Seismic Accelerometers Buying Guide
Choosing the right seismic accelerometer isn’t just a technical decision — it’s a critical investment in the safety, performance, and reliability of your entire monitoring system.
Seismic accelerometers are specialized sensors designed to detect ground motion, vibrations, and structural responses during seismic events or ongoing operational conditions. Whether you’re protecting critical infrastructure, monitoring industrial equipment, or building an early warning system, the accelerometer you choose must match your specific application.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the most common types of seismic accelerometers, where they’re used, and what features you need to evaluate when selecting a solution.
Types & Use Cases
Industrial Monitoring
Industrial facilities rely on seismic accelerometers to monitor vibrations across energy production and processing sites:
- Turbines & generators
- Substations & transformers
- Pipelines & offshore platforms
- Refining & chemical plants
These sensors help identify machinery imbalances, structural stress, or potential failures before catastrophic damage occurs. Long-term vibration trends guide predictive maintenance, extend equipment lifespan, and reduce costly unplanned shutdowns.
Structural Health Monitoring
In bridges, tunnels, dams, and high-rise buildings, seismic accelerometers play a vital role in detecting:
- Stress from traffic loads
- Wind-induced sway
- Foundation settlement
- Micro-seismic shifts
By capturing real-time data on how structures respond to daily stresses and rare seismic events, engineers can spot early warning signs of degradation and address issues before they escalate.
Seismic Early Warning
Strong-motion accelerometers are the core of early warning systems like ShakeAlarm™.
Placed close to active fault lines, these sensors detect P-wave motion within milliseconds of an earthquake’s initial energy release. Their rapid analysis enables:
- Automatic alerts before destructive S-waves arrive
- Emergency shutdowns of gas lines, elevators, and utilities
- Early public notifications that save lives
Features to Look For
Sensitivity & Frequency Range
Low-level microseismic monitoring may require highly sensitive instruments, while strong-motion systems tolerate and measure higher amplitude shaking. Frequency range must match the expected vibration spectrum of the application.
Example: SSA-ERLP accelerometers are designed specifically for robust seismic detection across a wide range of events.
Durability & Environmental Conditions
Many accelerometers operate in harsh conditions:
- Extreme heat or cold
- High humidity or saltwater environments
- Remote or offshore locations
Look for sensors with protective housings, corrosion resistance, and broad operating temperature ranges.
Mounting & Installation
Permanent structural installations may require embedded or anchored sensors. Temporary monitoring projects may prefer portable, surface-mounted units. Mounting stability directly affects data accuracy.
Data Integration & Output Formats
Accelerometers must be compatible with your broader monitoring systems. Integration with platforms like Weir-Jones’ ADIS allows centralized real-time data collection and analysis.
Output formats include:
- Analog voltage signals
- Digital (MEMS or fiber-optic) formats
- Wireless telemetry in certain applications
Standards & Certifications
Quality accelerometers should meet or exceed relevant standards:
- ISO and IEEE specifications
- Building code compliance (especially for seismic zones)
- Testing and calibration documentation
Why Consultation Matters
No two sites are exactly alike. Soil conditions, equipment layout, structural materials, and seismic risks all influence what type of seismic accelerometer will perform best.
That’s why it’s essential to work with experienced engineers who understand both the technical specifications and real-world deployment challenges.
At Weir-Jones, we offer:
- A full suite of seismic monitoring products
- Customized sensor selection based on your exact needs
- Integration with real-time platforms like ADIS and ShakeAlarm™
- Long-term system support and maintenance
