Bearing Damage Detection: Vibration Waveform Case Study

We present a case in which bearing damage was detected through verification measurements using conanair on a pump motor whose vibration levels had been increasing at a municipal waterworks and wastewater treatment facility in Kurashiki City.

Pump Motors at Kurashiki City Waterworks and Wastewater Treatment Plant

conanair was selected for Kurashiki City’s Demonstration Experiment Support Program, under which demonstration testing was conducted at the city’s waterworks and wastewater treatment facilities.

Motor Abnormality Detection Based on Vibration (Coupling Side)

Pumps No. 5 through No. 7 are identical models operating within the same system. Among Pumps No. 5 through No. 7, the motor vibration levels of Pumps No. 5 and No. 6 were higher than those of Pump No. 7. For this reason, frequency analysis was conducted using conanair.
The three pumps (No. 5 to No. 7) in the drainage system are the same equipment used for the same purpose.
Since vibration measurements were taken at the same locations on identical equipment, similar values would normally be expected. However, the measured results differed significantly. The following compares vibration levels at the bearing section on the motor coupling side.
Vibration values are expressed in mG (1/1000 of gravitational acceleration).
Measurement period: October 27, 2025 ? November 27, 2025 (one month)

• Pump No. 5 motor: Vibration level approx. 3,000 mG, showing a slight upward trend
• Pump No. 6 motor: Vibration level approx. 13,000 mG, showing a clear upward trend
• Pump No. 7 motor: Vibration level approx. 1,500 mG, with no upward trend observed

Pump No. 5 Motor (Coupling Side)

• Rotational speed: 1,755 rpm (as listed on motor nameplate)
• Bearing: 6312ZZ (as listed on motor nameplate)

Demonstration test results using conanair
High vibration levels (approx. 12 mm/s2, slightly below) with the presence of an outer race defect frequency were observed, leading to a diagnosis of outer race damage.

Pump No. 6 Motor (Coupling Side)

• Rotational speed: 1,755 rpm (as listed on motor nameplate)
• Bearing: 6312ZZ (as listed on motor nameplate)

Demonstration test results using conanair
Elevated vibration levels (approx. 7 mm/s2, slightly above) with the presence of an outer race defect frequency were observed, leading to a diagnosis of outer race damage.

Emoto Giken: Abnormality detection case from the Kurashiki City Demonstration Experiment Support Program (Japanese)

The Power of Patented Under-sampling Technology for Early Fault Detection

As demonstrated in the diagnoses of Pump No. 5 and No. 6, identifying the specific root cause of an anomaly?such as an outer race defect?requires high-precision frequency spectrum analysis. This level of detail is made possible by conanair's patented under-sampling technology. By accurately capturing high-frequency raw data that exceeds the processing limits of standard microcomputers, conanair reliably catches the initial waveform changes caused by micro-scratches on bearings.

• Clearly visualizes high-frequency wavebands that are often buried in noise by conventional sensors.
• Catches early signs of degradation, such as scratches and flaking, before they lead to critical equipment failures.
• Enables easy spectrum analysis through the included dedicated software without requiring specialized expertise.

The Importance of Raw Data in Detecting Bearing Anomalies

This Kurashiki City case study clearly demonstrates the necessity of analyzing raw vibration data (FFT spectrum) rather than relying solely on overall vibration trends. While simple edge processing or threshold alerts might indicate a problem, they cannot pinpoint specific causes like an outer race defect. By utilizing conanair, maintenance teams can securely capture the raw data required for precise diagnostics without the burden of wiring.

• Accurately identify specific bearing issues (e.g., outer race damage) using detailed FFT spectrum analysis.
• Ensure reliable monitoring of critical public infrastructure, such as water treatment plants, without expensive installation costs.
• Prevent sudden pump failures by detecting high-frequency anomalies early through automated, continuous measurements.

30-Day Free Trial & Inquiry

Try conanair for free for 30 days. Here is what our users are saying:

• Easy installation for immediate use
• No app required; operate via web browser
• No cloud required for fully automatic measurement
• Affordable, including dedicated software

Try equipment anomaly detection and predictive maintenance for free. Please feel free to contact us.

30-Day Free Trial & Inquiry

Try conanair for free for 30 days. Here is what our users are saying:

• Easy installation for immediate use
• No app required; operate via web browser
• No cloud required for fully automatic measurement
• Affordable, including dedicated software

Try equipment anomaly detection and predictive maintenance for free. Please feel free to contact us.

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