Technical Bulletin 02/99

ELECTRIC MOTOR VIBRATION

n recent years vibration monitoring has become part of the maintenance procedure of many firms. On one hand vibration analysis is a powerful tool for assessing machinery condition and preventing unexpected failures, on the other hand, determining if a motor vibration is within the limits set by standards is not as simple as it may seem. If compliance with standards or benchmarking is the objective of a vibration analysis test, it should be carried out in accordance with the international standards. IEC 34-14 (AS 1359-50 and AS2625) deals with vibration tests and limits for rotating electrical machinery. According to IEC a motor vibration must be measured at rated voltage, rated frequency, with a virtually sinusoidal wave form, uncoupled from the prime mover and driven load. The keyway must be filled with a half key - either a full length rectangular key of half height or a half length key of full height centred axially in the keyway is acceptable. Vibration must be measured in 6 points, which covers the three dimensions the machine may vibrate in (see figure 1). The machine must also be tested in a state of free suspension so that all external excitations are eliminated. This condition is achieved by suspending the machine on a spring or by mounting in on an elastic base. The three grades of balancing and respective maximum vibration level are listed in table 1
Grade Rated Speed (rpm) Maximum r.m.s. Values of Vibration Velocity (mm/s) Machines Measured in a State of Free Suspension
56 < 132 132 H 225 225 H 400 400 H 630

by Alex Settimi Sohler Technical Manager for WEG Australia

BALANCING NORMAL (N) REDUCED (R) SPECIAL (S)

TYPE OF MACHINE General application machines such as pumps, fans, compressors, crushers, etc Precision machines such as drilling and precision milling machines, lathes, etc High precision machines such as grinding and balancing machines.

TABLE 2: Application of grades of balancing

5 2 3 6 4 1

FIGURE 1: Measuring points

YOU DID OW KN

WEG MOTORS ARE DYNAMICALLY BALANCED FOR LOW VIBRATION

N (normal) R (reduced) S (special)

600 n 1800 1800 n 3600 600 n 1800 1800 n 3600 600 n 1800 1800 n 3600

1.8 1.8 0.71 1.12 0.48 0.71

1.8 2.8 1.12 1.8 0.71 1.12

2.8 4.5 1.8 2.8 1.12 1.8

2.8 4.5

Motors can be either statically or dynamically balanced. Moreover balancing can be done in 1, 2 or more planes. Since the rotor is a dynamic component static balancing is not the best method. On the other hand, dynamic balancing machines require substantial investment. Some companies dynamically balance their motors, but only a few carry this out at motor rated speed. WEG motors are all dynamically balanced by computerised machines in two planes at or close to motor rated speed, even the large 16 ton rotors. Although WEG guarantees compliance with grade N, due to the strict quality control and consistent manufacturing process, most WEG motors comply with grade R or better. This ensures

reliability in operation enhanced bearing and equipment life minimum mechanical stress

TABLE 1: Maximum vibration levels as per IEC 34-14. Machines with shaft height greater than 630mm the limit values should be subject to prior agreement between manufacturer and purchaser.

WEG is ahead of the standards to ensure your company also keeps ahead of the competition.

To ensure compliance with these vibration levels, motors must be properly balanced. In fact, vibration is created by forces arising from uneven mass distribution of a rotating body. The balancing process aims at improving the mass distribution, hence minimising unbalanced forces, which can be detrimental to the equipment. Nevertheless, in the real world, no matter how good the balancing process is there will always be a residual unbalance, hence the limits in table 1. Motor manufacturers usually balance their motors to grade N. Grade R and S are available on request. Table 2 gives some guidance on the application of the different balancing grades.

FIGURE 2: One of WEGs computerised balancing machines

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