Machine Vibration Balancing and Condition Monitoring

ISO STANDARDS FOR MACHINE VIBRATION,
BALANCING AND CONDITION MONITORING

REPORT 2021:775
NUCLEAR
VIBRATIONS IN
NUCLEAR APPLICATIONS
ISO Standards for Machine Vibration,
Balancing and Condition Monitoring
Focus on large machines used in power plants
ANDERS NÖREMARK
ISBN 978-91-7673-775-0 | © Energiforsk May 2021

Energiforsk AB | Phone: 08-677 25 30 | E-mail: kontakt@energiforsk.se | www.energiforsk.se
ISO STANDARDS FOR MACHINE VIBRATION, BALANCING AND CONDITION MONITORING
Foreword
Standards are important, both for customers and suppliers, to create a
common ground for discussions in connection to procurement, operation
and maintenance of components. It is something that is often taken for
granted and not acknowledged to its immense value.
In this report Anders Nöremark Senior Specialist Vibration Technology has
summarized the most important standards for vibrations, balancing and condition
monitoring and how to implement them in different cases. Part of texts, figures
and tables are copied from the corresponding standards. It was decided to keep the
original numbering of tables and figures from these standards, instead of
implementing consecutive numbering of tables and figures in this report.
This report is published following an agreement with the Swedish Institute for
Standards. The agreement allows for open publication for one year. All standards
mentioned in this report are available in full text from the Swedish Institute for
Standards.
A reference group with Magnus Adolfsson from Forsmark, Lena Skoglund from
Ringhals and Kent Andersson from OKG has supported in the work. The project
was carried out within the Energiforsk Vibrations in nuclear applications research
program. The stakeholders of the Vibrations program are Vattenfall, Uniper,
Fortum, TVO, Skellefteå Kraft and Karlstad Energi.
These are the results and conclusions of a project, which is part of a research
programme run by Energiforsk. The author/authors are responsible for the content.
3
Sammanfattning
Syftet med rapporten är att göra en sammanställning och beskrivning av
de ISO normer för maskinvibrationer, balansering och
tillståndsövervakning som används eller kan användas i kraftverk. I
rapporten redovisas det viktigaste innehållet och ger även kommentarer
och råd om hur man använder normerna.
Det internationella standardiseringsarbetet drivs inom ISO, som är en oberoende,
icke-statlig internationell organisation med 165 medlemmar (länder) och har 792
Tekniska kommittéer och underkommittéer. Sverige representeras av SIS, Swedish
Standards Institute, och Finland representeras av Finlands
standardiseringsförbund, SFS, inom ISO och den europeiska
standardiseringskommittén CEN.
Frågeställningar kring mekanisk vibration, stöt och tillståndsövervakning ligger

inom den tekniska kommittén ISO/TC 108. Underkommittén SC 2 arbetar med
mätning och utvärdering av mekanisk vibration och stöt som tillämpas på
maskiner, fordon och strukturer. Denna rapport omfattar endast normer som
utvecklats av ISO TC108/SC2, Mätning och utvärdering av vibrationer och stötar
hos maskiner, fordon och strukturer.
Vibrationsnormer är viktiga i kravställning inför investering och efterföljande

acceptanstest. De möjliggör också att man kan dela erfarenheter mellan
anläggningar och jämföra mätvärden. Bra vibrationsnormer resulterar
förhoppningsvis också i förbättrat vibrationsbeteende hos maskiner i drift.
Under 1930-talet blev det möjligt att mäta vibrationer och det uppstod ett behov av
riktlinjer för bedömning av uppmätta vibrationer. En tidig och allmänt använd
vibrationsnorm för stora roterande maskiner publicerades redan 1939 av Rathbone.
Arbetet har sedan fortgått inom ramen för ISO och idag finns det ungefär 20
normer för maskinvibrationer.
Rotorbalansering är en procedur där massfördelningen hos en rotor kontrolleras

och vid behov justeras för att säkerställa att obalanstoleransen uppfylls. Syftet med
att balansera en rotor är att uppnå tillfredsställande vibrationer i drift. Den första
balanseringsnormen publicerades 1973 och idag finns det 10 balanseringsnormer.
Det finns även normer för vibrationstillståndsövervakning och diagnos av

