Chapter 12
Pump Condition
Monitoring Guidelines
Process pump users often seek a method of de-
termining the optimum time for overhaul of a pump
based on energy savings or other considerations. Once
developed, such a tool should be widely used by mainte-
nance engineers and managers in their role of managing
assets to provide capacity for production, and energy
efficiency to save operating expense or even to minimize
greenhouse impact. This optimization approach can also
be applied to any item in a plant where deterioration
results in loss of efficiency and energy consumption can
be measured or estimated.
VIBRATION BASICS
All rotating machines, including pumps, vibrate to
some extent due to response from excitation forces, such
as residual rotor unbalance, turbulent liquid flow, pres-
sure pulsations, cavitation, and/or pump wear. Further,
the magnitude of the vibration will be amplified if the
vibration frequency approaches the resonant frequency
of a major pump, foundation and/or piping component.
The issue of interest is not whether or not the pump
vibrates, but:
• Is the amplitude and/or frequency of the vibration
sufficiently high to cause actual or perceived dam-
age to any of the pump components, or
• Is the vibration a symptom of some other damag-
ing phenomenon happening within the pump.
Various industry organizations, such as the Hy-
draulic Institute (ANSI/HI 9.6.4, Ref. 12-1), and Ameri-
can Petroleum Institute (API-610) have set vibration
limits to help guide users to avoid excessive levels of
vibration in pumps. But long before industry standards
were developed, individual reliability professionals
and multinational pump user companies implemented
daily machinery condition logs which guided operating
personnel by listing acceptable, reportable, and manda-
343
tory shut-down levels of vibration (Figure 12-1). These
experience-based values culminated in the bearing life
vs. vibration approximations for general-purpose ma-
chinery, Figure 12-2 (HPB, 1986).
However, machinery vibration and its measure-
ment are complex issues and require some clarification.
Typical considerations might include:
1. Bearing cap vibration be measured and/or ana-
lyzed by using displacement, velocity or accelera-
tion to evaluate the health of the equipment? The
primary measure of bearing cap vibration used in
industry today is velocity.
2. Should the “total all-pass” or the “filtered” fre-
quency be used? Most industry specifications and
standards use “total all-pass” vibration values to
identify problem pumps, with filtered values re-
served for analysis of vibration problems.
3.
Should RMS (root mean square) or peak-to-peak
values be measured or specified? The Hydraulic
Institute has chosen RMS acceptance limit values,
since most vibration instruments actually measure
vibration in RMS terms, and calculate peak-to-peak
values if required. API, on the other hand, uses
peak-to-peak. RMS values are roughly 0.707 times
zero-to-peak values.
However, this relationship applies only for
vibration consisting of a single sine wave. For more
complex waveforms, this conversion does not yield
correct results.
4. What is the acceptable vibration amplitude (new,
or repair levels) for a particular application?
Should acceptance limits change along with overall
pump power and flow-rate regions? The Hydraulic
Institute bases acceptable vibration limits on pump
type, power level, operating range, and whether
measured at the factory or in the field. API gives
344 Pump User’s Handbook

Note: API uses peak-to-peak vibra-

tion measurement for shaft vibra-
tion (displacement in mils)
For bearing cap measurements,
API uses peak vibration velocity
(inches per second, or ips)

Figure 12-1: Manual vibration data log format used in the 1970’s
Pump Condition Monitoring Guidelines 345
Figure 12-2: Approximate bearing life-vibration rela-
tionship for general purpose machinery
different limits for the “preferred” and “allowable”
operating regions. A vibration velocity of 0.15 ips
represents a “rule-of-thumb,” as-new acceptance
value. Moreover, this applies to operation in the
preferred operating range and with clear liquids.
Power levels are limited to 268 hp (200 kW) and
low cavitation or suction turbulence.
5. How do factory test stand vibration measurements
compare with field site values? What is the effect
of foundation stiffness/grouting? Generally, the
stiffness of a field pump foundation is much higher
than found on a factory test stand, especially if the
pump base plate is grouted (see Chapter 3). That
is why the Hydraulic Institute vibration standard
Figure 12-3: Acceleration enveloping process of vibration moni-
toring (Source: SKF Condition Monitoring, San Diego, California)
allows higher test stand values (up to 30% higher
for field values). For vertical turbine pump installa-
tions, it is especially important to know the actual
foundation stiffness to avoid high vibration from
operation at a structural resonant frequency.
6. How much has the vibration amplitude and/or
frequency changed during the life of the machine?
It is helpful to have an as-new vibration signature
taken and kept on file for future use.
7. Location of vibration measurements: The vibration
transducers should be mounted in such a way as to
not adversely affect measurement accuracy. In gen-
eral, vibration probes should be located near the
center of the bearing housing of between-bearing
pumps, and near the outer bearing of end suction
pumps. Horizontal and vertical dry pit pump vi-
bration measurements are normally taken on the
bearing housings (near the outer or uppermost
bearings). All measurements should be taken in
the horizontal, vertical and axial planes, with the
maximum value used as the acceptance criterion.
Vertical turbine pump vibration measurements are
taken near the top of the motor support. Probes
should not be located on flexible panels or cylinder
walls, such as motor end covers.
Not to be overlooked are special vibration moni-
toring approaches that are particularly well-suited for
process pumps. One such approach involves the SKF
enveloping process (Figure 12-3). The relevant hand-
1. A typical Velocity Spectrum process does not always reveal
possible bearing defects.
2. The acceleration enveloping process isolates bearing fault
signals by filtering out the machine’s higher amplitude, lower
frequency vibration noise (typically everything under 10-15
times shaft speed), thereby greatly improving the signal-
to-noise ratio of the bearing defect. Then, in the isolated
bearing frequency range, the enveloping process looks for
higher harmonics of repetitive, impulse signals created by
bearing defects.
3. These defect signals are detectable in the defect’s early
stages and typically occur in very high frequency ranges,
anywhere from five to 40 times the fundamental defect
frequency.
4. Once these harmonics are detected, the enveloper sums
the signals together, then folds the enhanced signal back
to the defect’s fundamental frequency range. The result is
a frequency spectrum with a much more obvious, enhanced
event displayed at the defect’s fundamental fault frequency
and at evenly spaced harmonics.
346 Pump User’s Handbook

