Vibration Diagnostics
Vibration Diagnostics
Arslan Hamid (AHm) Arslan Hamid (AHm) MTS Machinery MTS Machinery 19 October 2011 19 October 2011
W
W
ha
hatt
does
does
MTS
MTS
do??
do??
W
W
ha
hatt
does
does
MTS
MTS
do??
do??
What is VibrationWhat is Vibration
Vibration CharacteristicsVibration Characteristics
VVibration Instruibration Instrumentsments
Vibration MeasurementVibration Measurement
VVibration Analysis Sibration Analysis Stepsteps
ImbalanceImbalance MisalignmentMisalignment LoosenessLooseness
Antifriction BearingsAntifriction Bearings
Gear ProblemsGear Problems
Electrical DefectsElectrical Defects
Fluid VibrationsFluid Vibrations
Case StudiesCase Studies
AGENDA
AGENDA
V
Vibration is the response of ibration is the response of a system to aa system to an internal or externaln internal or external stimulus causing it to oscillate or pulsate.
V
Vibration has three ibration has three measurable characteristicsmeasurable characteristics
AmplitudeAmplitude FrequencyFrequency PhasePhase AMPLITUDE AMPLITUDE
Amplitude tells us the magnitude of vibration. Amplitude tells us the magnitude of vibration. Amplitude can be measured in d
Amplitude can be measured in displacement (mils or isplacement (mils or µmµm),), velocityvelocity
(in/sec or mm/sec
(in/sec or mm/sec)) or acceleration (gor acceleration (g)).. F
Frreeqquueennccy y lleesss s tthhaan n 66000 0 CCPPMM == UUsse e DDiissppllaacceemmeenntt Frequency is 600 to 120
Frequency is 600 to 120,,00000 0 CCPPMM == UUsse e VVeelloocciittyy Frequency over 120
Plant-I
Displacement (proximity probes) is measured in mils or thou (= thousandth of inch)
Velocity (seismic probes) is measured in in/sec
Acceleration (accelerometers) is measured in g¶s or in/sec^2 Plant-II
Displacement is measured in µm or micron (= millionth of meter ) Velocity is measured in mm/sec
Acceleration is measured in g¶s
The average thickness of a human hair is about 5 mils, which is the same as TRIP set point of all radial probes installed at K-2502 Syn Compressor!!
FR EQUENCY
Frequency tells us how many times the machine is moving/vibrating per unit of time.
Frequency is the indicator of the vibration stimulating problem. Units are CPM or RPM.
PHASE
Phase angle tells us in which direction a specific section of the machine is vibrating relative to some point. Phase is the angular measurement between a reference point and the vibration peak in a time waveform.
Phase angle is used to distinguish between several problems as indicated by the frequency.
Vibration data collection can be collected using:
Mounted instruments / probes
Proximity Probes
Seismic Probes
Portable instruments
Overall vibration meters (Vibrapen)
Overall Vibration Meters (e.g vibrapen)
These are used for surveillance purpose only. These cannot be used for analyzing or
identifying problems.
Vibration Analyzers (e.g CSI 2130)
These are used for analyzing and identifying problems that cause vibration issues
Seismic Sensors
The seismic or velocity probe/transducer will measure total vibration at whatever point it is attached to
-usually the bearing housing of a running machine. Proximity Sensors
The proximity probe measures actual shaft movement, usually within its bearing housing, onto or through
Actual Bearing Movement: Elliptical A Transducer Mounted Vertically "Sees" Only Vertical Movement A Transducer Mounted Horizontally "Sees" Only Horizontal Movement Data Collection
Vibration Analyzers can be used to collect vibration data in the following manner
Vibration Time Waveform
Vibration Spectrum
Vibration Phase Angle
Each of the above methods of vibration data helps in a unique way to pinpoint the vibration stimulating problem.
Time Wave Form (amplitude vs. time)
Time wave form gives the amplitude and direction of vibrating motion of a specific part of the machine in time domain.
This is usually over a small period of time. The same for a longer duration is called trend.
Vibration Spectrum (amplitude vs. frequency)
Vibration spectrum is a calculated graph plotted through Fast Fourier Transformation of a Time Wave Form. This vibration graph shows the amplitude of vibration in frequency domain.
