01
Understand the quantity
Velocity expresses rate of motion and is commonly reported in mm/s RMS. The value depends on the measurement band and processing method.
- State RMS or peak explicitly
- State the frequency band
- Use consistent filters for trend
- Preserve the original acceleration signal
02
Integrate acceleration carefully
Velocity can be calculated from acceleration, but integration amplifies low-frequency offset and noise unless appropriate high-pass filtering is applied.
- Remove sensor and DC offset
- Apply documented high-pass filtering
- Avoid interpreting integration drift
- Verify units and scaling
03
Use velocity for trend and severity
Overall velocity is useful for broad mechanical condition and comparison against a baseline or applicable machine class.
- Track the same point and direction
- Record speed and load
- Use warning and danger persistence
- Compare with baseline behaviour
04
Use spectrum for diagnosis
The same overall value can be produced by different frequency patterns. FFT, waveform and machine speed are needed to distinguish likely causes.
- Running speed and harmonics
- Sidebands and modulation
- Bearing and gear frequencies
- Structural resonance
05
Keep measurement context
A trend is meaningful only when the sensor position, mounting, frequency band and operating condition remain comparable.
- Point and direction
- Mounting method
- Speed and load
- Filter and sample settings