Distance Learning and
Certification

The following is a description of the Mobius Institute Courses.  A general description is offered, followed by the official description as per the ISO and ASNT specifications

These courses have been structured in order to comply with ISO 18436.2:2002 and in accordance with American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) “Recommended Training for Level I and Level II Vibration Analysis” per ASNT SNT-TC-1A recommended practice and the applicable Mobius Institute written practice.

Mobius Institute Vibration Technician Category I

Follows ISO 18436.2:2002 Category I and ASNT SNT-TC-1A:2001  Level I

The Vibration Technician course is designed for the person who is responsible for collecting vibration readings in the field. This person needs to understand why they are collecting these readings; understand how vibration can indicate that a fault condition exists; and how to correctly measure the vibration. They must be able to download and upload the route, follow the route, record field observations, recognize when the test must be repeated, and understand what is required in order to do their job properly.

With the correct training, the Vibration Technician will take pride in their job and ensure that time spent out at the machine is put to best use.

Official description:

Individuals certified as Vibration Technicians Category I may be authorized by their employers to carry out single-channel machinery vibration measurements.  They shall not be responsible for the choice of sensor, vibration analyzer or analysis method to be used, nor for the assessment of the test results.  They shall be qualified to:

1. Operate portable data collectors and pre-assigned routes.
    

2. Acquire readings from permanently installed instrumentation.
    

3. Input results into a database and download routes from a computer.
    

4. Conduct testing under steady-state operating conditions following predefined procedures.
    

5. Recognize when no signal is present.
    

6. Compare overall or signal value vibration measurements against pre-established alert settings.

There is a detailed list of the topics covered in the matrix at the end of this document.

There are no special requirements in order to be eligible for this course.

Course content is in accordance with American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) “Recommended Training for Level I Vibration Analysis” per ASNT SNT-TC-1A recommended practice and the applicable Mobius Institute written practice.

Mobius Institute Vibration Analyst Category II

Follows ISO 18436.2:2002 Category II.  This course is a prerequisite for ISO 18436.2:2002 Category III and ASNT SNT-TC-1A:2001 Level II.

The Vibration Analyst course is designed for the person who may collect the vibration readings, but who must also perform vibration analysis. This course provides an introduction to spectrum, phase, time waveform and demodulation data analysis, with the aim to prepare the trainee to diagnose the most common fault conditions.

The course begins with a complete review of vibration fundamentals, but then covers the operation and setup of the data collector; a detailed review of vibration data analysis (including the analysis methodology); an introduction to impact testing, balancing and alignment; and specific training on how to diagnose imbalance, misalignment, bearing faults, looseness and other common fault conditions.

The Vibration Analyst is not responsible for the program, and they are not solely responsible for recommending corrective action, but when they receive the training, and gain experience with the case histories and practical challenges, they will play an important role in the vibration monitoring group.

Official description:

Individuals certified as Vibration Analyst Category II are fully qualified personnel who may be authorized by their employers to perform and/or direct industrial machinery vibration measurements and vibration analysis for single-channel measurements, with or without phase trigger signals, according to established and recognized procedures.  Personnel classified as Vibration Analyst Category II require all the knowledge and skills expected of Vibration Technician Category I and shall also be qualified to:

1. Select the appropriate machinery vibration measurement technique.
    

2. Setup instruments for basic resolution of amplitude, frequency and time.
    

3. Perform basic vibration analysis of machinery and components such as shafts, bearings, gears, fans, pumps, and motors using spectrum analysis.
    

4. Maintain a database of results and trends.
    

5. Perform basic (single-channeled) impact tests to determine natural frequencies.
    

6. Classify, interpret and evaluate the test results (including acceptance tests) in accordance with applicable specifications and standards.
    

7. Recommend minor corrective actions.
    

8. Understand basic single-plane field balancing concepts, and
    

9. Be aware of some of the causes and effects of bad measurement data.

There is a detailed list of the topics covered in the matrix at the end of this document.

Mobius Institute Vibration Specialist Category III

Coming soon.  Please contact us if you are interested.

Follows ISO 18436.2:2002 Category III and ASNT SNT-TC-1A:2001 Level II. 

The Vibration Specialist course is designed for the more experienced analyst who has greater program responsibility.

This person requires detailed knowledge of data collector setup and operation (data processing); spectrum, waveform, phase, and demodulation data analysis; detailed knowledge on diagnosing the complete range of fault conditions; field tests used to validate fault conditions; root cause analysis; single-plane and two plane balancing, dial indicator and laser alignment and other corrective actions; detection and analysis of resonant conditions (including bump tests and ODS); acceptance testing; report generation; the financial issues related to condition monitoring; and how to run a successful condition monitoring program.

The Vibration Specialist will have a solid understanding of the theory, and will be given the practical experience required to solve a wide range of problems. The Vibration Specialist can take responsibility for the program, and recommend corrective action.

Official description:

Individuals certified as Vibration Specialist III are fully qualified personnel who may be authorized by their employers to perform and/or direct industrial machinery vibration measurements and vibration analysis according to established and recognized procedures.  Personnel classified as Vibration Specialist II require all the knowledge and skills expected of personnel classified as Vibration Specialist I and shall also be qualified to:

1. Select the appropriate machinery vibration analysis technique.
    

2. Specify the appropriate vibration instrumentation hardware and software for both portable and permanently installed systems.
    

3. Measure and perform diagnosis of single-channel frequency spectra, as well as time domain plots such as waveforms and orbits, under both steady-state and unsteady operation conditions, with or without a phase trigger.
    

4. Establish vibration monitoring programs, including determination of machines for periodic/continuous monitoring, frequency of testing, route plans.
    

5. Establish programs for the specification of vibration levels and acceptance criteria for new machinery.
    

6. Measure and analyze basic operating deflection shapes.
    

7. Understand and be able to direct the use of alternative condition monitoring technologies, such as acoustic emission, thermography, motor current and oil analysis.
    

8. Recommend field corrective actions, such as balancing, alignment and replacement of machine parts.
    

9. Use acceleration enveloping (demodulation).
    

10. Perform basic single-place field balancing.
     

11. Report to management regarding program objectives, budgets, cost justification and personal development.
     

12. Prepare reports for appropriate personnel on machine condition, recommend corrective action and report on the effectiveness of repairs, and
     

13. Provide instructions and technical direction to vibration trainees.
    
     

There is a detailed list of the topics covered in the matrix at the end of this document.

Participants for this course must have either successfully completed Mobius Institute Category II course, or an acceptable equivalent.

Course content is in accordance with American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) “Recommended Training for Level II Vibration Analysis” per ASNT SNT-TC-1A recommended practice and the applicable Mobius Institute written practice.

Topics covered

The following is a list of the main topics covered in the Vibration Technician I, Vibration Analyst II, and Vibration Specialist III courses.  Some topics are listed as being covered in two or all three of the courses either because they are reviewed in the Category II and/or III, or because the topics are covered in greater detail in the II and/or III course.

Note: In a number of cases, we have opted to cover topics in lower levels (i.e. Category II instead of only Category III) to ensure that participants are learning all they should to perform their job successfully.