters, signal-to-signal noise ratio, and FFT calculations.

Signal/Noise Demonstration

Workshop I: Signal Processing

Introduction to the FFT
A/D converters, dynamic range, FFT batch process, buffer fill times, averaging, and overlap.

Workshop II: FFT Basics and Filters

FFT Topics
Aliasing, windows, resolution, and demonstrations.

Workshop III: Aliasing, Windows, and Resolution

FFT Accuracy
Side-lobe areas; accuracy of rectangular, Hanning, and flat-top windows, window resolution, order spectra, correction of amplitude and frequency from bin location.

Workshop IV: Window Function and Order Spectra

Beats and Modulation
Time domain of digitized signals, beats, AM and FM modulation, suppressed carrier signals and enveloping, case histories.

Workshop V: Beats and Modulation

Time Series Averaging
Frequency synthesizers, averaging one signal and noise, averaging two signals, effect of synchronous time averaging on bearing defects and modulation, digital filers and the FFT as a brick wall filter, case histories of synchronous time averaging.

Workshop VI: Time Series Averaging

Transient and Forced Harmonic Vibration

Dual-Channel Basics
Test methods, transfer functions, coherence, mass/spring model, real and imaginary displays, Nyquist and Bodé plots, basic mode shapes, and operating deflection shapes.

Introduction to the Hilbert Transform

Workshop VII: Dual-Channel Analysis

Damping Measurement and Calculation
Half-power, real or imaginary plots, slope of phase shift, log decrement, dB decay of waterfall data, and demonstrations.

Workshop VIII: Damping Measurement

Modal Testing
Testing, analysis, natural frequencies, damping, and modes.

Structural Measurements
Vertical pumps, machine supports, floors, phase leads, turbine blades and fans, axial resonance on motors with sleeve bearings.

Workshop IX: Modal Testing

Course Review

Training Examination on Course Content (2 hours)

Training Examination Review 

• OPTIONAL: The Vibration Analyst Category I - IV Certification Examinations will be offered the following the conclusion of the AVA training course.

• March 19-22, 2013:    Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites, Indianapolis, IN

2013 AVA Training Course Fee:                 $1,750

Optional Certification Examination: 
Category I Certification Exam Fee:               $275
   Category II Certification Exam Fee:              $300
    Category III Certification Exam Fee:             $350
    Category IV Certification Exam Fee:             $450
    

This course will discuss the importance of alignment, how to: correct soft foot, check runout, align two pieces of rotating machinery using dial indicators, and to review all the currently used alignment equipment and techniques (e.g. lasers and electromechanical systems).  Material from other courses on vibration analysis and anti-friction bearings are usually interjected to supplement the content and assist the attendee in understanding how alignment affects overall machinery performance.

Recommended background knowledge for basic alignment course:

• Basic understanding of rotating machinery such as : motors, pumps, gears, compressors, fans, etc.
• Have seen someone do alignment, have tried it themselves, or have heard what alignment is.

All registered attendees in the Category II Shaft Alignment  training course will receive the following:

• Basic Shaft Alignment Workbook 5th edition ISBN# 978-0-9827806-0-2
• Shaft Alignment Self Study Guide 2nd edition
• Additional sample problems and worksheets
• Certificate of completion 
• Prepares for the Shaft Alignment Category II certification examination

Individuals certified to Category II are qualified personnel who are certified to perform industrial machinery alignments using the Reverse Radial Method and Face-Rim Method according to established and recognized procedures. Personnel certified to Category II: Machine alignment require all the knowledge and skills as listed in Annex A and shall:

• understand the detrimental consequences of poor alignment on rotating machinery;
• understand the nonintrusive methods of detecting misalignment on running rotating machinery (i.e. visual inspections, vibration analysis, and thermography methods);
• be proficient in the use and care of basic measuring tools and instruments (e.g. feeler gauges, dial indicators, and laser - detector systems);
• be able to identify excessive runout conditions;
• be able to identify and correct soft foot problems;
• be able to identify excessive piping strain;
• understand alignment tolerances and how misalignment is measured;
• basic rough alignment methods
• perform the Reverse Radial method;
• perform the Face-Rim method;
• apply basic mathematical and graphical modeling principles for alignment;
• determine effective alignment corrections using the Reverse Radial and Face-Rim methods. Understand the concepts that:
• all machines are movable
• there is an infinite number of solutions to any misalignment condition
•  movement restrictions should be taken into consideration
• how to superimpose these restrictions onto the alignment model
• how to arrive at an alignment solution that is effective and nondestructive to the machinery;
• keep records of alignment work; and
• understand and apply safety practices.

• OPTIONAL: Shaft Alignment Category II certification examination

Participants receive Basic Shaft Alignment Workbook and Shaft Alignment Self-Study Guide.

• May 14-17, 2013: Hilton Garden Inn - Westbelt, Houston, TX 

• Course:       $1,295
• Certification Exam: $300