Hydraulic System Resonance Effect Measuring Using Oscilloscope and Hydac HGM 400 Pressure Logger

The hydraulic vibration resonance analysis is a powerful tool for debugging inefficiencies in a hydraulic system.
Accelerometers, microphones, high-frequency pressure transducers and laser optical sensors are utilised in this application
By logging vibration levels and frequencies, valuable insights can be gained into the health and performance of the system, enabling the detection of faulty or inefficient components.
Diagnosing System Health / Early Fault Detection:
By monitoring vibration levels and frequencies of hydraulic components like pumps, valves, and actuators, early signs of wear, misalignment, cavitation, and other problems can be detected.
Root Cause Analysis: Vibration analysis reveals specific information about the type and location of the problem. For example, high-frequency vibrations might indicate bearing faults, while low-frequency vibrations could point to pump imbalances or cavitation.
Optimizing System Performance:
Balancing Optimization (pumps and actuators): Vibration analysis can be used to fine-tune the balance of rotating components in hydraulic systems. This reduces vibration levels, improves efficiency, and extends the lifespan of components.
Alignment Verification (pump couplings / elastic couplings in hybrid systems) : Checking vibration patterns of interconnected components can reveal misalignment issues. Correcting these misalignments improves smooth operation, reduces wear, and prevents unnecessary strain on the system.
Fluid Condition Monitoring: Changes in vibration characteristics can indicate changes in the viscosity or contamination level of the hydraulic fluid. Early detection of such issues allows for timely maintenance and prevents damage to sensitive components.
Specific Examples of Application:
Monitoring Piston Pumps: Vibration analysis can detect worn pistons, broken valves, and cavitation in piston pumps by analyzing the characteristic pressure pulsations and harmonics.
Analyzing Gear Pumps: Gear pumps can be monitored for gear wear, tooth damage, and misalignment by tracking the specific vibration frequencies generated by the meshing gears.
Tracking Valve Performance: Sticking valves, internal leaks, and worn seals can be identified by analyzing the vibration patterns during valve opening and closing cycles.
Implementation Considerations:
Sensor Selection:
Accelerometers, microphones, high-frequency pressure transducers and laser optical sensors are utilized in this application.