GEK 100469c

Revised January 2009

GE Energy

Allowable Rotor Vibration Limits

(Applies to Bearings of 10 Inches and Larger) (3000 and 3600 rpm Units)

These instructions do not purport to cover all details or variations in equipment nor to provide for every possible
contingency to be met in connection with installation, operation or maintenance. Should further information be
desired or should particular problems arise which are not covered sufficiently for the purchaser's purposes the
matter should be referred to the GE Company.
© General Electric Company, 2009. GE Proprietary Information. All Rights Reserved.
GEK 100469c Allowable Rotor Vibration Limits

I. ALLOWABLE VIBRATION LIMITS

It is important for operators to be aware of vibration levels that are acceptable, and those that need attention.
The following levels are, therefore, provided for operator guidance and are recommended for vibration
monitoring system alarm and trip settings.

Trip Immediately If Vibration

Vibration Monitored Alarm If Vibration Exceeds* Exceeds*
Absolute Shaft Displacement 7 mils (.175 mm) 10 mils (.25 mm)
Relative Shaft Displacement 6 mils (.150 mm) 9 mils (.225 mm)
*All Readings Peak to Peak

These limits are established to allow additional latitude while passing through the critical speeds. If difficul-
ties in maintaining acceptable vibration levels are experienced, the GE representative should be contacted
in order to review the desirability of taking corrective action.

Vibration Alarm and Trip during the unit commissioning period initial start thru performance test be set at
4 mils peak to peak alarm, and the at 6 mils peak trip (relative shaft displacement). Once commissioning
period is over, the alarm and trip points are set to 6 mils peak to peak and 9 mils peak to peak (relative shaft
displacement).

GE Energy
General Electric Company
www.gepower.com

2 © General Electric Company, 2009. GE Proprietary Information. All Rights Reserved.