contact produces vastly increased particle acceleration at

the impact point. The severity of these impacts can be
plotted, trended and displayed (see Figure 12-6).
SKF, a bearing manufacturer with manufactur-
ing facilities world-wide, is using several of their data
acquisition and analysis instruments (see top of Figure
12-4) as tools in their “@ptitude” (sic) industrial decision
support system. Making extensive use of data banks
and software, vibration data comprise just one of many
inputs being integrated into one easy to use application.
In essence, the system uses a structured approach to
capturing and applying knowledge—both real-time and
on-demand.
Another major contender is the Vibcode and Vib-
scanner family of German manufacturer Prueftechnik
and its Miami-based U.S. collaborator Ludeca, Figure
12-7. These combination data collectors and analyzers
come with ready-made software packages that start with
vibration and temperature monitoring, but also incor-
porate speed measuring and field balancing capabilities
that are of great value in a conscientiously applied pump
life extension program.
ITT/Goulds has developed a variable frequency
intelligent drive with a monitoring system (called
“PumpSmart®”) that is capable of adjusting the pump
speed to react to fault occurrences, such as a closed suc-
tion valve, cavitation and pump wear.

Figure 12-4: Versatile monitoring devices are part of an

integrated industrial decision support system (Source:
SKF Condition Monitoring, San Diego, California)

held data collection and analysis unit is shown at the

top of Figure 12-4. This data collector, and others like
it, represent versatile bearing distress monitoring tools.
Figure 12-5 shows shock pulse monitoring (SPM)
and manual data collection in progress. In simple terms,
the SPM method detects the development of a mechani-
cal shock wave caused by the impact of two masses.
At the exact instant of impact, molecular contact occurs
and a compression (shock) wave develops in each mass.
The SPM method is based on the events occurring in the
mass during the extremely short time period after the
first particles of the colliding bodies come in contact. Figure 12-5: SPM data collection on a process pump
This time period is so short that no detectable defor- (Source: SPM Instruments, Inc., Marlborough, Con-
mation of the material has yet occurred. The molecular necticut)
Pump Condition Monitoring Guidelines 347
Figure 12-6: Shock pulse monitoring and trend plots of severity
(Source: SPM Instruments, Inc., Marlborough, Connecticut)
PREDICTIVE CONDITION MONITORING
AND FAULT TOLERANT INTELLIGENT
DRIVES/CONTROLS
New intelligent pump solutions have continued to
evolve thanks to the rapid advancement of electronic data
processing and communications. What not long ago was
thought to be too expensive, not reliable, and technically
not possible, is rapidly becoming a reality. Technological
advances in devices such as digital signal processors and
wireless communication systems are enabling the devel-
opment of effective intelligent pump solutions. These de-
vices can be decentralized systems, local to the pump and
outside of the main distributive control system, and can
contain algorithms that have been developed to provide
intelligent solutions, specifically designed for a unique
class of pumps or application.
Today there are both custom and pre-engineered
systems available which have this improved function-
ality that can positively impact key life cycle cost ele-
ments. In addition to saving energy by varying pump
speed, these new drives/controls can also monitor a
variety of critical pump conditions and either automati-
cally make the required adjustments and/or wirelessly
(or by hard wire) transmit this information for further
potential action. In addition, they can provide efficient/
reliable control for multi-pump operation, can reduce
constant on-off cycling in wet well applications, and can
even automatically sequence pump impeller rotational
direction to unclog debris.
Condition Monitoring
These de-centralized data acquisition devices,
which are local to the pump sub-system, gather system
data either through the plant network, from directly con-
nected sensors and/or from data available on the drive
(Ref. 12-10). These data acquisition devices have high
speed microprocessors capable of sampling data, so that
flow, pressure, speed, torque, vibration spectral analysis
and/or motor current signature analysis can run locally
and in conjunction with diagnostic algorithms designed
specifically for the pump system. The diagnostic results
from these de-centralized systems can be fed back into
the plant maintenance system, or to any remote location,
so that planned maintenance activities can be deployed
effectively. In addition, the capability exists on some of
the newer types of data acquisition devices to implement
local automated control to protect the pump system
against premature failure and/ or to optimize pump
system efficiency.
ROTOR BALANCING
All impellers, irrespective of their operational
speed, should be dynamically (“spin”) balanced before
348 Pump User’s Handbook
installation, either single or two plane. Two-plane bal-
ance is required for wide impeller, when the impeller
width is greater than 1/6th of the impeller diameter.
ISO balancing criteria are illustrated in Figure 12-8.
There is no doubt that dynamic balancing of the
three major rotating pump components, shaft, impeller
and coupling, will increase mechanical seal and bear-
ing life. All couplings of any weight or size should
be balanced, if they are part of a conscientious and
reliability-focused pump failure reduction program.
Couplings that cannot be balanced have no place in
industrial process pumps.
The preferred procedure of balancing a rotating
unit is to balance the impeller and coupling indepen-
dently, and then the impeller and coupling on the shaft
as a single unit. Another method is to balance the rotor
Figure 12-7: Pruftechnik’s “Vibcode”
and “Vibscanner” devices collect and
analyze a wide range of data and
are supported by superior software
(Source: Ludeca, Miami, Florida 33172)
one time only as an assembled unit.
Multistage pump rotors, both horizontal and ver-
tical, are best not assembled and balanced and then
disassembled for re-assembly. Often, more problems
are caused by the disassembly than are caused by the
component balance. The static (single plane) force in
the balance is always the more important of the two
forces, static and dynamic (couple force). If balancing
of individual rotor components is chosen, it is best to
use a tighter tolerance for the static (single plane) force.
In theory, if all the static force is removed from each
part, there should be very little dynamic (couple) force
remaining in the rotor itself.
For impellers operating at 1,800 rpm or less, the
ISO 1940 G6.3 tolerance is acceptable. For 3,600 to 1,800
rpm, the ISO G2.5 is a better tolerance. Both are dis-
Pump Condition Monitoring Guidelines 349

