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monitoring phase 
M Matthew21  Messenger
Hello,

I am trying to understand the concept of phase measurements better in condition

monitoring, as I have read a lot of stuff saying for example 'for unbalance, check if the phase
is 180 degrees out of phase between the bearings,' but there is rarely papers telling you how
to do it (I have to do this using my own software).

There is also the phase measurement shown on a bode plot during start up and coast down,
so I am getting a bit confused.

Is the phase in the first example measured by taking the time waveform from accelerometer
vertical data for example, filtering the data to 1X and then comparing the phase from
different bearings? or am I on the wrong track?

Can it be done with both proximity probes and accelerometers?

Any help is appreciated.

Regards,

Matthew

11/10/2018  21:44

 Original Post

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WS Walt Strong  Leader

Phase Measurements

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The first method requires at least one sensor (accelerometer or proximity probe) and a
tachometer signal connected to vibration analyzer. Most of the high-end vibration analyzers
easily perform this measurement. For this application the vibration phase is referenced to
shaft position at a frequency corresponding to 1X shaft speed. The measurement of
amplitude and phase is used for condition monitoring (detect unbalance change), rotor
balancing, variable speed test, and relative motion of structure (ODS test) that is limited to
vibration frequency at 1X shaft speed.

The second method requires two or more vibration sensors (typically accelerometers) with
one serving as a fixed measurement point reference, and the other is a rover that is moved
to other measurement points (locations-directions) on structure. Typically, the reference
accelerometer is placed at the location-direction with the highest vibration. A vibration
analyzer with two or more channels is used to measure two or more accelerometers
simultaneously. The Transfer Function is computed with the rover accelerometer output
divided by the reference accelerometer output. The computed result is the vibration
amplitude ratio and the phase angle of the rover accelerometer to the reference
accelerometer. Vibration measurements at several measurement points can identify relative
motion along a straight line or in 3D space. Measurements can be plotted manually using
Microsoft Excel spreadsheet or with special software using a 3D dimensional wireframe
model.

My CSI 2120 vibration analyzer can make both types of measurements. I have also
programmed a four channel USB data acquisition module to make these types of
measurements.

Walt

11/10/2018  23:25

M Matthew21  Messenger
Thanks Walt.

So the first is basically referencing the 1X to the tachometer signal, and the second is
referencing two signals to each other by dividing them and thus giving the difference in their
phase if I have understood correctly? So this one is what would be used to check if there was
a 180 degree difference between opposite bearings for example?

Matthew

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12/10/2018  17:44

Becar  Leader
When you deal with 180° phase difference between two bearings, usually it's not because of
unbalance. I said usually, it depends from rotor width, overhung rotor etc... Every case has
it's own story behind.

12/10/2018  20:30 

William_C._Foiles  Leader
The signal are not actually divided, at least in the time domain as real valued signal.  In
effect, a transfer function in the frequency domain would divide as a complex number
valued process, or divide the amplitudes and subtract the phases.

12/10/2018  20:32

WS Walt Strong  Leader

Matthew,

Yes, and Yes provided you correct phase for different orientation of Rover to the Reference.
For example, if Reference is on motor drive-end bearing in axial direction, and Rover in on
pump/fan drive-end bearing in axial direction, then subtract 180-degrees to account for
accelerometer orientation difference. Most ICP accelerometers produce a positive-going
signal outward from the mounting surface.

"for unbalance, check if the phase is 180 degrees out of phase between the bearings" This is
not  a general "rule" to detect rotor unbalance. It can indicate a 2-plane rotor unbalance
and/or resonant structure.

Yes Bill, I was referring to Transfer Function in the Frequency Domain which, by definition,
gives a complex number result from division. I made no mention of Time Domain.

Walt

12/10/2018  21:50

Tags:
phase, accelerometer, vibration, monitoring
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