Phase analysis: Making vibration analysis easier

By Tony DeMatteo, 4X Diagnostics, LLC

Figure 1. Vibration Waveform and Spectrum

Figure 2. Engine tuning using a timing light is phase analysis.
Figure 3. Absolute Phase Measurement
Figure 4. Absolute phase is calculated between the tach signal and vibration waveform.
Figure 5. Relative Phase Measurement
Figure 6. Relative Phase Calculated Between Two Vibration Waveforms
Figure 7. Pruftechnik VibXpert 2-Channel Vibration Analyzer
Figure 8. A phase shift between the foot and mount may indicate soft foot.
Figure 9. Phase identifies in-plane or twisting bearing motion.
Figure 10. Horizontal to Vertical Phase Shift of about 90 Degrees Confirms Unbalance
Figure 11. A phase shift between bolted joints indicates looseness.
Figure 12. Phase Data Indicates Parallel Shaft Misalignment
Figure 13. Shaft Operational Deflection Shape
Figure 14. Vertical Pump Operational Deflection Shape Structure Drawing

Vibration Waveform

Vibration Spectrum

Figure 1. Vibration Waveform and Spectrum

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Photo from hiperformancepontiac.com

Figure 2. Engine tuning using a timing light is phase analysis.

Roving
sensor

Reflective tape
on shaft

Tachometer

Figure 3. Absolute Phase Measurement

2
 One revolution
360°
Amplitude

Roving
Vibration
Sensor
Waveform

270° to Peak
Vibration
Tach
Amplitude

Trigger Tachometer
Waveform

Time
Figure 4. Absolute phase is calculated between the tach signal and vibration waveform.

Roving Sensor

Fixed Sensor

Figure 5. Relative Phase Measurement

3
 One revolution
360°

Fixed
Amplitude
Vibration
Sensor
Waveform

270° to Peak
Vibration
Tach
Amplitude

Roving
Trigger
Vibration
Sensor
Waveform

Time
Figure 6. Relative Phase Calculated Between Two Vibration Waveforms

Figure 7. Pruftechnik VibXpert 2-Channel Vibration Analyzer

4
 37◦
200◦

3D
im
ag
ec
ou
rte gy
sy c hnolo
of Vibrant Te

Figure 8. A phase shift between the foot and mount may indicate soft foot.

Phase Data Phase Data

1 120 1 59
2 118 2 119
3 117 3 208
4 122 4 330

1
2
1

4 2
4
3
3

Straight Twist
Figure 9. Phase identifies in-plane or twisting bearing motion.

5
 Vertical
25º Horizontal to Vertical
phase difference
◦ ◦ ◦
110 – 25 = 85
The problem is unbalance

Horizontal

shaft 110º

bearing
Figure 10. Horizontal to Vertical Phase Shift of about 90 Degrees Confirms Unbalance

Bearing
270o
270o
90o

Loose joint

Fan
Pedestal
90o90o
90o

90o
Sole Plate
Concrete
Floor

Figure 11. A phase shift between bolted joints indicates looseness.

6
Phase and Magnitude Bubble Diagram

Boiler Feed Pump 3580 rpm Readings in Velocity, in/sec – Peak

Phase & Magnitude at 1x Turning Speed Transducer flip corrected
◦
175 Phase
Shift
In Phase In Phase

AV BV CV DV
phase phase phase phase

10 15 190 188
Vertical
.17 .29 .26 .15
vibration vibration vibration vibration
Readings
AA
CA
phase
phase
In 100 100 In
Phase
.07 A Motor B C Pump D .04
Phase
vibration
vibration
Axial Axial
Motor
BA
phase
DA Pump
phase
100 100
.06 .03
V vibration
DH vibration
AH BH CH
phase phase phase phase

100 105 270 279

A Horizontal
.15 .25 .23 .13
H vibration vibration vibration vibration Readings

In Phase ◦ In Phase
165 Phase
Shift
Figure 12. Phase Data Indicates Parallel Shaft Misalignment

Bearing # & Displacement Phase

Direction (Mils P-P) (Degrees)

1X 1.72 355
1Y 1.17 76 Generator Shaft
2X 3.08 255
Low Pressure
2Y 2.51 40 Turbine Shaft
High Pressure
3X 1.26 42
Turbine Shaft
3Y 2.56 123
4X 2.37 305 6

4Y 1.36 83
4 5
5X 2.62 355
5Y 0.93 83 2 3

6X 0.65 63 1
6Y 0.85 210 Bearing #

Figure 13. Shaft Operational Deflection Shape

7
 Motor

Pump Shaft
Tube

Sole Plate,
Concrete Base
& Floor

Figure 14. Vertical Pump Operational Deflection Shape Structure Drawing