played on the balance tolerance nomo-

grams for small (Figure 12-9) and large
machinery rotors (Figure 12-10). Gener-
ally tighter balance tolerances (G1.0)
are not warranted unless the balancing
facility has modern, automated balanc-
ing equipment that will achieve these
results without adding much time and
effort. Using older balancing equipment
may make the G1.0 quality difficult and
unnecessarily costly to obtain and dupli-
cate. Also, factory vibration tests have,
at best, shown insignificant reductions
in pump vibration with this tighter bal-
ance grade.
Balancing machine sensitivity must
be adequate for the part to be balanced.
This means that the machine is to be
capable of measuring unbalance levels
to one-tenth of the maximum residual
unbalance allowed by the balance qual-
ity grade selected for the component
being balanced.
Rotating assembly balance is rec-
ommended when practical and if the
tighter quality grades, G2.5 or G1.0, are
desired. Special care must be taken to
ensure that keys and keyways in balanc-
ing arbors are dimensionally identical to
those in the assembled rotor. Impellers
must have an interference fit with the
shaft, when G1.0 balance is desired. Al-
though looseness between impeller hub
and shaft (or balance machine arbor) is
allowed for the lesser balance grades, it NOTE: The light area is the generally used area, based on common experience.
should not exceed the values given in
Table 12-1 for grades G2.5 or G6.3: Figure 12-8: Permissible residual specific unbalance based on balance
quality grade G and service speed n. (Source: ISO Standard 1940)

VIBRATION ACCEPTANCE LIMITS

Hydraulic Institute Standard ANSI/HI 9.6.4
(www.Pumps.org) presents the generally accepted
allowable pump “field” vibration values for various
pump types (see Table 12-2). The standard is based on
RMS total, or all-pass vibration values (Ref. 12-1). The
standard states that factory or laboratory values can
be as much as 30% above these field limits, depend-
ing on the rigidity of the test stand. The ANSI/ASME
B73 standard accepts 27% and 17% above the HI 9.6.4
values for factory tests performed on chemical end
suction pumps, depending on the power level. HI also
includes the API-610 values for end suction refinery
pumps (in RMS terms), although the API document
requires that these acceptance values be demonstrated
on the factory test stand.
The HI standard also states that these values only
apply to pumps operating under good field conditions,
which are defined as:
1. Adequate NPSH margin (see Chapter 5).
2. Operation within the pump’s preferred operating
350 Pump User’s Handbook

Figure 12-9: Balance tolerance

nomogram for G2.5 and G6.3,
small rotors (Source: Bloch,
Heinz P., and F.K. Geitner, “Ma-
chinery Component Mainte-
nance and Repair,” 2nd Edition,
1990, Gulf Publishing Com-
pany, Houston, Texas, ISBN
0-87201-781-8)

region (between 70% and 120% of BEP)—see also
Chapter 5.
3. Proper pump/motor coupling alignment (Ch. 3).
4. Pump intake must conform to ANSI/HI 9.8 (pump
intake design).
recommended if vibration levels increase to twice the
“field” acceptance limits (or initial actual readings).
CAUSES OF EXCESSIVE VIBRATION

The HI standard further bases the allowable vibra-
tion levels on pump power, Table 12-2.
It should also be noted that the acceptable vibra-
tion values for slurry and solids handling pumps are
about double the values given for horizontal clean liquid
pumps.
Once a pump is accepted and commissioned,
somewhat higher total (all-pass) vibration values are
usually accepted before further follow-up and analysis
are deemed appropriate. As a general rule, follow-up is
Once a pump has been determined to have a
high “total/all-pass” vibration level, the next step is to
identify the cause. This is the time to obtain a filtered
vibration analysis (see Figure 12-11A).
You cannot just assume that the rotor is out of bal-
ance (which could be the case). There are many other
potential culprits. Machinery vibration problems often
result from the interaction between an exciting force
(hydraulic or mechanical) and the associated structural
and/or hydraulic resonance frequency response. The
Pump Condition Monitoring Guidelines 351

Figure 12-10: Balance tolerance

nomogram for G2.5 and G6.3,
large rotors (Source: Bloch,
Heinz P., and F.K. Geitner,
“Machinery Component Main-
tenance and Repair,” 2nd Edi-
tion, 1990, Gulf Publishing
Company, Houston, Texas,
ISBN 0-87201-781-8)

Table 12-1: Maximum Diametral Hub Looseness

————————————————————————————————
Impeller Hub Maximum Diametral Looseness
Bore < 1,800 rpm 1,800-3,600 rpm
————————————————————————————————
0 — 1.499 in. . 0015 in. . 0015 in.
1.5 — 1.999 in. . 0020 in. . 0015 in.
2.0 in. and larger . 0025 in. . 0015 in.
————————————————————————————————

stronger the exciting force, and/or the closer these
exciting force(s) are to a component natural frequency,
the greater the vibration amplitude. The object for any
pump vibration analysis should be to find the root cause
of the excessive vibration, and then determine how to
correct it. Basic vibration types to evaluate include:
Rotor lateral vibration (x,y or z axis), and torsional vi-
bration (commonly occurring with reciprocating engine
drives). Structural lateral vibration is quite common
with long-shafted vertical pumps, although not limited
to these structures.
 352
Table 12-2: Allowable pump field-installed vibration values

