VIBRATION AND AXIAL DISPLACEMENT MONITORING

INTRODUCTION It is normal for all machines, even in peak performance conditions, to vibrate and make noise. The level of vibration is dependent on the operating condition of a mechanical system: when vibration increases, deviating from an acceptable level, it is a sure indication that some component is deteriorating.Development of reliable vibration measurement instrumentation now gives us sufficient information for a detailed analysis of the state of health of any mechanical component. Analysis of vibration signals, combined with experience and familiarity with the machine are the keys to relatively accurate troubleshooting.

CM&

Us

RADIAL VIBRATION Two no-contact proximity probes are mounted offset 90, on the bearing cap. The proximity probe signals are sent to a control room monitor, which: displays the peak-peak value of the signal from each probe performs alarm and trip functions on each probe provides the power supply for field probes. A third probe, a Keyphasor probe, is installed just off the shaft. The Keyphasor acts as a phase reference, ie, it generates a pulse every time a notch made in the shaft passes under the probe.
CONTROL ROOM FIELD

SYSTEM MONITOR X

DUAL THRUST MONITOR

NO CONTACT PROBES

Y POWER SUPPLY DUAL VIBRATION MONITOR

ORBIT

Figure 1

ZENER BARRIER

LOCAL PROXIMITOR

GE Power Systems Oil & Gas

Nuovo Pignone

CM&Us

TU/GA15-9/2002

GAS GAS TURBINES TURBINES

BENEFITS Although machinery protection alone is sufficient reason for equipping critical machine parts with supervisory instrumentation systems, monitoring systems can be of advantage for other reasons. They are essential for diagnostic and predictive maintenance, which is a growing industry trend and replacing preventive maintenance wherever possible as preventive maintenance generally has a high economic penalty which is not always justified in technical terms. A predictive instead of a preventive approach means operating on a machine or component just when needed, and no service as long as the system is running reliably. Early identification of machinery problems therefore offers a number of benefits, including: 1) shutdowns can be timed; 2) replacement parts can be prepared in advance, saving time; 3) elimination of defects causing vibration significantly reduces noise.

VIBRATION AND AXIAL DISPLACEMENT MONITORING

By correlating the signals from the two proximity probes and the keyphasor, an elliptical wave shape is displayed (for instance on a 2-channel oscilloscope) representing the shaft orbit. By simply observing deviations from the ideal orbit pattern, it is possible to identify any defects or irregularities. Every defect generates a characteristic vibration mode and is represented in the form of a particular vibration frequency. Analysis of vibration frequencies identifies many types of problems including, for example, unbalance of rotating parts and reduction of the oil film which lubricates journal bearings. Fig. 1 shows the string of instruments from field to control room. AXIAL DISPLACEMENT No-contact probes are also used to measure rotor axial displacement The installation comprises two probes which guarantee redundancy. The average values of the signals from the probes can be displayed on a dedicated monitor integrated in the previously described radial vibration monitoring system. Fig.2 shows a mechanical drawing of a bearing equipped with radial and axial vibration probes and a keyphasor. INSTALLATION AND MACHINE MODIFICATIONS Fig. 3 shows the arrangement for probes on single and two-shaft machines. The bearing cap and outer casing have to be drilled to install the probes. In addition, the area of the shaft exposed to the probe must be burnished. All modifications can be done on site with modification drawings supplied by Nuovo Pignone. SCOPE OF SUPPLY For single-shaft turbines: 2 axial displacement probes on the thrust bearing; 2 radial vibration probes for bearing n 1; 2 radial vibration probes for bearing n 3; 1 keyphasor, extension cables and K proximitors for all probes; V local junction box for A installing proximitors; cable sheathing up to the H junction box; bearing 1 control room monitor to suit the number of probes; Zener barriers for each probe K (if necessary); V mechanical modification drawings for installing the probes and wiring diagram.
H bearing 3 bearing 1 bearing 2

For two-shaft turbines: 4 axial displacement probes on the thrust bearings (2 per bearing); 2 radial vibration probes for bearing n 1; 2 radial vibration probes for bearing n 4; 1 keyphasor for bearing n1; 1 keyphasor for bearing n4; extension cables and proximitors for all probes; local junction box for proximitors; cable sheathing up to the junction box; control room monitor to suit the number of probes; Zener barriers for each probe (if necessary); probe installation modification drawings and wiring diagram. Interconnecting cables between the local junction box, barrier and monitors can be supplied on request.
AXIAL DISPLACEMENT PROBE AXIAL DISPLACEMENT PROBE

KEYPHASOR

RADIAL VIBRATION PROBE

A
RADIAL VIBRATION PROBE

A
AXIAL DISPLACEMENT PROBE

RADIAL VIBRATION PROBE

KEYPHASOR

C TURBINE
COMK/MARK 693/I I- Studio Tre Fasi - 9-2002 2002 Nuovo Pignone S.p.A. all rights reserved

Figure 2

SECTION A-A

SINGLE-SHAFT TURBINES

PGT5/1 MS5001 MS6001 MS7001 MS9001 V H A K

vertical probe horizontal probe axial displacement probe keyphasor

H bearing 2
(only for MS7001 and MS9001)

bearing 3

K V A

TWO-SHAFT TURBINES PGT5/2 PGT10 PGT25 MS5002 MS3002 V H A K

vertical probe horizontal probe axial displacement probe keyphasor

H bearing 4

Figure 3
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