Vibration in Pumps PDF
Vibration in Pumps PDF
Vibration in Pumps PDF
VIBRATION IN PUMPS
by Steve Wilson
WHITE PAPER
systems). Lock out, or accelerate through cally issues identified as motor rotor imbalance
the critical speed to prevent the machine from (by disconnecting the motor and running it by
operating there. itself) are, in fact, either bent shaft or bearing
Severe cavitation - When cavitation is severe failure issues, and are discussed elsewhere in
enough (whether NPSH caused or entrained air this paper. Imbalance of motor rotating parts
caused) the energy of the implosion may cause will virtually always be apparent upon (or
the entire unit to vibrate excessively. Of course, soon after) startup. The motor manufacturer
as the cavitation continues, the material of the should be consulted if warranty is required, or
impeller will erode and vibration will worsen. a reputable motor service shop, such as one
Proper selection of pumps will avoid this, but that is associated with the Electrical Apparatus
of course it may occur as a system ages and Service Organization (EASA).
piping changes. NPSH will need to be increased (http://www.easa.com)
or entrained air evacuated in existing systems. Soft foot - This vibration causing issue, a rela-
Corrosion and erosion - While these issues may tively frequent one, results when the mounting
easily be deemed internal issues, they really feet (typically on the motor, but also on pumps
have their roots in improper selection of without a one-piece foot) are not in the same
material for the pumpage. Damage from corro- plane. As the foot is tightened down, the frame
sion or erosion may damage impellers or rings, twists, and vibration results. This also can, and
leading to a machine which vibrates beyond does, occur on cast motors, and may be dif-
acceptable limits. Correcting the problem may ficult to initially identify, since the resonance
require analysis of the pumpage. Even in the is transmitted throughout the machine, and
case of severe erosion from sand and grit, steps often the piping. Soft foot usually shows up
may be taken to change materials to eliminate on startup, or after maintenance. Because of
the problem or extend the MTBF. its frequency, unless other vibration-causing
Imbalance of the impeller - Impellers should be issues can be easily identified, checking for soft
trimmed and dynamically balanced to the foot is recommended early on in the
proper diameter at the maximum operating troubleshooting procedure. One approach uses
speed in accordance with ISO standard 1940/1, dial indication to check mounting. Another
grade 6.3, which allows 0.0014 ounce inches frequently used approach, is simply to loosen
of unbalance per ounce of impeller weight at hold down bolting - one at a time - slightly and
1800 rpm (.0007 oz. in./oz. at 3600 rpm). Initial see if the vibration is reduced or eliminated. If
failure to balance the impeller to these stan- found and loosening was excessive, shimming
dards or failure to re-balance if an impeller is and re-alignment may correct it. If left loose,
trimmed on an existing pump may well cause the culprit bolt(s) should be clearly marked so
vibration outside of acceptable areas. This is that it is not inadvertently tightened in the
important on small machines as well as large, future.
since the standard has been established taking Coupling out of balance - This is not to be
into account the total mass of the machine and confused with misalignment, in rare cases cou-
the impellers impact on vibration. The only plings themselves can be out of balance. This
remedy is removal of the impeller and re-bal- virtually never appears at four-pole speeds and
ance. only very infrequently at two-pole speeds. It,
Imbalance of motor rotating element - This is a rightly, should be investigated when all other
rare manufacturing flaw. Motor balance causes of vibration have been eliminated.
testing requirements are established by NEMA While re-balancing a coupling is possible, com-
in standard MG-1, 2007, Section 1, part 7. Typi- plete replacement is often more cost effective.
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