Pump User’s Handbook

Pump Condition Monitoring Guidelines 353

Table 12-3: Sources of Specific Vibration Excitations

———————————————————————————————————
FREQUENCY SOURCE
———————————————————————————————————
0.1 × Running Speed Diffuser Stall
0.8 × Running Speed Impeller Stall (Recirculation)
1 × Running Speed Unbalance or Bent Shaft
1 × or 2 × Running Speed Misalignment
Number of Vanes × Running Speed Vane/Volute Gap & Cavitation
———————————————————————————————————

Figure 12-11A:
Frequency
spectrum
showing (top)
time-velocity
plot and, (bot-
tom) frequency
vs. vibration
amplitude plot

Figure 12-11B: Acoustical Pipe Resonance Half Wave Length, based on

Pump Speed and Number of Impeller Vanes
354 Pump User’s Handbook
CAUSES OF EXCESSIVE VIBRATION EXCITATION:
There are many potential vibration excitation
sources, which can often be identified through a filtered
vibration analysis. Figure 12-11A shows some of these
filtered vibration peaks, as multiples of the pump run-
ning speed and number of impeller vanes. A further
breakdown of potential excitation sources, with their
specific frequency signatures (as multiples of the pump
running speed), is shown in Table 12-3. It should be noted
that the “diffuser stall,” “recirculation” and “cavitation”
sources, listed in Table 12-3, are hydraulic in nature,
with the remaining being mechanical. The most common
causes of excessive pump vibration excitation are:
1. Rotor unbalance, caused by new residual impeller/
rotor unbalance, or unbalance caused by impeller
metal removal (wear).
2. Shaft (or coupling) misalignment.
3. Liquid turbulence due to operation too far away
from the pump best efficiency flow rate, and/or
operation in the low flow pump suction recircula-
tion region (see Figure 12-12).
4. Cavitation due to insufficient NPSH margin, es-
pecially with “High Suction Energy” pumps (see
chapter 5).
5. Pressure pulsations from impeller vane/casing
tongue (cutwater) interaction, in high discharge
energy pumps.
6. Poor pump suction or discharge piping (having
turns or fittings too close to the pump), can also
Figure 12-12: Hydraulic Institute vibration values ap-
ply only within preferred operating region of pump,
i.e. vibration due to recirculation may greatly exceed
anticipated vibration amplitudes
cause increased vibration, normally by increased
local velocities, which in turn, increases cavitation,
and/or causes turbulence within the pump.
7. Bearing wear: Rolling element bearings have dis-
tinct vibration signatures based on the number of
bearing balls or rollers.
8. Opening up of impeller wearing ring clearances,
which can reduce the NPSH margin by shifting the
pump operating flow point to higher levels.
9. Broken rotor bars on electric motors, which will
generate specific frequencies.
Hydraulic Pump Vibration Excitation—Amplitude
The amplitude of hydraulic pump excitations,
especially those at blade pass frequencies, is typically
a function of one of two pump energy factors: “High
Suction Energy” and/or “High (discharge) Energy.” Ac-
cording to the Hydraulic Institute, pumps with heads
greater than 650 ft/stage that require more than 300
hp/stage, have high (discharge) energy, while high
(and very high) suction energy (suction specific speed
x inlet tip speed x specific gravity) has been defined in
Chapter 5. It should be noted that the excitation levels
related to high suction energy are also a function of the
pump NPSH margin (NPSHA/NPSHR), see Chapter
5. The pressure pulsation excitations generated from
either high (discharge) energy, or high (or very high)
suction energy pumps, both occur at impeller vane-pass
frequency, and each can also cause destructive acoustic
pipe resonant vibration under the right conditions. Gen-
erally speaking, the higher the suction and/or discharge
energy level the greater the vibration amplitude.
The most common pump suction hydraulic exit-
ing forces come from turbulence or cavitation within
the pump suction, which can become a problem when
the suction energy at the pump impeller inlet is high
enough. One of the ways to reduce pump suction
energy is to reduce the pump speed with a VFD, to
achieve low suction energy. However, a VFD can also
make it much more likely that a pipe, foundation or
pump resonance will be excited, so it can be a double-
edged sword.
Discharge pressure pulsations are typically caused
by the interaction between the different pressures (and
velocities) on the leading and trailing surfaces of the
impeller vanes, at the impeller O.D. and the casing cut-
water (volute tongue). The higher the pump head and
the smaller the gap between the impeller O.D. and the
volute tongue, the greater the discharge pressure pulsa-
tions. These discharge pressure pulsations also occur at
vane pass frequency.
Pump Condition Monitoring Guidelines 355
RESONANCE RESPONSE:
Amplified resonant vibration response root causes
are generally more complex to analyze. They typically
result from pump operation at speeds (running or vane
pass) close to a mechanical or hydraulic resonant fre-
quency of a major pump, foundation or pipe component.
This is of special concern with variable speed, large mul-
tistage horizontal and/or vertical pumps. A margin of
safety should be provided between the pump/vane-pass
speed/frequencies, and any major structural (and/or
hydraulic) natural frequencies. Typical acceptable mar-
gins are in the range of 15-25%. The magnitude of the
vibration response can be amplified 2.5 times or higher
at or near a component natural (critical), or resonant
frequency.
In addition to structural resonant frequencies found
in pump suction and/or discharge piping, pump and
motor foundations, and in vertical turbine pump instal-
lations, structural resonances are also quite common in
large multistage horizontal pumps.
Acoustic Resonance Response:
Acoustical pipe resonances (Ref. 12-11), which can
be excited by pressure pulsation from the pump (see
Figure 12-11A), can also cause excessive pump and/
or pipe vibration. This occurs when a high (suction or
discharge) energy frequency excitation (typically vane-
pass), corresponds with the frequency that will generate
a standing acoustic wave inside a fluid filled channel.
Although acoustic pulsations are not a frequent
or common source of excessive vibration in pumping
systems, their occurrence is increasing with the growing
popularity of variable speed pump drives. When reso-
nant pulsations do develop in a liquid pumping system,
they tend to be high in amplitude and can cause severe
vibration problems. Pre-installation analyses and field
testing may need to be performed to avoid an acoustic
resonance problem.
Acoustic resonance can occur in the suction and/
or discharge piping, in the long crossover of multistage
pumps, and in other fluid filled channels, in response
to a pump hydraulic excitation frequency. The phenom-
enon takes place when the return of a reflected pressure
wave, generated by a periodic excitation, coincides with
the generation of the next pressure pulse. In that case, a
standing wave forms inside the fluid filled channel.
The channel length, for acoustic resonance, is
determined by a reflective condition at the end of the
channel opposite to the induction of the pressure wave.
The channel length may be equal to quarter, half, or
full wavelengths and multiples thereof. Normally only
the first and second harmonics need to be considered.
Typical reflection points include orifice plates, reducers
or increasers (with a 50% or more velocity change), tees
and partially closed gate or check valves. Long radius
elbows do not reflect waves, while short radius elbows
and vaned elbows may reflect waves.
SOME CORRECTIVE MEASURES:
Effective corrective measures that address reso-
nance caused high vibration problems, are ones that
detune the resonance conditions, by providing a mini-
mum 15 to 25 percent separation margin between the
pump excitation and piping acoustic and/or structural
resonance frequencies. The following detuning actions
should be considered:
• Change the vane count of the impeller (if the
pump manufacturer offers this option) feeding the
offending channel (pipe length). This changes the
excitation frequency and therefore the wavelength
(see Figure 12-11B).
• When a VFD is controlling the pump speed, it
may be possible to “lock out” the offending speed
ranges from continuous operation.
• If feasible, change the physical length of the offend-
ing (resonance) pipe.
• Install an acoustic filter (when the issue is an
acoustic resonance), but filters typically must be
matched to the system and resonant frequency.
If detuning is not feasible (or is the issue), the ap-
plicable excitation levels can also be reduced by imple-
menting one or more of the measures listed below:
• If the excessive vibration is at running speed, bal-
ance the rotor, as discussed in the prior section of
this chapter.
• If the excess vibration is at vane-pass frequency
and the pump has high suction energy, reduce the
pump suction energy level by reducing the pump
speed, and/or increasing the impeller vane over-
lap, if it is less than 15 degrees. Pressure pulsation
levels are proportional to the square of the speed.
• Also if the vibration is at vane-pass, and the pump
has high suction energy, increase the NPSH Avail-
able (or reduce the pump NPSHR) to reduce cavi-
tation (see chapter 5 for desired minimum NPSH
Margin Ratios).
356 Pump User’s Handbook