Synchronous Frequencies are those that are intergral multiples of shaft speed (1X). Imbalance, Misalignment, Looseness, Vane pass freq, etc are examples of Synchronous Frequencies
Non Synchronous Frequencies are those that are not integral
multiples of the shaft speed. Bearing Defects except for Fundamental Train Freq. FTF, Cavitation and Resonance are examples of
Nonsynchronous frequencies.
Sub Synchronous Frequencies are those that are below shaft speed. Cage frequency of roller element bearings, oil whirl are examples of Subsynchronous frequencies.
Vibration problems can be diagnosed in relation to the frequencies being synchronous, sub synchronous or non synchronous.
This was all about Vibration Basics.
Let¶s now proceed towards How to Analyze a Vibration Signature and How to Diagnose a Problem through Vibration Spectrum«
Machine configuration. Identify all major components and sketch on a paper , like motor , pump, gearbox, etc.
Determine as many as possible forcing frequencies before taking vibration data
Shaft speeds in the machine train
Bearing fault frequencies
Belt frequencies
Gear Mesh Frequencies
Blade pass frequencies
Before analyzing a vibration problem, the following should be known to the analyst. Without this data, Vibration Analysis is like groping in the darkness.
Now collect the vibration data and analyze it for possible problems. Route Waveform 09-May-11 08:59:33 PK = 1.73 PK(+/-) = 3.87/2.90 CRESTF= 3.16 0 1 2 3 4 5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Revolution Number V e l o c i t y i n m m / S e c
10 - Ammonia Solution Pump 10-MP-07 B-MIA Motor Inboard Axial
Route Spectrum 09-May-11 08:59:33 OVERALL= 1.90 V-DG PK = 1.89 LOAD = 100.0 RPM = 3000. (50.00 Hz) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 0 0.4 0.8 1.2 1.6 Frequency in Orders P K V e l o c i t y i n m m / S e c 1 0 . 0 1 2 9 . 7 3 3 3 . 7 3 Ordr: Freq: Spec: 33.72 1686.2 1.184
Since we don¶t live in an ideal world, almost always there is one problem or the other which is brewing up in the machine.
It is not possible to attend the machine on the onset of slightest of
problems diagnosed by vibration analysis as it results in machine down time, man hours and spares cost.
As a rule of thumb, allowable limit of Overall Vibration in the Spectrum
of Centrifugal machines is 0.3 in/sec for machines at Plant-I, and 7.6 mm/sec for machines at Plant-II.
What is Imbalance
Imbalance is the result of a shaft¶s center of mass not rotating at the center of rotation. This is because of a heavy spot on the rotor. This
heavy spot produces a centrifugal force that forces the rotor to rotate off-center and causes a high vibration amplitude at 1 x Turning Speed (TS) Frequency in the spectrum and sinusoidal waveform in the time domain data.
Imbalance can be
Static Imbalance
Static Imbalance
Freq Domain : 1 x TS
Time Domain : Sinusoidal
Phase Difference : 0 Deg H to H or V to V across the rotor 90 Deg H to V on same bearing
Couple Imbalance
Freq Domain : 1 x TS
Time Domain : Sinusoidal
Phase Difference : 180 Deg H to H or V to V across the rotor 90 Deg H to V on same bearing
High level radial vibration:
Steady 1X component ± waveform and frequency Amplitude at 1X increases steadily with speed Low level at 2X, 3X, etc.
Low level axial vibration.
Notes:
Strong 2X, 3X, « indicate misalignment, looseness, bent shaft, or
cocked bearings which must be corrected before checking for imbalance.
If 1X µbeats¶, check for broken rotor bars or cocked bearings in motors.
If small change in speed causes drastic changes in 1X component, Resonance is suspected.
On horizontally mounted machine, check H, V and A vibration. If V is
higher , suspect base looseness. If A is higher , suspect misalignment. Correct these problems before balancing the machine.
What is Misalignment
Misalignment occurs because of poor alignment between mating pieces such as coupling halves, bearings, shafts and pulleys.
