ADASH A3716 16-Channel Online Vibration Monitoring System

Overview

The ADASH A3716 is an online monitoring system that watches critical rotating machinery 24 hours a day. Each unit contains 16 AC channels for vibration sensors, 16 DC channels for process values such as temperature or pressure and four tacho inputs, and all channels are measured fully simultaneously. The ADASH A3716 can operate as an independent condition monitoring system or as an extension of an existing machine protection system, adding detailed diagnostic data that protection racks do not normally store.

Seven Star LLC supplies the ADASH A3716 to oil and gas operators, power producers, water utilities and process industries across the Sultanate of Oman and the GCC, with engineering support in Muscat. Our engineers help define channel lists, sensor types and network architecture so that the system fits the plant control room and IT rules from the start.

Operating Principle

Traditional online systems take readings at fixed time intervals, which can miss short events between samples. The ADASH A3716 uses an adaptive data acquisition algorithm: the unit reads vibration continuously and decides when to store a reading in the database based on how the signals change. Stable machines generate little data, while changes in condition or operating state are captured in detail. This approach minimises the demands on data transfer and storage while still preserving the information engineers need for diagnosis.

Signals are digitized with 24-bit converters and processed in 64-bit double floating point, with no auto-gain, giving a 120 dB dynamic range. The frequency range reaches 25.6 kHz with 16 channels sampled at 65.5 kHz, and FFT resolution runs from 100 to 25,600 lines. The ADASH A3716 computes overall values, time signals, real-time FFT, DEMOD envelope analysis, ACMT low-speed bearing analysis, order analysis, user band values, RPM, DC and orbit measurements, and a built-in signal recorder stores raw data for later analysis.

Engineering Design of the ADASH A3716

The ADASH A3716 is packed in a standard 19-inch aluminium rack enclosure so it fits into existing cabinets. A 2U version and a 3U version are offered; the 3U front panel adds 16 BNC buffered sensor outputs, while the 3U model also provides 16 programmable relay outputs and 16 programmable 4–20 mA outputs for alarms and DCS integration. The 2U unit measures 430 x 360 x 90 mm and weighs 4.7 kg. Inside, an Intel Core2 2.5 GHz processor, 4 GB RAM and a 128 GB SSD handle acquisition and buffering.

AC inputs have a 100 kΩ impedance, switchable ICP supply, single or double integration and selectable high-pass and low-pass filters. DC inputs accept ±24 V signals, and a special version with 4–20 mA inputs can be ordered at production. The four tacho inputs cover 0.8 Hz to 1000 Hz. Communication is over 1 Gb Ethernet (RJ45), and several ADASH A3716 modules can be combined to build systems with more channels. Power supply is 110–240 V AC, 45–65 Hz.

Key Features

The ADASH A3716 brings these engineering advantages to an online monitoring project:

• Sixteen AC vibration channels, sixteen DC process channels and four tacho inputs in one unit, all sampled simultaneously.
• Adaptive data acquisition that reads continuously and stores data intelligently instead of at fixed intervals.
• Frequency range up to 25.6 kHz and FFT resolution up to 25,600 lines for bearing and gear diagnostics.
• Envelope, ACMT, order, orbit and centerline analysis for both rolling element and sleeve bearing machines.
• Raw signal recorder for post-analysis of transient events.
• 3U version with 16 buffered BNC outputs, 16 programmable relays and 16 programmable 4–20 mA outputs.
• Standard 19-inch rack housing in 2U or 3U height for installation in existing cabinets.
• Simple set-up in ADASH DDS software without complex server installation.

Industrial Applications

Gas compression stations, refinery pump houses, power plant turbine and boiler feed pump trains and large desalination high-pressure pumps are typical installations for this system in Oman and the GCC. Many of these machines already have API 670 protection racks; the ADASH A3716 can take buffered signals from systems such as the Bently Nevada 3500/42M Proximitor Seismic Monitor and add continuous spectra, waveforms and trends without interfering with the trip function. Relay and current outputs on the 3U version also allow it to serve as a standalone alarm system on balance-of-plant machines that have no protection rack.

Because data is stored on a central computer and is accessible from several workstations, a single reliability engineer in Muscat can review machines at remote sites in Duqm, Sohar or interior oil fields. Portable instruments such as the ADASH A4400 VA4 Pro II vibration analyzer remain useful for route work on less critical equipment, and both share the same DDS database. Seven Star LLC supports ADASH A3716 projects from channel planning and sensor selection, including accelerometers such as the PCB Piezotronics 356A01 tri-axial accelerometer, through to commissioning advice.

Technical Specifications

The ADASH A3716 specification, taken from the ADASH data sheet:

How to Order

To receive a formal quotation for the ADASH A3716, send us the list of machines, measurement points, sensor types and the preferred 2U or 3U version. Seven Star LLC provides engineering support in Muscat for projects in Oman and across the GCC. Download the technical data sheet from this page or contact our instrumentation division to plan your online monitoring architecture.