• Cut back on the volute cutwater tips (preferably
with an angle cut) to increase the B-gap (see page
411), which should reduce the discharge excitation
levels, if the pump has high discharge energy and
the excessive vibration is at vane pass.
• Minimizing the impeller vane outlet thicknesses
by means of overfilling, again for high discharge
energy pumps with vane-pass vibration.
USING PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE
AS YOUR DECISION MAKING TOOL*
Pump Condition
Monitoring Examined
The extent and effects of internal wear in centrifu-
gal pumps vary with the nature of the liquid pumped,
the pump type and its operating duty. Some pumps last
for years, others for only months.
Overhauling of pumps on a fixed time or sched-
ule basis is rarely the most cost-effective policy. Use of
condition monitoring ensures that pump overhauls or
performance restoration efforts are done when really
necessary. However, despite the many excellent pump
textbooks, there is little information available on how
to apply condition-based maintenance to pumps.
Monitoring methods should be chosen that would
detect each of the various failure modes that can be
foreseen to occur:
For critical machines, more than one method of
condition monitoring may be justified. This segment will
demonstrate use of vibration and performance analysis
as inter-related and practical examples of condition
monitoring.
The Head-flow Method of
Pump Condition Monitoring
The most useful condition monitoring method
is by head-flow measurement, because in addition to
pump deterioration, it detects any changes in system
resistance. The head-flow measurement method can be
used for all pumps where flow, or a repeatable indicator
of it, can be quantified.
Throttling the pump to obtain points over the full
flow range is not necessary. Some points near the normal
operating duty point are sufficient to reveal the effects
of wear, usually shown by the head-flow curve moving
towards the zero flow axis by an amount roughly equal
to the internal leakage flow. This is demonstrated by
“test points-worn pump” on Figure 12-13.
A series of test readings at steady conditions at
about 15 second intervals is sufficient; the average
values are being plotted. Speed must be measured for
variable speed pumps, and the head-flow data corrected
to a standard speed (Ref. 12-2).

• Vibration monitoring and analysis (probably the

most widely applied method of condition monitor-
ing for rotating machines in general, and suited
to detect such faults as unbalance, misalignment,
looseness)

• On large pumps, sampling and analysis of lubri-

cants for deterioration and wear debris (relevant
for bearings/lubrication system faults)

• Electrical plant tests (relevant for motor condition)

• Visual inspection and Non-Destructive Testing

(particularly relevant for casing wear)

• Performance monitoring and analysis (relevant for

pump internal condition).

