Which method is often used to monitor the health of rotating equipment?

Vibration analysis is a widely used method for monitoring the health of rotating equipment because it allows for the detection of imbalances, misalignments, and other mechanical faults that can occur during operation. This technique involves measuring the vibrations generated by the equipment and analyzing the frequency and amplitude of those vibrations. Abnormal patterns can indicate impending failures, enabling proactive maintenance actions to be taken before equipment breakdown occurs.

The reason vibration analysis is favored is due to its ability to provide detailed insight into the mechanical state of machinery, often revealing issues that may not be detectable through visual inspection or other methods. Monitoring vibrations over time also allows for trend analysis, making it easier to identify changes in equipment performance and to schedule maintenance activities accordingly.