VIBRATION AND AXIAL

DISPLACEMENT MONITORING

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.
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:

Us

GAS
GAS TURBINES
TURBINES

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&

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.
FIELD

CONTROL ROOM

SYSTEM
MONITOR

DUAL THRUST
MONITOR

NO CONTACT
PROBES

Y
POWER
SUPPLY

DUAL VIBRATION
MONITOR

ORBIT

ZENER
BARRIER

Figure 1

GE Power Systems
Oil & Gas
Nuovo Pignone

LOCAL
PROXIMITOR

CM&Us

TU/GA15-9/2002

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.

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.

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.

Interconnecting cables between the local junction box,

barrier and monitors can be supplied on request.

RADIAL
VIBRATION
PROBE

RADIAL
VIBRATION
PROBE

AXIAL
DISPLACEMENT
PROBE

Headquarters
via F. Matteucci, 2 - 50127 Florence (Italy)
Tel. +39/055 4238280 - Fax +39/055 4238308
E-mail: info.service@np.ge.com
www.ge.power.com

KEYPHASOR

Figure 2

SECTION A-A

SINGLE-SHAFT
TURBINES
PGT5/1
MS5001
MS6001
MS7001
MS9001

H
bearing 2

V
H
A
K

bearing 3

(only for MS7001

and MS9001)

vertical probe
horizontal probe
axial displacement probe
keyphasor

TWO-SHAFT
TURBINES

V
A

PGT5/2
PGT10
PGT25
MS5002
MS3002

bearing 4

H
bearing 2

V
H
A
K

vertical probe
horizontal probe
axial displacement probe
keyphasor

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

C TURBINE

bearing 3

Figure 3

AXIAL
DISPLACEMENT
PROBE

H
bearing 1

KEYPHASOR

RADIAL
VIBRATION
PROBE

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.

AXIAL
DISPLACEMENT
PROBE