*This major segment was contributed by Ray Beebe, Senior Lecturer

at Monash University, Gippsland School of Engineering, Churchill,
Victoria 3842, Australia. It is based on testing and analytical work Figure 12-13: Head-flow of new pump and head-flow
performed under his guidance. points from worn pump
Pump Condition Monitoring Guidelines 357
Field tests sometimes give results slightly different
from the manufacturer’s shop tests because actual site
conditions for flow and pressure measurement are rarely
as required by the various standards for pump testing.
However, for monitoring, we are seeking relative changes
rather than absolute accuracy. Non-intrusive ultrasonic
flowmeters are applicable in most cases. A permanent
flowmeter installed as part of a pump’s minimum flow
protection or process measurement can be used, provided
its long-term condition is considered to be constant, or it
can be inspected regularly.
Such performance information shows the extent to
which a pump has deteriorated, and pumps can be pri-
oritized for overhaul on the basis of their relative wear.
Shut-off Head Method
Measuring head at zero flow is a simple test. It is
only possible where it can be tolerated; it thus excludes
high-energy or high-specific-speed pumps, where power
at shut-off is greater than that at duty point.
With the discharge valve closed fully for no longer
than 30 seconds, suction and discharge pressures are
read when steady. The liquid temperature is also needed
to find the density, which is used to convert the pressure
readings into head values.
Wear of vane outer diameters will show readily, as
the head-flow curve of a worn pump moves towards the
zero flow axis. To show sealing wear ring degradation,
the pump head/flow curve needs to be relatively steep.
(Note that if the pump has a rising curve, internal leak-
age will initially give an increase in shut-off head).
Figure 12-14 shows the trend in degradation of a
230 kW pump over three years. Wear amplitude is ex-
pressed at duty point flow, as the percentage reduction
in total head compared with the new datum condition.
This is usually derived from head-flow tests near duty
point, but can also be obtained using the shut-off head
test where this is allowable.
Please note that such testing requires that two
frequently ignored conditions be met:
1. Pressure gauge connections must be provided on
the pump suction and discharge sides
2. All pressure gauges must be tested and calibrated
before data taking. Using a brand new gauge is no
guarantee that readings will be correct.
Thermodynamic Method
Another pump monitoring method is to measure
the temperature rise of the liquid through the pump,
which reflects pump inefficiency. Since the differential
Figure 12-14: Measured degradation of a 230 kW pump
by head-flow testing
temperature is very small, great care is required to mea-
sure it. Any recirculation effects at pump inlet and outlet
must be eliminated, and tests are not possible at very
low or zero flows. Efficiency can be calculated from the
inlet temperature, differential temperature and head. If
efficiency changes with time, comparisons can be made
on efficiency vs. head plots. For high head pumps, an al-
lowance must be made for the isentropic temperature rise
that occurs as a result of pressure increase (Ref. 12-3).
A commercially available device is widely used in
the UK water industry (Ref. 12-4). Pressure taps at suc-
tion and discharge are required to be two diameters away
from pump flanges. These taps allow for the installation
of pressure/temperature probes. Clamp-on type detectors
are placed to measure motor power. Pump efficiency is
then found from precise head and temperature rise mea-
surements through the pump. From assessment of motor
losses, power absorbed by the pump is computed. From
all these data, the pump flow can be found.
For condition monitoring, tests at around normal
operating point are usually sufficient. The thermody-
namic method would be more attractive economically
if no special tapping points were required. Research
at Monash University on high head pumps using spe-
cial semi-conductor temperature probes on the piping
outside surface, covered with insulation, gave usable
results, provided the pump is being operated at steady
conditions for 30 minutes to allow the piping tempera-
ture to stabilize (Ref. 12-5).
358 Pump User’s Handbook
Percent efficiency for pumps in water service up
to 54°C is given by the empirical formula given below,
which includes a correction for the isentropic tempera-
ture rise (total head is in kPa, temperatures in °C). See
Ref. 12-6 for discussion.
100
Pump efficiency = —————————————
[1–0.003(inlet T–2) + 4,160
(Temp. Rise/Total Head])
Balance Flow Measurement
Multistage pumps with the impellers facing in the
same direction usually have a balance disc or drum
arranged such that final stage discharge pressure coun-
teracts the axial thrust on the shaft line. This makes it
possible to monitor pump condition by measuring the
leak-off from the balance device (Ref. 12-7). The basis
is that if increased wear in the annular space to the
balance device is evident from increased leak-off flow,
then the interstage clearances are also worn.
As the leak-off line is quite small compared to
the pump main flow piping, a permanent flowmeter is
relatively inexpensive. For some years, overhauls have
been scheduled on this basis on a number of boiler feed
pumps. Flows are read manually, and trends plotted
using a database program (Figure 12-15). Note that here
the balance flow of 15 l/s corresponds to about 10% of
the duty flow, and about 250 kW of extra power. When
added to the likely internal recirculation, this would
mean that an even larger proportion of the power
absorbed is being wasted. These pumps are variable
speed, and tests show that the measured flows must
be corrected in direct proportion to the speed.
On a set of pumps of another design elsewhere,
both head-flow and balance flow were measured for
some years, but no correlation was found.
Figure 12-15: Condition monitoring of a high energy
multi-stage pump by measurement of balance device
leak-off flow (flows are corrected to a standard pump
speed)
On yet another 11-stage pump, the head-flow
performance was tested as being well below the da-
tum curve. As the pump was dismantled, measure-
ments showed that interstage clearances were not
worn. A condition monitoring credibility crisis was
averted when the balance seat area was reached and
found to be severely eroded. Balance flow had obvi-
ously been very high. For the best monitoring, both
head flow and balance flow should be measured,
particularly if the balance area can be separately dis-
mantled in the field.
Optimum Time for Overhaul
The most economic time to restore lost perfor-
mance by overhaul will vary with the circumstances.
If the deterioration is constant over time, then a cash flow
analysis can be done to ensure that the investment in
overhaul will give the required rate of return. This is the
same process as used in deciding on any investment in
plant improvement.
If the deterioration rate is increasing with time, then
the optimum time for overhaul will be when the cumu-
lative cost of increased electricity consumption equals
the overhaul cost.
The method is now described for some plausible
scenarios and actual situations.
Pump Deterioration Results in
Reduced Plant Production
Where the cost of overhaul is insignificant in
proportion to the cost of lost production cost, prompt
overhaul is usually simply justified at a convenient
“window.”
Pump Which Runs Intermittently to
Meet a Demand
In a pumping installation such as topping up a
water supply tank or pumping out, deterioration will
cause the pump to take more time to do its duty. The
extra service time required therefore results in increased
power consumption that can be related to the overhaul
cost.
Pump Deterioration Does Not Affect
Plant Production, at Least Initially:
Constant Speed, Throttle Valve Controlled Pump
The internal wear does not cause any loss in
production from the plant, as the control valve opens
more fully to ensure that pump output is maintained.
Eventually, as wear progresses, pump output may be
insufficient to avoid loss of production, or the power
Pump Condition Monitoring Guidelines 359
taken will exceed the motor rating.
Earlier, Figure 12-13 showed the head-power-flow
site test characteristics of such a pump. Its output is
