VIBRATION DATA ANALYSIS BASED ON TIME WAVEFORM PARAMETERS

An efficient vibration data collection, analysis, and storage system automates the analysis of time waveform data and optimizes use of available memory and minimizes data collection time by parameterizing the time domain vibration waveform produced by a vibration transducer attached to a machine. Various parameters are calculated from the time domain waveform and compared to predetermined thresholds or other criteria representative of possible anomalous conditions within the monitored machine. When one or more anomaly criteria are met, an alarm is generated and the system automatically collects, or stores vibration data, which may include both the time waveform and frequency spectrum. Alternatively, the system may be programmed to conduct further analysis of the vibration data during an alarm condition prior to data storage. Preferably, time waveform data is stored only for machines that are in alarm, and the calculated parameters are stored for each machine regardless of the machine's condition. Stored data may be uploaded to a base computer for further analysis and long-term storage. The waveform parameters serve to provide metrics of behaviors in the waveform that are particularly useful to both the data collection technician and the vibration analyst.