Misalignment Characteristics
Misalignment results in high axial and radial vibrations. The highest radial vibration usually occurs in the direction of the misalignment.
The axial vibrations can be as much as 0.5 to 2 times the amplitude of the radial readings.
The radial readings can appear at 1X, 2X, 3X and even higher multiples of shaft turning speed. However in certain cases, the predominant vibration occurs at 1X TS and can be confused with
unbalance. In such cases, phase data is used to distinguish between unbalance and misalignment.
Misalignment
Freq Domain : High1x, 2x, 3x. Low 4x-10x harmonics (if high, suspect looseness).
Time Domain : Repeatable periodic time waveform with 1, 2, 3, or 4 clear peaks per revolution. No high µg¶ impulses. Phase Difference : 180 Deg in radial or axial direction across the
coupling
Other High axial vibration, excessive bearing
Types of Misalignment
Misalignment can be
Angular Misalignment
Parallel / Offset Misalignment
Angular Misalignment
Freq Domain : 1x TS in axial (high) and radial direction Time Domain : Sinusoidal with one or two clear cycles per
revolution
Phase Difference : 180o in radial, vertical or axial direction across
the bearings of the same machine
Other : 2x TS in radial direction if Offset Misalignment is
Parallel Misalignment
Freq Domain : Dominant peak in 2x TS in radial direction Time Domain : Sinusoidal with one or two clear cycles per
revolution
Phase Difference : 180o in horizontal or vertical direction across
the coupling.
O
ther Types of Misalignment
Misalignment can also be :
Coupling Misalignment
Bearing Misalignment / Cocked Bearing
Coupling Misalignment
Coupling misalignment occurs when coupling is worn or the coupling is not installed properly.
The characteristics of a misaligned coupling are a combination of Angular and Parallel misalignment. Rubber dust due to rubbing
B
earing Misalignment
Bearing misalignment occurs when the bearings are not installed in the same plane, they are cocked relative to the shaft or if the machine
distorts due to thermal growth or soft foot.
Freq. Domain : Normally highest peak at 1x A. Harmonics at 2x, 3x or number of balls x TS in the axial direction Time Domain : Waveform often shows truncated or flattened
pattern indicating a rub. It may also appear periodic or sinusoidal with low amplitude.
Phase Difference: 180o phase difference in axial direction from top
B
ent Shaft
Freq. Domain : Dominant peak at 1x TS in radial and axial direction if the shaft is bent near the center.
Dominant peak at 2x TS if the shaft is bent near the coupling.
Time Domain : The waveform is a mixture of misalignment and imbalance
Phase Difference: 180o in axial direction across the bent shaft. 90o or
270o from horizontal to vertical direction on a
bearing. 180o from top to bottom or side to side in
What is Looseness
Mechanical looseness occurs when structural or rolling element components do not fit properly.
Freq. Domain: A large number of TS harmonics characterizes looseness in the spectrum. In some cases and stages looseness
exhibits subharmonics of 1/2 x TS. The highest amplitude typically appears radially in the vertical direction.
Time Domain: Waveform shows a great deal of energy and impacting in a random, high frequency pattern.
Phase: The phase has no set relationship and is unsteady.
Base looseness of horizontal machines will often appear as high 1X level in V; greater than H component.
Loose Machine
Foot
Foot looseness may emerge due to weakness in the base plate or
foundation, deterioration of the grouting, loose hold-down bolts, or a cracked or broken foot.
Freq. Domain: Dominant frequency is at 1xTS radially. Time Domain: Waveform is periodic.
Phase: 180o phase diff. between machine foot vertically and
Loose Machine Foot
To help determine a soft foot issue, loosen each foot one at a time, always keeping the others tight, and then retighten while the
spectrum is still measuring. Any notable reduction in the one-times (1x) energy during the loosening process can be a strong indication of the relief of machine frame distortion.
Before the loosening sequen ce: All four feet are tight ened; the 1X
amplitude is 0.127 inches/second. Radial measurements were taken in the vertical direction.
After the loosening sequence:One of the four feet was loose; the 1X
amplitude is now 0.048 inches/second.