controlled using a throttle control valve. The duty flow
is 825 m3/h, and the duty point in the new condition
is “A.” The power absorbed by the pump is read off
the power-flow curve as 2,150 kW, “B.” The power-flow
curve should ideally be found on site, but factory test
data may have to suffice.
After some service, the plotted “test points-worn
pump” indicate internal wear. When worn to this extent,
the operating point moves to “C,” as the system resistance
curve lowers when the throttle valve is opened further.
The increased power required in the worn condi-
tion can be estimated by extending from the head-flow
curve at constant head from the operating point to “D,”
and then intersecting the power-flow curve for new con-
dition at constant flow, “E.” Follow the arrowed line in
Figure 12-13. This assumes that the original curve still
represents the flow through the impellers (of which less
is leaving the pump to the system). Of course, the power
could be measured on test at extra expense if the pump
was motor-driven.
In our example, power required for this duty in the
worn condition is shown in Figure 12-13 by the projec-
tion from the duty flow of 825 m3/h to the test curve to
find 640 m head, then across to the “site test-new pump”
curve, then down to the power curve, to find 2,300 kW.
The extra electric power consumption is therefore
2,300 – 2,150 = 150 kW which, divided by the motor
efficiency (here it is 90%), will yield 167 kW.
If the wear ring clearances are known by previous
experience of correlation with measured performance, or
if the pump is opened up already, the extra power con-
sumed likely to be saved by overhaul can be estimated
(Ref. 12-8).
Using this method, a number of pumps of varying
wear conditions could be prioritized for maintenance,
based on their increased power consumption and their
relative costs of overhaul, i.e. the cost/benefit ratio.
Finding the Optimum Time for
Overhaul from Head-flow Data
For this example, the test points were obtained fol-
lowing 24 months of service since the pump was known
to be in new condition; an overhaul would cost $50,000;
electricity costs 10¢/kWh, and the pump is in service
approximately 27% of the time.
Tests showed that the cost of deterioration had
reached 167 kW × 0.10 × 720 × 0.27 = $3,240/month
(taking an average month as 720 hours).
Since the time now is 24 months, $3,240 ÷ 24 gives
the average deterioration cost rate as $135 per month.
The optimum time for overhaul can be calculated
(Ref. 12-9), from
T = [(2)(O)/C]1/2
where:
O = cost of overhaul
C = cost rate of deterioration
The result here is T = 27.2 months.
But it is better to calculate and plot the average to-
tal cost/month values for a range of times. Seen clearly
will be the cost impact of doing the repairs at some other
time, such as at a scheduled plant shutdown.
Calculating Average Cost Per Month:
In this example, take the time at 22 months.
Average monthly cost to cover overhaul:
$50,000/22 = $2,273/month
Average extra energy cost:
$135 × 1/2 × 22 = $1,485/month
Total average cost/month is
the sum of these two figures =
$3,758/month
Repeat this calculation for several months, perhaps
using a spreadsheet, and look for the minimum total
cost, which is at 27.2 months. If plotted as cost/month
against time, the resulting curves will show the overhaul
cost per month dropping with time, with the lost energy
cost increasing with time. (The time value of money
could also be taken into account, if required). Usually
the total cost curve is fairly flat for +/- 20% or so.
If the overhaul were delayed until, say, 30 months,
then the accumulated cost of lost energy would have
reached $135 × 1/2 × (30)2 = $60,750. At 27.2 months,
the cost is $135 × 1/2 × (27.2)2 = $49,939. The cost of
delaying overhaul is thus the difference, $10,811.
Note that this calculation is only correct if the wear
progresses at a uniformly increasing rate with time, but, as
Figure 12-14 shows, this is not always so. Information
may not be available to make any other assumption,
but decision makers have to start somewhere! There are
other formulas for nonlinear rates of change (Ref. 12-9).
Note that some relatively small pumps may never
justify overhaul on savings in energy use alone, but may
be justified on reduced plant production rate.
360 Pump User’s Handbook
When Pump Deterioration Does Not Affect Production
For a pump where the speed is varied to meet its
desired duty, the effect of wear on power required is
much more dramatic than for the case of a constant-
speed, throttle-controlled pump. This is because the
power increases in proportion to the speed ratio cubed.
Unless pump output is limited by the pump
reaching its maximum speed, or by its driver reaching
its highest allowable power output, no production will
be lost. However, power consumed will increase more
dramatically for a given wear state than for a constant-
speed pump.
To estimate power required in the worn state, the
head-flow curve must be drawn for the current higher
speed in the new condition. Select a head-flow point on the
original new condition curve, and correct it to the higher
speed. Multiply the flow by the speed ratio and multiply
the head by the square of the speed ratio. Repeat this
for some other points at flows above duty flow to draw
the new condition head-flow curve.
Follow the same method and calculations as be-
fore to find the time for overhaul at minimum total
cost. The operating point is projected from the worn
curve to the new curve at the same speed as the
worn curve. Figure 12-16 shows the performance of a
variable speed pump. When new, operation at 1,490
rpm meets the desired duty flow at operating point
“A,” requiring 325 kW power, point “B.” After some
time in service, internal leakage and “roughness” has
increased such that the pump must run at 1,660 rpm
to meet the required duty—still point “A.”
To estimate the power required now, the head-
flow curve must be drawn for the higher speed in the
new condition. Several head-flow points are selected
and corrected for the higher speed: multiply each flow
by the speed ratio, and multiply each matching head
by the speed ratio squared. This will result in the
head-flow curve at 1,660 rpm in the new condition.
The head at the duty flow -point “A”- is pro-
jected across to meet the head-flow curve at 1,660 r/
min (new condition, line “C” in Figure 12-16). Projec-
tion downward at constant flow leads to the increased
power required at 425 kW. The extra power demand
is 31%!
The same calculations as before are followed to
find the time for overhaul for minimum total cost.
Optimization Using Shut-off Head Test Results
The shut-off head test information can also be used
to estimate power used in the worn state, and do the
optimization calculations explained previously.
Figure 12-16: Head-flow-power characteristics of new
variable speed pump, and head-flow points from worn
pump
Head-power-flow characteristics in the “new” state
are needed as before, and the operating point must be
known. Note power required at operating point as be-
fore. Make an overlay trace of the head-flow curve in the
new condition. Place it over the “new” curve and move
to the left horizontally until the curve cuts the head axis
at the shut-off head value obtained on the test. The trace
is now in the position of the “worn” head-flow curve
that is being experienced. Exactly the same process can
be followed as explained previously.
Worn Vertical Multistage Pump
Both vibration and performance analysis were
used to help solve a case where a pump experienced
excessive vibration. This involved a 9-stage mixed flow
pump, rated at 70 l/s with a head at 155m, operating
at 1,480 rpm. Only the motor and the pump discharge
piping were visible above the plant floor, with the base
flange bolted to the floor.
For condition monitoring by performance analy-
sis, a permanently installed orifice plate flowmeter was
used. An ultrasonic flowmeter showed close agreement.
Vibration measurements were taken in the horizontal
and axial directions on the motor flange.
The pump had not yet been added to the routine
vibration program. High vibration was reported and
vibration measurements showed 14 mm/s (0.55 ips)
horizontal vibration, all at 7.5 Hz. This level is not ac-
ceptable for reliable service. (See page 344.)
Lower down the casing, the vibration was half
Pump Condition Monitoring Guidelines 361

