Overview
ISO 13373-3:2015 - Condition monitoring and diagnostics of machines - Vibration condition monitoring - Part 3: Guidelines for vibration diagnosis - provides practical, structured guidance for vibration diagnostics of rotating machines. Intended for vibration practitioners, engineers and technicians, the standard describes a methodical approach to fault diagnosis using flowcharts, process tables and fault tables, and includes examples of common faults across many machine types. It complements other parts of ISO 13373 that cover measurement procedures and signal processing.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Structured diagnostic approach: Use of flowcharts, process tables and fault tables (Annex A) to guide step‑by‑step vibration diagnosis and decision-making.
- Measurement fundamentals: Guidance on selecting appropriate transducers and measurement types:
- Vibration on stationary structure (accelerometers, velocity transducers)
- Relative rotor-to-housing motion (proximity probes)
- Absolute rotating element motion (shaft riders or combined methods)
- Operational parameter capture: Correlate vibration data with speed, load, pressure, temperature and other operating parameters to improve diagnosis.
- Analysis and testing techniques:
- Trend analysis for condition tracking
- Phase analysis to distinguish unbalance, misalignment, resonance and rubs
- Resonance testing (impact/shaker tests, run-up/coast-down)
- Operational deflection shape (ODS) measurement
- Long-time waveform capture for intermittent events
- Additional diagnostic guidance: Annexes provide examples for installation faults (Annex B), radial hydrodynamic fluid-film bearings (Annex C) and rolling element bearings (Annex D).
- Safety and collaboration: Emphasises consultation with operators or manufacturers when tests require changing operating conditions or when multiple root causes are possible.
Practical applications and users
ISO 13373-3:2015 is practical for:
- Reliability engineers and condition monitoring specialists performing root‑cause vibration diagnostics
- Maintenance technicians conducting on‑site troubleshooting and acceptance testing
- Asset managers establishing baseline vibration signatures and trending programs
- Contract vibration analysts who need a standardized diagnostic workflow
Typical applications include diagnosing unbalance, misalignment, bearing faults, resonance issues, installation errors and intermittent events on rotating machinery in industries such as power generation, petrochemical, manufacturing and mining.
Related standards
Keywords: ISO 13373-3:2015, vibration diagnosis, vibration condition monitoring, rotating machines, condition monitoring, fault diagnosis, phase analysis, resonance test, operational deflection shape, trend analysis.
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