1X
Antifriction bearing faults can be identified by bearing defect frequencies in a spectrum. Following are the bearing defect frequencies:
FTF = Fundamental Train Frequency or Cage Frequency
BSF = Ball Spin Frequency
BPFO = Ball Pass Frequency Outer race
BPFI = Ball Pass Frequency inner race
These frequencies are specific for each bearing type. Although complex formulae are available for calculation of these frequencies for each
bearing, yet it is convenient to use bearing software that are designed for the specific purpose of bearing defect frequency determination.
These bearing defect frequencies only appear in a spectrum if there is a fault in the bearing.
Following is an example of these bearing frequencies Bearing : 6214 (P-2504 O/B bearing)
Pump RPM = 3570
# of Balls = 10
BPFO = 14655 BPFI = 21045
BSF = 9653 FTF = 1465
Gear problems are usually a bit tricky to identify. Before analyzing a signature for gear problems, the Gear Mesh Frequency (GMF) of the gear should be known
GMF = (# Gear teeth) x (RPM of the same gear )
GMF Side Bands
It should be noted that the gear mesh frequency will always be present in the spectrum whether or not there is a problem with gears. Gear
problems are detected with the help of side bands of the GMF GMF Sidebands = GMF TS
The appearance of the sidebands of the GMF in the spectrum indicate that a problem exists with the gear. As the amplitude of these side bands increases, it means that the gear problem is worsening.
B
roken Tooth
The problem of a broken tooth cannot be detected by the spectrum alone. The time waveform needs to be looked at for this. If one tooth is broken then a pulse will be generated once per revolution of the gear with the broken tooth.
AC Induction Motor Defects
Usually in order to find out if the vibration problem is because of motor or because of the driven machine, the motor is discoupled from the
driven equipment and the vibration is checked. However , it should be kept in mind that electrical defects disappear from vibration spectrum if the motor is operated in discoupled state. In discoupled state, only the mechanical defects of the motor can be picked up in the vibration
Vane Pass
Frequency
Usually people think of Vane Pass as the pump¶s primary vibration frequency. Vane pass is not always a defect
frequency but is an operational frequency. It is normal to see this frequency in pump vibration data.
Vane pass frequency = (shaft speed) x (no. of blades or vanes)
Similar to GMF
A problem with impeller¶s vane appears as high vane-pass frequency harmonics with sidebands ± radial or axial.
Blade damage may cause imbalance.
Impeller looseness may look like mechanical looseness.
Ca
vitation
Vibration due to Cavitation is typically seen as harmonics of turning speed upto the impeller vane pass frequency. Higher frequency broad band noise can also be found. This broad band vibration is usually present above the impeller blade pass frequency.
µRaised floor¶ is an indication of cavitation.
If there is a raised noise floor - look in the time waveform. The waveform will show you the impacts, rubs, bursts of energy from
cavitation, and so on. Cavitation is a common problem during startups. It can be rectified by increasing the fluid head (pressure) at suction.
P.T.O
Cavitation is the formation and then immediate implosion of cavities in a liquid i.e.small
liquid-free zones ("bubbles") that are the consequence of forces acting upon the liquid. It
usually occurs when a liquid is subjected to rapid changes of pressure that cause the formation of cavities where the pressure is relatively low.
Here is an interesting example. The first spectrum is 800 lines. Notice the broad bases of the peaks. Could it be resonance? The next spectrum is 3200 lines - you can see there is more to
it. And the third spectrum is zoomed in to the base of the peaks.
P-08 B (Urea Melt Pumps @ Plant-II)
P-08 B (Urea Melt Pumps @ Plant-II)
P-08 B (Urea Melt Pumps @ Plant-II)
Bearing damage was diagnosed.After opening the pump, the following was observed:
Thrust bearings are badly worn, wear marks can be easily seen on the balls. Outer race had become very loose.
As a result, mechanical seal stationary face was found with considerable
MP-43 A (Seal Water Flush Pump of P-01 @ Plant-II)
Initial data showed high 2X with presence of other harmonics.Misalignment was
suspected.