this level, but mostly at 50 Hz, with some at 7.5 Hz. No

vibration was evident at the running speed frequency
of 25 Hz. More frequent monitoring commenced, and
a week later, the vibration had increased to 22 mm/s
(0.87 ips), all at 6.5 Hz. The performance at the usual
operating point had also decreased by 18%.
Since an alternative flow path was available with-
out reducing production, albeit reducing plant efficiency,
the pump was removed for overhaul. All impellers and
wear rings were found damaged beyond repair, and the
shaft was bent.
After repairs, the highest vibration level was below
1 mm/s (0.04 ips) at 25 Hz and 50 Hz frequencies, and
tested performance had also returned to the datum level.
Routine measurements were commenced at three-month
intervals.
It was suspected that the base mounting bolts had
worked loose sufficiently to allow the pump to vibrate at
its natural frequency of about 7.5 Hz. This was thought
to have resulted in internal damage.
Figure. 12-17: Modern light-weight data collector and
Understand Your Measurement Options
vibration analyzer (Source: Prueftechnik, Germany,
The authors believe that Ray Beebe’s work at
and Ludeca, Inc., www.ludeca.com)
Monash University shows what can be accomplished
by careful measurements on a variety of pump types.
The rapid expansion of plant-wide distributive control in the DCS software. There is no need to wait for the
systems (DCS) has opened another opportunity. detection of a fire or excessive vibration levels to initiate
It is true that few process pumps (if any) are troubleshooting.
equipped with calibrated flowmeters, temperature sen- New data collectors and vibration analyzers enter
sors and pressure gauges. However, a process unit can the market every year and the user/owner of process
be modeled to an extent where inlet and discharge pumps should keep informed on available models, con-
pressures as well as power consumption of each pump figurations and options. Figure 12-17 represents just one
for a given set of operating conditions can be predicted. of these, a lightweight, two-channel FFT data collector/
Only a few selected parameters need to be continuously vibration analyzer for monitoring and analyzing machine
monitored in order to detect unusual events that might condition. As a data collector, this instrument records all
indicate the need for further troubleshooting. Data from forms of machine vibrations, bearing conditions, process
pressure transmitters, thermocouples and electric motor data and visual inspection information. Collected ma-
current transmitters can now be added to plant control chinery data are stored on mass storage cards and then
computer networks. Calculation of the cost of through- transferred to suitable maintenance software for further
put reduction, or power waste, can readily be integrated evaluation, report generation and archiving.