Imagine if you could visualize faults in machinery.

Now you can!

Motion Amplification is an exciting technology that allows a vibration analyst to see minute amounts of machine movement that would ordinarily be invisible to the naked eye.

How it Works

With Iris M, a revolutionary video-processing and software package developed by RDI Technologies, our analysts use a high speed, high definition camera to collect video data. The software and processing algorithms detect subtle motion and amplify it, essentially converting every pixel into an independent sensor, creating millions of data points in a matter of seconds.

For example, in the video header above taken recently while on a job site, the image on the left is what the piping looks like when viewed with the naked eye. The image on the right is the same piping with its motion amplified.

The video below demonstrates the same thing. The pump pictured on the left is what is seen by the naked eye while the image on the right shows the same pump with its motion amplified.

Benefits of Using Motion Amplification

Accelerometers, strain gages and modeling software are all still valuable tools to diagnose issues with machinery and/or structures. Motion amplification is another resource for getting to the root cause of a problem – and it does have its advantages:

It’s fast and efficient – There is minimal set up involved in comparison to other more standard technologies and the capture process can take mere seconds in some instances.

It’s safe – Since the analyst taking the measurements doesn’t have to actually touch the machine, there is much less risk of injury or even death

Reduced unplanned downtime – Motion amplification makes it incredibly easy to see faults in a machine so corrective actions can be more accurately planned and executed.

Provides actionable information – The results of motion amplification are produced in standard video format. This makes communicating machine condition to a much broader audience within a facility much simpler because those that aren’t as well versed in vibration analysis and similar predictive technologies can now see how the machine or structure is moving during operation.

Diverse application – Motion amplification can be used on a wide variety of equipment including rotating machines, pumps, structures, process lines, piping, etc.

Compliments root-cause analysis activities – The root cause of a machine issue is often visually apparent.

While there are some inherent limitations associated with Motion Amplification such as “line of sight” and optical interference that must be factored in, the pros far outweigh the cons with this technology.

Of course, there are tools that exist today to magnify an image or to offer point measurements on a machine. However, being able to see what is happening over the entire asset enables a more targeted and cost-effective approach to fault analysis especially when used as a complement to traditional predictive technologies.

When maintenance professionals can see faults in machinery, they’re empowered to take corrective action.

ALPHACORE Technologies utilizes this new technology as either a stand-alone service or as a supplement to other vibration testing services. Coupled with our extensive background and experience in vibration analysis, Motion Amplification can provide a powerful tool in diagnosing your machine issues.