VCAT-II Vibration Analysis Course - ISO 18436-2

This training provides a clear and structured understanding of advanced vibration analysis aligned with ISO 18436-2. It supports professionals who work with rotating equipment and need reliable methods to identify mechanical and electrical faults. The course builds on foundational vibration knowledge and introduces deeper techniques for analyzing signals, interpreting patterns, and assessing machine condition across a range of equipment used in industrial environments.

Learning Objectives

• Understand advanced vibration principles and their use in machinery condition assessment.
• Collect, process, and interpret complex vibration signals.
• Detect faults such as unbalance, misalignment, looseness, and resonance.
• Apply vibration diagnostics to motors, pumps, compressors, fans, gearboxes, and bearings.
• Establish alarm levels and conduct acceptance tests for new or repaired equipment.

Course Modules

This advanced vibration analysis course builds on basic vibration knowledge and develops the skills needed to diagnose faults in rotating machinery. It focuses on understanding vibration signals, recognizing fault patterns, and making reliable maintenance decisions using structured analysis methods.

The program follows ISO 18436-2 Category II guidelines and prepares participants to analyze real industrial equipment such as motors, pumps, compressors, gearboxes, and fans

Module 1: Principles of Vibration

Overview of vibration theory and how vibration patterns relate to machine behaviour. Understanding common signal types and the factors that influence vibration levels.

Module 2: Understanding Signals

How vibration signals are formed, measured, and interpreted. Identifying amplitude, frequency, and phase characteristics for accurate fault recognition.

Module 3: Signal Processing

Use of time-domain and frequency-domain analysis. Application of FFT, envelope analysis, and filtering methods to reveal hidden machine conditions.

Module 4: Time Waveform Analysis

Interpreting waveform patterns to detect impact events, early-stage faults, and irregular behaviour. Examples from real industrial equipment.

Module 5: Data Acquisition

Key practices for capturing reliable vibration data. Sensor selection, mounting methods, and techniques for consistent measurements in varying operating conditions.

Module 6: Vibration Analysis Process

Step-by-step approach to conducting a full vibration analysis. Reviewing historical data, comparing patterns, and applying structured diagnostic logic.

Module 7: Diagnosing Unbalance

Identifying unbalanced conditions in rotating equipment and interpreting severity levels. Reviewing common causes and diagnostic signatures.

Module 8: Machine Balancing

Approaches to balancing machinery to reduce vibration. Understanding field vs. workshop balancing and how balancing influences long-term reliability.

Module 9: Diagnosing Misalignment

Using vibration signatures to identify parallel and angular misalignment. How misalignment appears in spectra and waveform data.

Module 10: Shaft Alignment

Principles of accurate shaft alignment and its influence on machine stability. Overview of alignment tools and techniques.

Module 11: Diagnosing Looseness

Recognizing signs of structural and mechanical looseness. Interpreting patterns such as harmonics, impacts, and modulation.

Module 12: Electric Motor Analysis

Vibration indicators for motor-related issues including electrical imbalances, rotor defects, and bearing wear. How signal patterns shift with electrical faults.

Module 13: Gearbox Analysis

Diagnostic signatures for gear wear, tooth damage, and gear mesh issues. How to interpret sidebands, modulation, and frequency components.

Module 14: Natural Frequencies and Resonance

Identifying natural frequencies and resonance conditions. Understanding how resonance affects vibration levels and methods for mitigating it.

Module 15: Pumps, Fans, and Compressors

Common vibration patterns in fluid-handling and air-moving equipment. Detecting cavitation, flow instability, and component wear.

Module 16: Belt Drive Analysis

Diagnostic indicators for belt slip, tension variations, misalignment, and wear. Interpreting belt-related harmonics.

Module 17: Rolling Element Bearing Analysis

Recognizing early-stage and advanced bearing defects. Using spectrum and waveform analysis to track bearing deterioration over time.

Module 18: Setting Alarm Limits

How to determine meaningful alarm thresholds. Using trends, machine history, and severity charts to support early detection.

Module 19: Acceptance Testing

Establishing base vibration levels after installation or repair. Ensuring new or serviced equipment meets specified performance criteria.

Who This Course Supports

• Maintenance and condition monitoring professionals.
• Reliability engineers working with rotating machinery.
• Mechanical and electrical engineers responsible for equipment performance.

Certification

Participants who complete all requirements receive CAT II Vibration Analysis Certification under ISO 18436-2, recognizing their ability to conduct advanced diagnostics and apply vibration analysis methods responsibly and accurately.

Methodology

This course uses a structured, evidence-based approach focused on practical understanding. Concepts are introduced progressively, linking theory to real equipment behaviour. Vibration signals are explained using simplified interpretations that support clear decision-making. Each module builds semantic context through pattern recognition, machine behaviour mapping, and comparative analysis. Participants learn by evaluating real datasets, applying diagnostic logic, and interpreting outcomes without relying on assumptions or speculative conclusions. The methodology emphasises accuracy, repeatability, and responsible application of vibration analysis in industrial environments.