maskiner. Syftet med dessa är att upptäcka vibrationsförändringar som kan skada
maskinen. Dessutom kan informationen användas för att planera underhåll.
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Summary
The purpose of this report is to make a compilation and description of
ISO standards for machine vibration, balancing and condition
monitoring, which are used or can be used in power plants. The report
highlights the most important content and provides comments and
advice on how to use the standards.
The international work on standardisation is conducted by ISO, an independent,
non-governmental international organization with a membership of 165 Members
(Countries) and has 792 Technical committees and subcommittees. Sweden is
represented by SIS, Swedish Standards Institute, and Finland by SFS, Finnish
Standards Association, within ISO and the European standards committee CEN.
Vibrations relating to mechanical vibration, shock and condition monitoring is

included in the technical committee ISO/TC 108. The subcommittee SC 2 features
measurement and evaluation of mechanical vibration and shock as applied to
machines, vehicles and structures. This report covers only standards developed by
ISO TC108/SC2 Measurement and evaluation of mechanical vibration and shock as
applied to machines, vehicles and structures.
Vibration standards are important in procurement of new components and in

acceptance tests to verify that the component behaviour meets the demands in the
procurement. They also facilitate sharing experience with other plants and
comparing measurement data. Furthermore, vibration standards are believed
result in improved vibration behaviour of machines in operation.
During the 1930s it became possible to measure vibrations and the demand for
guidelines for the assessment of measured values occurred. An early and widely
used vibration Standard for large rotating machines was published already in 1939
by Rathbone. The work to develop standards has continued since then, and today
there are 20 standards for machine vibrations.
Rotor balancing is a procedure by which the mass distribution of a rotor (or part or
module) is checked and, if necessary, adjusted to ensure the unbalance tolerance is
met. The aim of balancing any rotor is to achieve satisfactory running when
installed in-situ. The first ISO standards for balancing was published 1973, and
today there are 10 different ISO balancing standards.
There are also standards for vibration condition monitoring of machinery. The
principal purpose of these is to provide information on the operating condition of
the machine for protection and predictive maintenance.
5
List of content
1 Introduction about ISO International Organization for Standardization 8
1.1 ISO Organization and general information. 8
1.2 ISO History 8
1.2.1 ISO Vibration standardization 8
1.3 SIS, Swedish Institute for Standards 9
1.3.1 SIS vibration standardization 9
2 Vocabulary, Terminology and Abbreviations 10
2.1 Terminology 10
2.1.1 Name of ISO documents used during development of standards. 10
2.1.2 Abbreviations 10
2.1.3 ISO Vocabulary 10
3 ISO standards for machine vibration 11
3.1 List of common standards for Bearing and shaft vibrations. 11
3.2 List of common standards for Torsional vibration 11
3.3 List of common standards for Balancing 12
3.4 List of common standards for Vibration condition monitoring 12
4 ISO standards for Machine, bearing and shaft vibration 13
4.1 Why do we need Vibration standards? 13
4.2 Vibration Standards History 13
4.3 ISO 20816- Bearing and shaft vibration 14
4.3.1 ISO 20816-1 General guidelines 14
4.3.2 ISO 20816-2 Land-based gas turbines, steam turbines and
generators in excess of 40 MW 18
4.3.3 ISO 10816-3 Industrial machines measurements on non-rotating
parts 23
4.3.4 ISO 7919-3 Coupled industrial machines measuring on rotating
shafts 25
4.3.5 ISO 20816-4 Gas turbines in excess of 3 MW, with fluid-film
bearings 27
4.3.6 ISO 20816-5 Machine sets in hydraulic power generating and
pump- storage plants. 30
4.3.7 ISO 10816-6 Reciprocating machines with power ratings above
100 kw. 31
4.3.8 ISO 10816-7 Rotodynamic pumps for industrial applications,
including measurements on rotating shafts. 32
4.3.9 ISO 10816-8 Reciprocating compressor systems 34
4.3.10 ISO 20816-9 Gear units 36
5 ISO standard for Torsional vibration 39
5.1.1 ISO 22266-1 Mechanical vibration -Torsional vibration of rotating
machinery 39
6
6 ISO standards for Balancing 40

