Why radial and piston compressors each require special analyses for vibration monitoring? Because both machine types have very different operating principles.
The main difference is that the vibration signature of reciprocating machinery is marked by regular peaks that occur during each revolution. These peaks come from mechanical impacts such as valve opening and closing. That means, for reciprocating compressors reoccurring vibration amplitudes are good. As opposed to rotating machinery, where a flat vibration reading is good and vibration amplitudes are bad. With this basic understanding of vibration origin and signatures, it is obvious that both machines types require dedicated monitoring strategies. For reciprocating compressors, the unique segmentation of vibration monitoring proved to be a reliable way to detect impending failures and avoid false alarms at the same time.
