Velocity vibration sensors

Vibration Velocity Sensors – Reliable Measurement of Vibration Velocity

Vibration velocity sensors are specialized devices used to measure the vibration velocity of machines and equipment. They are among the most important sensors in industrial condition monitoring, as vibration velocity is a highly meaningful indicator of machine health.

Compared to pure acceleration measurement, vibration velocity provides a more practical assessment of wear, imbalance, or mechanical damage—especially in rotating machinery. For this reason, it is commonly used in standards and guidelines (e.g., ISO 10816 / ISO 20816) for evaluating machine condition.

Vibration velocity sensors are widely used across industries, including mechanical engineering, power generation, process industries, as well as building and plant engineering.

How Vibration Velocity Sensors Work

Vibration velocity sensors detect the motion of an object and directly provide a signal proportional to the vibration velocity (mm/s).

Depending on the sensor type, the measurement is performed in different ways:

• Electrodynamic sensors measure velocity directly through the movement of a mass within a magnetic field
• Piezoelectric sensors measure acceleration and internally convert it into a velocity signal

The output signal can be provided as analog (e.g., mV or 4–20 mA) or digital, depending on the design, and can be easily integrated into monitoring or control systems.

By directly measuring vibration velocity, users obtain a standardized and easy-to-interpret parameter for assessing machine condition. 

Typical Applications

Vibration velocity sensors are used in a wide range of industrial applications:

• Monitoring of motors, pumps, and fans
• Machine and equipment monitoring
• Condition monitoring
• Power generation (e.g., turbines and generators)
• Building and HVAC systems
• Process industries
• Maintenance and service systems

Advantages of Vibration Velocity Sensors

• Direct measurement of a standardized parameter
  Vibration velocity is an established metric for evaluating machine condition.
• Easy interpretation of measurement data
  Ideal for maintenance personnel and condition monitoring applications.
• High relevance for rotating machinery
  Especially suitable for motors, pumps, and gearboxes.
• Reliable condition monitoring
  Early detection of imbalance, bearing faults, and mechanical issues.
• Flexible system integration
  Compatible with PLCs, control systems, and condition monitoring platforms.

How to Choose the Right Vibration Velocity Sensor

Selecting the right sensor depends on the specific application requirements and operating conditions:

• Measurement range (mm/s)
  The sensor should match the typical vibration levels of the application to ensure optimal resolution.
• Frequency range
  Depending on the machine and application, different frequency ranges must be covered—especially in the low to mid-frequency range.
• Sensor technology (electrodynamic or piezoelectric)
  Electrodynamic sensors are ideal for direct velocity measurement, while piezoelectric variants are often more compact and versatile.
• Output signal and integration
  Depending on system requirements, analog signals (e.g., 4–20 mA) or other output formats may be needed.
• Mounting and installation
  Proper mechanical mounting (e.g., screw mounting) is critical for accurate measurement results.
• Environmental conditions
  Temperature, humidity, dust, and mechanical stress must be considered.
• Standards and compliance
  Compliance with standards such as ISO 10816 or ISO 20816 is important for many applications.

The experts at Althen Sensors & Controls are happy to support you in selecting the right vibration velocity sensor for your application. Feel free to contact us!