9071 Smart Vibration Meter Instruction Manual

Brand: TPI

Model: 9071

1 Overview

The TPI 9071 is a user-friendly vibration monitoring and analysis tool designed for condition-based monitoring. It provides an easy display of vibration signals and automatically performs analysis functions based on machine running speed to help diagnose faults such as unbalance, misalignment, and looseness. The system enables users to take vibration measurements from assets like pumps, motors, fans, and bearings, displaying vibration frequency plots and monitoring vibration severity and bearing condition.

1.1 Control Buttons

To turn the meter ON, briefly press the ? (power) button. The unit automatically turns OFF if not used for 1 minute, though this auto-off time can be extended up to 60 minutes via the Setup Wizard.

1.2 Batteries

The 9071 requires two AA batteries. To replace them, remove the battery compartment cover, which is secured by 6 screws. A #1 Phillips head screwdriver is recommended. Using the incorrect screwdriver may damage the screws. Ensure the gasket is properly seated when reinstalling the battery door to maintain the IP67 waterproof rating.

1.3 Service

The 9071 contains no user-serviceable parts. In case of malfunction, the complete unit should be returned to the supplier for repair.

2 Operation

2.1 Fitting the Sensor

The 9071 is supplied with a cable-connected sensor that attaches to the meter's BNC connector. The default sensor sensitivity is 100mV/g. The meter can also accept standard IEPE (constant current) accelerometers, with adjustable sensitivity settings.

2.2 Taking a Reading

To take a reading:

Briefly press the ? button to turn the unit ON.
While holding the sensor tip against the machine to be measured, press the ? button again to take the reading.

This action displays the overall vibration numbers screen, showing ISO value (velocity), Bearing Noise (BDU), and Total g (acceleration).

For optimal results, place the sensor gently onto the measurement point by "rolling" the magnet onto the machine. This avoids sudden shocks that could create large, transient acceleration peaks.

2.2.1 Vibration Readings

After a reading is taken, the display shows three key values:

ISO value: Velocity in mm/second or in/sec.
Bearing Noise: Measured in BDU (Bearing Damage Units).
Total g: Acceleration.

According to ISO standards, the background color indicates the condition:

Green: New machine condition.
Amber: Unlimited long-term operation allowable.
Red: Vibration causes damage.

The Total g (acceleration) value always displays on a Blue background.

ISO mm/s or in/sec

The ISO value represents the RMS value of vibration velocity within the frequency band of 10Hz (600 RPM) to 1kHz (60,000 RPM), as specified by ISO standard 10816-1. The background color coding of this value aligns with the ISO 10816-1 vibration velocity level chart, which considers machine size and type selected in the Setup Wizard.

ISO Chart Description: A chart illustrating vibration velocity levels. It is divided into zones A (New machine condition), B (Unlimited long-term operation), C (Short-term operation allowable), and D (Vibration causes damage). These zones are mapped against machine types (e.g., pumps, motors) and mounting conditions (rigid, flexible) across different power/size categories and frequency bands (e.g., 10-1000 Hz, 2-1000 Hz).

Bearing Noise (BDU)

The Bearing Noise value, displayed in BDU, indicates the wear state of bearings. 100 BDU corresponds to 1g RMS vibration measured above 1kHz. Higher BDU values signify more worn bearings. By default, BDU readings are color-coded: Green below 50 BDU, Amber between 50 and 100 BDU, and Red above 100 BDU. These thresholds can be adjusted in the Advanced Settings menu.

Total Acceleration (g)

This is the RMS (average) value of total vibration within the ISO frequency range (10Hz to 1kHz), expressed in units of 'g' (Earth's gravitational constant, where 1g = 9.81 m/s²).

2.2.2 Vibration Analysis

Pressing the ⏹️ (square) button brings up a display showing vibration velocity broken down into three bands, typically representing multiples of the machine's Run Speed.

Display Example: A bar graph showing three distinct peaks labeled "1X", "2X", and "3X", with the "Run Speed: 1450 RPM" indicated below.

2.2.3 Frequency Spectrum

Pressing the ⏹️ button again displays the vibration levels as a frequency spectrum from 0 to 1kHz. The heights of the peaks represent the RMS vibration level at each frequency point. The screen also shows the frequency (Hz or RPM) and RMS vibration level at the cursor's position (indicated by a red dotted line).

The cursor can be moved using the left (<) and right (>) arrow buttons. Pressing the ⏹️ button successively increases the resolution of the frequency axis from 100 Lines to 200, 400, and 800 Lines, providing finer detail.

Resolution Table:

Resolution (lines)	Resolution (Hz)	Resolution (RPM)
100	10	600
800	1.25	75

Higher resolutions zoom into the spectrum, requiring scrolling with arrow buttons to view the full display.

2.3 Settings Menu

To access the Settings menu, press and hold the ⏹️ button for 2 seconds. The menu options are: Exit, Setup Wizard, Load & Save, and Advanced.

Navigation within the menu is done using the left (up) and right (down) arrow buttons to highlight an item, and the ⏹️ button to select it.

2.3.1 Setup Wizard

The Setup Wizard allows users to enter the machine's running speed and set ISO alarm levels automatically based on the machine's size and type.

Setup Wizard - Run Speed Screen: Displays the current running speed in the selected units (Hz or RPM). The speed can be adjusted using the left (<) and right (>) arrow buttons.