10 - Seal flush water pump 43A 10-MP-43 A-MIH Motor Inboard Horizontal
Trend Display Overall Value 0 80 160 240 320 400 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Days: 25-Sep-10 To 15-Sep-11
P K m m / S e c Route Waveform 15-Sep-11 11:03:48 P-P = 1.42 PK(+/-) = 1.21/1.12 CRESTF= 2.41 0 20 40 60 80 100 -1.5 -0.9 -0.3 0.3 0.9 1.5 Time in mSecs A c c i n G - s Route Spectrum 15-Sep-11 11:03:48 OVERALL= 9.11 V-DG PK = 9.05 LOAD = 100.0 RPM = 2999. (49.99 Hz) 0 3 6 9 12 0 3 6 9 12 Frequency in Orders P K m m / S e c 1 . 0 0 2 . 0 0 4 . 1 0 4 . 8 5 6 . 8 4
MP-43 A (Seal Water Flush Pump of P-01 @ Plant-II)
After uncoupling the motor and pump, motor solo run data was taken which still showed high vibrations. Additionally, phase difference on axial side on either
motor bearings was 180 degrees.This indicated cocked bearings problem. Problem in pump was thus ruled out.
After the motor bearings were attended at I&E workshop, the motor resulted in
minimal vibrations.After coupling the motor back with the pump, data was again
MP-43 A (Seal Water Flush Pump of P-01 @ Plant-II)
POINT POINT CURRENT PREVIOUS ID DESCRIPTION VALUE VALUE UNITS --- --- --- --- ---10-MP-43 A - Seal flush water pump 43A(17-Sep-11)
MOH=Motor Outboard Horizontal 1.684 6.952 mm/Sec MOV=Motor Outboard Vertical .682 1.239 mm/Sec MOA=Motor Outboard Axial .248 1.442 mm/Sec MIH=Motor Inboard Horizontal 2.252 9.106 mm/Sec MIV=Motor Inboard Vertical .683 .727 mm/Sec MIA=Motor Inboard Axial .772 1.982 mm/Sec
MP-2504 (Catacarb Lean Pump @ Plant-I)
On 4 October 2011, Ops asked MTS to check the subject pump due to abnormal sound.
Vibration spectrum collected by MTS showed that both bearings of the pump had undergone damage and VPF sidebands were also present. Motor was in healthy
condition.
POINT POINT CURRENT REF
ID DESCRIPTION VALUE VALUE UNITS
-- -- - -- - - - ---MP-2504 - Catacarb LeanPump
6/10/11 5/10/11
PIH=PumpInboard Horizontal .125 .380In/Sec PIV=PumpInboard Vertical .093 .432In/Sec PIA=PumpInboard Axial .091 .181In/Sec POH=Pump Outboard Horizontal .115 .220In/Sec POV=Pump Outboard Vertical .083 .294In/Sec POA=Pump Outboard Axial .099 .243In/Sec
Based on MTS recommendation, FM overhauled the pump and replaced its bearings.Data
collected later on 6 October showed that the problem was resolved.
MP-2504 (Catacarb Lean Pump @ Plant-I)
Vibration data collection methods that we have discussed so far are used for time based condition monitoring of the machines.
However, for business or safety critical machines, online vibration monitoring system is used to avert undesirable situations.
E.g; BN3300 system is used for KGT-2501 online monitoring. BN3500 system is used for K-441 and other
turbomachinery atPlant-II.
Advanced diagnostics tools such as ADRE are connected
to obtain and analyse real time data of such machines for effective problem
Root cause analysis and acceptance testing to improve reliability
Some vibration analysts believe that their sole job is to detect and report fault
conditions. But that is not true. Locked inside your vibration data (and other condition
monitoring data) may be the reasonwhy the fault occurred in the first place. It is great if
you can report that a bearing may fail, but even better if you can say what caused the bearing to develop the fault (or why the machine is misaligned, out of balance, and so on).
You can report the fault and wait for the fault to develop again, or you can do your best to
ensure that it does not happen again. Precision balancing and alignment, correct
lubrication, acceptance testing (to ensure that machines are in good health when they are put into service) and other practices combine to improve the reliability of the
equipment. Vibration analysis and the other condition monitoring technologies are still
essential, but improved maintenance, purchasing and repair practices will ensure that machine life will approach the design life.