6.1 Why do we need balancing standards? 40
6.2 Introduction to balancing 40
6.2.1 General 40
6.2.2 Unbalance distribution 41
6.3 Balancing standards 41
6.3.1 Status of published balancing standards and project progress 41
6.3.2 ISO 21940-1 Mechanical vibration. Rotor Balancing. Introduction 42
6.3.3 ISO 21940-11 rotors with rigid behaviour 43
6.3.4 ISO 21940-12 rotors with flexible behaviour 49
6.3.5 ISO 21940 -14 Mechanical vibration — Rotor balancing —
Procedures for assessing balance errors. 58
6.3.6 ISO 21940 -32 Shaft and fitment key convention 59
7 ISO Standards for vibration condition monitoring 61
7.1 ISO 13373- Condition monitoring and diagnostics of machines —
Vibration condition monitoring 61
7.1.1 ISO 13373-1 General procedures 61
7.1.2 ISO 13373-2 Processing, analysis and presentation of vibration
data 63
7.1.3 ISO 13373-3 Guidelines for vibration diagnosis 63
7.1.4 ISO/DIS 13373-4 DRAFT. Diagnostic techniques for gas and steam
turbines with fluid-film bearings 64
7.1.5 ISO 13373-5 Diagnostic techniques for fans and blowers 65
7.1.6 ISO 13373-7 Diagnostic techniques for machine sets in power
generating and pump storage plants. 65
7.1.7 ISO 13373-9 Diagnostic techniques for electrical motors 65
7.1.8 ISO 13373-10 Diagnostic techniques for generators > 50MVA 65
7
1 Introduction about ISO International

Organization for Standardization
1.1 ISO ORGANIZATION AND GENERAL INFORMATION.
ISO is an independent, non-governmental international organization with a
membership of 165 national standards bodies. Through its members, it brings
together experts to share knowledge and develop voluntary, consensus-based,
market relevant International Standards that support innovation and provide
solutions to global challenges.
• ISO standards respond to a need in the market.

• ISO standards are based on global expert opinion.
• ISO standards are based on a consensus.
1.2 ISO HISTORY

In London, in 1946, 65 delegates from 25 countries met to discuss the future of
International Standardization. In 1947, ISO officially comes into existence with 67
technical committees (groups of experts focusing on a specific subject)
• 1947 the new organization, ISO, officially began operations.

• Today 23635 International Standards
• 165 Member (countries)
• 792 Technical committees and subcommittees
• 165 Vibration standards
• 55 SC2 Vibration standards
1.2.1 ISO Vibration standardization

ISO has about 200 Technical Committees. Each technical committee has a number
of subcommittees (SC) and under the subcommittees there are Working Groups
(WG). The Technical Committee TC 108 Mechanical vibration, shock and condition
monitoring (in operation since 1956) consists of following subcommittees:
• SC2 Measurements and evaluation of mechanical vibration and shock to

machines vehicles and structures. (in operation since 1963)
• SC4 Human exposure to mechanical vibration and shock.
• SC5 Condition monitoring and diagnostics of machine systems
• SC6 Vibration and shock generating systems.
SC2 consists of following Working Groups:
• WG 1 Rotor dynamics and vibration of machines

• WG 07 Vibration of machines with active magnetic bearings
• WG 08 Ground-borne noise and vibration from rail systems
• WG 10 Basic technique for vibration diagnostics
• WG 31 Balancing
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The first TC 108 vibration standard ISO 1940 Balancing of Rigid rotors was
published 1973 and ISO 2372 Bearing vibration was published 1974.
1.3 SIS, SWEDISH INSTITUTE FOR STANDARDS

The Swedish Institute for Standards is an international organization specialized on
national and international standards. Private industry and public sector
stakeholders can take initiatives and collaborate on best practices that promote
Sweden’s competitiveness and encourage smart, sustainable development.
• Non-profit organization
• 1161 members
• Over 4500 experts from appr. 1600 companies participate in international
standardization work.
• Members of CEN and ISO
• SIS represent Sweden within CEN and ISO
1.3.1 SIS vibration standardization

• Vibration and shock (Vibration och stöt) - SIS/TK 111.
• Effects of machinery by vibrations (Maskiners påverkan av vibrationer) –
working group AG 2
SIS/TK 111/AG 2 includes standardization in the field of machine vibration. The

