How vibration analysis enabled early bearing fault detection
Not all critical defects generate high vibration levels.
Sometimes, the earliest warning signs are hidden in the frequency spectrum.
During routine measurements on the port side shaft generator electric motor, our analysts detected elevated envelope values. While overall machine operation appeared normal, a closer look at the FFT envelope spectrum revealed something much more important.
📊 Clear BPFI (Ball Pass Frequency Inner Race) peaks and harmonics were present.
For vibration analysts, this is one of the classic indicators of inner race bearing damage.
At this stage, the machine was still operating, but the defect had already started to develop.
👉 Left unaddressed, bearing damage can quickly escalate, leading to increased vibration, secondary component damage, and ultimately electric motor failure.
Based on the measurements, we recommended bearing replacement.
The crew carried out the inspection and confirmed our diagnosis:
✔️ The drive-end bearing showed clear signs of wear
✔️ The bearing was replaced
✔️ Follow-up measurements showed a significant reduction in envelope levels
✔️ BPFI frequencies disappeared from the spectrum
✅ Result: Bearing failure prevented before it became a motor failure.
We would also like to thank the vessel’s crew for their excellent cooperation. Fast feedback and efficient execution of recommendations are key elements of successful condition monitoring.
Because the value of diagnostics isn’t just finding defects.
It’s finding them early enough that they remain simple repairs instead of costly breakdowns.