Many applications of vibration monitoring equipment require low frequencies to fully understand the effects of vibration on properties and structures, from nearby disturbances. Typical Geophones and vibration monitoring systems measure Peak Particle Velocity with a frequency range from 4.5 Hz to 100 Hz. This can result in underestimated and inaccurate low frequency vibration recordings of potentially damaging vibrations.
The Nano ULTRA-Vibe is an ideal choice for low frequency vibration monitoring and measures PPV (Peak Particle Velocity) using very low frequency geophones with a frequency range from 0.3 Hz.
A common use of the Nano ULTRA-Vibe is by site managers and consultants on or near construction sites measuring vibrations caused by activities such as piling, excavation, tunnelling, demolition, and dewatering. This system is also responsible for measuring the structural response of some iconic landmarks across the globe.
A key feature of the Nano ULTRA-Vibe is in its ability to constantly monitor vibrations, and provide real-time access to that data on-site and off. As standard, all users of remote monitoring systems by Caption Data are provided with access to our world-class CDLSmartHub which helps to turn raw data into useful information and then into valuable knowledge.
The Nano ULTRA-Vibe comes with an onboard GPRS modem and transmits to secure dedicated data servers. The system can be configured by the user to take measurements from every 5 seconds up to every 24 hours and all data is recorded in mm/s. The system can be configured by the user to then transmit data as frequently as from every minute to once a week
A key feature is the ability to set alarm thresholds in mm/s on every axis. When those vibration levels are met email and SMS notifications are sent to key personnel, alerting them to potentially dangerous vibration levels, allowing them to view data from the event and if appropriate take immediate remedial action. A full tamper-proof audit trail of alarms is stored on the server.
The system is designed with robustness in mind to provide a guaranteed level of service in the harshest environments.
Application note – Measuring wind and wave loading with low frequency geophones
The Nano ULTRA-Vibe is soon to be installed at Longships Lighthouse to support a team of researchers at Plymouth University’s School of Marine Science and engineering, to better understand the dynamic structural response of the Lighthouse’s tower as a result of various environmental loading.
Research is being undertaken by Plymouth University and Trinity House to measure the dynamic structural response of the lighthouse.
Longships Lighthouse which is located a mile out of the sea is the second lighthouse to be installed with shock and vibration monitoring equipment from Caption Data. Longships are subjected to severe wave impacts and due to their proximity to the shore have been the subject of many winter storm photographs where waves appear to engulf the tower.