Committee is involved and actively influencing the content and guidelines for
future standards, both globally and nationally. AG2 corresponds to ISO TC 108
SC2 WG 1, WG 31 and WG10.
Project manager: Lisa Almkvist SIS lisa.almkvist@sis.se
Chairman: Björn Larsson Siemens, Finspång
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2 Vocabulary, Terminology and Abbreviations

2.1 TERMINOLOGY
2.1.1 Name of ISO documents used during development of standards.

• WD - Working draft (a document just for the working group)
• CD - Committee draft (document sent out for voting)
• DIS - Draft international standard (document sent out for voting)
• FDIS - Final Draft international standard (document sent out for voting)
• Final standard (No existing abbreviation)
2.1.2 Abbreviations
• ISO - International Organization for Standardization.
• TC - Technical Committee
• SC - Sub Committee
• WG - Working group
• VDI - Verein Deutscher Ingenieure
• DIN - Deutsches Institut für Normung
• SIS - Swedish Institute for Standards
• AG - Arbetsgrupp
• TK - Teknisk Kommitté
• API - American Petroleum Institute
2.1.3 ISO Vocabulary

• ISO 2041 Vibration and shock -Vocabulary
• ISO 21940-2 Rotor balancing -Vocabulary
• ISO 13372 Condition monitoring and diagnostics of machines — Vocabulary
• In situ: in its original place (Oxford Advanced Dictionary of Current English)
Author’s comment: installed in the field.
• Low-speed balancing:
procedure for balancing at a balancing speed where the rotor exhibits rigid
behaviour.
• Amendment: Correct a published standard.
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3 ISO standards for machine vibration

This report covers only standards developed by ISO TC108/SC2 Measurement and
evaluation of mechanical vibration and shock as applied to machines, vehicles and
structures. There are also ISO specific product standards that may also have
sections dealing with vibrations (e.g. standards for fans). It is possible to find a list
of all ISO Standards at https://www.iso.org/obp and it is possible to buy standards
from SIS.
3.1 LIST OF COMMON STANDARDS FOR BEARING AND SHAFT VIBRATIONS.

ISO 10816- Bearing vibration and ISO 7919- Shaft vibration, have or will be merged
to a new series ISO 20816- .
• ISO 20816-1: General guidelines (Published 2016)

• ISO 20816-2: Land-based gas turbines, steam turbines and generators in excess
of 40 MW, with fluid-film bearings and rated speeds of 1 500 r/min, 1 800
r/min, 3000 r/min and 3 600 r/min (Published 2017)
• ISO 10816-3: Industrial machines with nominal power above 15 kW and
nominal speeds between 120 r/min and 15 000 r/min when measured in situ.
(Published 2009) Will be revised and merged with ISO 7919-3 to ISO 20816-3.
• ISO 7919-3: Mechanical vibration — Evaluation of machine vibration by
measurements on rotating shafts — Coupled industrial machines (Published
2009) Will be revised and merged with ISO 10816-3 to ISO ISO-20816-3.
• ISO 20816-4: Gas turbines between 3MW and 40 MW and gas turbines with
operating speeds other than 1500, 1800, 3000 and 3600 RPM (Published 2018).
• ISO 20816- 5: Machine sets in hydraulic power generating and pumping plants
(Published 2018).
• ISO 10816-6: Reciprocating machines with power ratings above 100 kW
(Published 1995) New number will be ISO 20816-6.
• ISO 10816- 7: Rotodynamic pumps for industrial applications, including
measurements on rotating shafts. (Published 2009) New number will be ISO
20816-7.
• ISO 20816-8: Reciprocating compressor systems (Published 2018)
• ISO/FDIS 20816-9: Gear units Mechanical vibration — Measurement and
evaluation of machine vibration. (Published 2020)
3.2 LIST OF COMMON STANDARDS FOR TORSIONAL VIBRATION

• ISO 22266-1: Mechanical vibration -Torsional vibration of rotating machinery –
Part 1: Land-based steam and gas turbine generator sets in excess of 50 MW
(Published 2009)
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3.3 LIST OF COMMON STANDARDS FOR BALANCING

