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Single Plane Balancing - Vector Method

 Published on November 12, 2019

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Nowadays, most data analyzers and even some mobile apps are available which can automatically do single
plane dynamic balancing calculations. We will briefly discuss how to do it manually in order to understand
how the process actually works.

In this article, we will briefly discuss the technique of dynamic balancing called as Vector Method.

As the name suggests, we will use vectors to find out the correction weight location.

Vector method requires fewer runs than 3-point method and is fast and more accurate.

This technique is used basically where phase angle can be measured so due care should be taken while
measuring the phase angles.

Viewing from behind the driver machine side, choose either with rotation or against rotation for measuring
phase angle.

Against rotation is preferred most of the time since phase angle increases along with the rotation of the
machine as shown below.
Choose an appropriate scale so that plotted vibration data is clearly visible and maintain the same scale for
all the readings.

Measure initial vibration and plot the vector "O" on graph paper as shown below.

Now, a suitable trial weight has to be attached to the impeller and system response has to be measured. The
trial weight can be placed anywhere on the impeller.

Run the machine & measure vibration. Plot the Response vector "O+T" as shown below.
Please take note of few things before proceeding for the next step.

After attaching trial weight, there has to be a minimum 15% up to 30% change in either vibration response
or phase angle. It does not matter if the reading is on higher side or lower side, the aim is to get a solid
response from attached trial weight.

For example, if initial vibration is 100 microns, then after attaching trial weight, the vibration should change
either below 85 microns or above 115 microns minimum.

If you do not get enough system response (less than 15%) then trial weight needs to be increased before
proceeding further. Balancing requires patience and perseverance, so this minimum 15% rule should not be
skipped.

Now, draw Resultant vector "T" originating from vector "O" and ending at "O+T" as shown below.
For any Balancing job, we need to know how much correction weight to put and where to put it i.e. amount
of weight & location of weight.

Location of Correction Weight

Measure the angle between Initial Vector "O" & Resultant Vector "T".

This is the angle by which trial weight needs to be moved from its current position.

Now, the confusion arises how to move the trial weight, whether towards rotation or against rotation.

There is a simple way to do it.

Check the position of Initial vector "O" wrt Response vector "O+T" and move the trial weight along the
same direction from "O" to "O+T" as shown by red arrows in pic below.

Amount of Correction weight

The formula to find correction weight is as follows -

Initial Vector (O) x Trial weight = Resultant Vector (T) x Correction weight

A simple substitution of parameters in the above formula will give you the amount of correction weight.

Please check out the video explaining dynamic balancing by vector method procedure step by step.