An Automatic Harmonic Activity Locator (HAL) Algorithm and Its Application in Machine Vibration Diagnosis

Introduction

SKF Reliability Systems has developed the spectral data mining and screening algorithm as explained in this application note that automatically performs the same type of “qualitative” interpretation as a human analyst.  It does this by “quantifying” the existence of harmonic series that give “qualitative” indications of the presence of certain mechanical failure mechanisms. Using the computational power of the personal computer to rapidly sift through data to search for the often subtle indications of harmonic series buried within the spectra, the Harmonic Activity Locator (HAL) algorithm provides the analyst with an indication that there is, or is not, something in the data that requires further investigation. SKF, supplier of 20% of the world’s bearings, has validated the effectiveness of this algorithm in identifying the need to focus on thousands of machines in its extensive vibration database.