Setup Wizard - Machine Type Screen: Allows selection between "Motor" and "Pump".

Motor: Defined as an electrical machine, typically with sleeve or rolling element bearings, operating speeds from 120 RPM to 15,000 RPM.
Pump: Defined as a multivane impeller with separate or integrated drive (centrifugal, mixed flow, axial flow) with sleeve or rolling element bearings.

If "Motor" is selected, the size (Under or Over 300kW) must be specified. If "Pump" is selected, the drive type (Integrated or External) must be specified.

Setup Wizard - Motor Size Screen: Options are "Under 300kW" and "Over 300kW".

Setup Wizard - Pump Type Screen: Options are "Integrated Drive" and "External Drive".

Setup Wizard - Mounting Type Screen: Allows selection between "Flexible" and "Rigid". A basic rule of thumb is that machines not bolted to concrete are considered flexible. Motors and pumps mounted on frames are generally considered flexible.

Selecting the machine type, size, and mounting type helps set the ISO alarm levels appropriately.

2.3.2 Load & Save Readings

This menu allows users to save current readings or load previously saved ones.

Load & Save Menu: Options include Back, Save Reading, Load Reading, and Demo data.

Save Reading: Allows selection of one of 10 Block Numbers and then a Sector Number to save the current reading.

Load Reading: Allows selection of a Block Number and Sector Number to load a previously saved reading. The loaded reading can then be examined using the overall numbers, Vibration Analysis, and frequency spectrum screens.

Demo Data: Loads pre-stored vibration readings from two demonstration sets (Demo 1 and Demo 2).

2.3.3 Advanced Settings

This menu provides access to further configuration options.

Advanced Settings Menu: Options include Back, BDU Settings, Units, and Device Settings.

2.3.3.1 BDU Settings

Allows adjustment of the alarm levels for BDU readings, which determine when the background color changes. Normal levels are Green.

Worn Bearing: Readings turn Amber.
Bad Bearing: Readings turn Red.

These threshold values can be set independently using the arrow buttons. The default thresholds are 50 BDU for "Worn Bearings" (Amber) and 100 BDU for "Bad Bearings" (Red). These defaults are indicative for medium-sized machines operating at 1000-3000 RPM. Higher run speeds may require increased thresholds, while lower speeds may require decreased thresholds.

2.3.3.2 Units

Allows selection of display units:

Velocity Readings: mm/s or in/s (inch/second).
Run Speed Units: Hertz (Hz), RPM, or CPM (Cycles Per Minute).

2.3.3.3 Device Settings

This menu has two pages. The second page is accessed using the right arrow button.

Device Settings Menu (Page 1): Options include Back, Auto Off Time, Brightness, and Languages.

Auto Off Time: Configurable from 1 minute to 60 minutes.
Brightness: Adjustable from 1 (least bright) to 100 (full brightness).
Languages: The operating language can be selected from available options.

A total of 14 languages are available, with 4 loaded per model. The displayed languages include English, Czech, Spanish, and German.

Device Settings Menu (Page 2): Options include Back and Graph Mode.

Graph Mode: The frequency spectrum can be displayed as either a Bar graph or a Line graph.

Graph Mode Examples: Two displays are shown: one with a bar graph representation of the spectrum, and another with a line graph representation. Both show peak heights, run speed (1450 RPM), and a vibration level (0.21 in/s).

3 Maintenance & Care

Clean the meter with a soft towel and lukewarm water. Do not use detergents or place it in a dishwasher or other cleaning device. Avoid submerging the meter in water above 122°F (50°C).

Exercise care when changing batteries. Ensure the gasket is properly seated upon reinstallation to maintain the IP67 rating.

Do not drop the instrument, as this may damage the probe tip, accelerometer, or OLED display. There are no user-serviceable parts inside the housing.

4 Specifications

Specification	Details
Size	7.9" x 2.4" x 1" (200 mm x 60mm x 26mm)
Weight	9.9oz. (280g) (not including magnet)
Environmental	IP67 Waterproof (Depth of 3.28' (1m) up to 30 minutes). Care must be taken when batteries are changed; ensure gasket is properly seated to maintain IP67 rating. Do not open the meter housing.
Operating Temperature	32°F to 122°F (0°C to 50°C)
Storage Temperature	-4°F to 158°F (-20°C to 70°C)
Power Supply	2 x AA batteries
Battery Life	Auto power OFF - typically 50 hours operating time (depending on brightness setting)
Frequency Range	2 Hz to 1 kHz (ISO) 1 kHz to 15 kHz (BDU)
Max Frequency Resolution	1.25 Hz @ 800 lines FFT setting
Displayed Vibration Amplitude Units	Acceleration in g Velocity in mm/s (or inch/s) Bearing noise in BDU (bearing damage units)
Displayed Frequency Units	Hertz (Hz), RPM or CPM
Input Range	+/- 50g
Dynamic Range	72 dB (0.05g resolution)
VA Diagnostic Bands (RPM = run speed)	Unbalance: 1x RPM Alignment: 2x RPM Looseness: 3x RPM
Reading Storage	10 blocks / 20 readings per block
Accessories	A9012 IEPE accelerometer with cable and A9073 magnet
Options	A9086 Protective boot with magnets

5 Revision History

ISSUE	PAGES	DATE	NOTES
1.0	16	March 2012	First Issue - JKA

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