Tech note:

Vibration measurements
Solve problems related to vibration and resonance

What are vibrations?

Vibrations are common phenomena in any rotating or reciprocating equipment. They are caused by moving masses, residual unbalance, impact, misalignment forces and much, much more. They are not always a problem and sometimes even desirable (for instance in sieve shakers). They can however become a problem when they interfere with normal operation, especially if the forces responsible for the vibrations are large when considering the rigidity of the installation they act upon. This is especially the case when resonance occurs. In such a case, vibration problems can occur which can lead to discomfort, noise, or even serious damage and total breakdown of any installation.

Why perform measurements?

More often than not problems are solved on site by just repairing the construction, sometimes increasing stiffness of a construction. And sometimes this even helps. Most of the times however, the problems just continue to exist. Therefore, this is not the method Techno Fysica uses (and nor should you!). By applying vibration measurements, the installation is looked at from different angles and at different speeds. Vibrations signals are taken at different locations and in different directions. These signals are analysed and show their individual frequency components and vibrations levels. This analysis reveals the cause of the vibrations (for instance, they can result from a residual unbalance, firing order of a combustion engine, misalignment, etcetera.). Also, they give information whether or not the forces are excessive (in which case measures have to be taken to lower these so-called excitation forces) or if resonance occurs. In the latter case, excitation forces can be low, but structural changes will have to be made in order to lead to an acceptable system response.

How does it work?

Depending on the problem, several options are available. The easiest (and cheapest) way is to perform measurements with portable equipment (data collector) with which vibrations are measured at several locations of the installation. This method gives a quick insight in the levels of vibration and frequency information which gives the information necessary to establish the source of the vibrations. This method is usually applied as a start, in order to gain quick information on the problem.
Vibration measurements on a pump, showing resonance near nominal speed

Most of the times, sufficient information is obtained by using this option, avoiding the more elaborate and thus more costly measurements. Sometimes however it is necessary to perform multi-channel, simultaneous measurements (for instance in the case of so-called modal analysis). These are more costly, but yield much more information on the vibration behaviour as they give much insight in mode shapes due to forced or resonant vibrations. Also, such analysis results allow comparison with the calculated mode shapes of Finite element models, which can also be performed by Techno Fysica.

Why Techno Fysica?

Techno Fysica has been performing vibration measurements and analysis for a very long time. At first, as a method of acquiring information on the condition of engines and other types of machinery, later to perform not only vibration measurements but much more, and on all types of installations and equipment. The company has a well established and very good reputation among many manufacturers and users in all types of industry and equipment. Our very vast experience in especially the shipping and dredging branch makes us the preferred party for most of the Dutch dredging companies and ship owners, which rely on Techno Fysica to solve their problems and prolong the operating life of their costly equipment.

Related services:
Apart from vibration measurement, Techno Fysica performs several other services. Examples are: Torsional vibration calculations Torsional vibration measurements with laser equipment or strain gauges. Operational shape deflection calculations Finite element calculations (prediction of vibration behaviour)

For more information:

Please visit www.technofysica.nl or sent an e-mail to info@technofysica.nl