• ISO 21940-1: Mechanical vibration — Rotor balancing — Introduction
(Published 2019) (old number ISO 19499)
• ISO 21940-11: Mechanical vibration — Rotor balancing — Procedures and
tolerances for rotors with rigid behaviour. (Published November 2017) (old
number 1940-1)
• ISO 21940-12: Mechanical vibration — Rotor balancing — Procedures and
tolerances for rotors with flexible behaviour. (Published April 2016) (old
number 11342)
• ISO 21940-13: Mechanical vibration — Rotor balancing — Criteria and
safeguards for the in-situ balancing of medium and large rotors. (Published
2012)
• ISO 21940-14: Procedures for assessing balance errors. (Published March 2012)
(old number ISO 1940-2)
• ISO 21940-32: Mechanical vibration — Rotor balancing — Shaft and fitment
key convention. (Published March 2012) (old number ISO 8821)
3.4 LIST OF COMMON STANDARDS FOR VIBRATION CONDITION

MONITORING
• ISO 13373-1: Vibration condition monitoring. (Published 2002)
• ISO 13373-2: Processing, analysis and presentation of vibration data (Published
2016)
• ISO 13373-3: Guidelines for vibration diagnosis (Published 2015)
• ISO 13373-5: Diagnostic techniques for fans and blowers (Published 2006)
• ISO 13373-7: Diagnostic techniques for machine sets in power generating and
pump storage plants. (Published 2017)
• ISO 13373-9: Diagnostic techniques for electrical motors. (Published 2017)
• ISO/DIS 13373-4: DRAFT. Diagnostic techniques for gas and steam turbines
with fluid-film bearings (not published)
• ISO 13373-10: Diagnostic techniques for generators > 50MVA (not published)
12
4 ISO standards for Machine, bearing and shaft

vibration
4.1 WHY DO WE NEED VIBRATION STANDARDS?
• Easier to share experiences with others.
• Easier to compare measurement values with other.
• Simplifies contract writing.
• Facilitates acceptance test.
4.2 VIBRATION STANDARDS HISTORY

During the 1930s it became possible to measure vibrations, and the demand for
guidelines for the assessment of measured values occurred. An early and widely
used vibration standard for large rotating machines up to 5000 RPM was published
in 1939 by Rathbone. Rathbone conducted a major search, where he had
experienced users and inspectors assess the vibrations of machines. This resulted
in the graph below.
Author’s comment: VDI based much of its standard DIN VDI 2056 on Rathbone's results
and ISO based its standard ISO 2372 on DIN 2056. It shows that Rathbone already in
1939 did a very solid job.
13
The first official standard was developed by VDI.
• DIN VDI 2056 - Bearing vibration, 1957.

• DIN VDI 2059 - Shaft vibration, 1972.
• ISO 2372 - Bearing vibration, 1974.
• ISO 3945 - Bearing vibration large machines, 1977.
• ISO 7919 - Shaft vibration, 1986 (many parts)
• ISO 10816 - Bearing vibration 1995 (many parts) (replaced ISO 2372 and ISO
3945)
• ISO 20816 - Bearing and Shaft Vibration 2016 (merge of 7919 and 10816)
4.3 ISO 20816- BEARING AND SHAFT VIBRATION

The old series ISO10816 (bearing vibration) and ISO7919 (shaft vibration) have or
will be changed to ISO 20816 (bearing and shaft vibration).
4.3.1 ISO 20816-1 General guidelines

Published 2016.
4.3.1.1 Introduction
Machines are now being operated at increasingly high rotational speeds and loads,
as well as more flexible operation at part and full load, and under increasingly
severe operating conditions. This has become possible, to a large extent, by the
more efficient use of materials, although this has sometimes resulted in there being
less margin for design and application errors.
At present, it is not uncommon for continuous operation to be expected and

required for 2 years or 3 years between maintenance operations. Consequently,
more restrictive requirements are being specified for operating vibration values of
rotating machinery, in order to ensure continued safe and reliable operation.
This document is a basic document which establishes general guidelines for the
measurement and evaluation of mechanical vibration of machinery, as measured
on rotating and on non-rotating (and, where applicable, non-reciprocating) parts of
complete machines, such as shafts or bearing housings. Recommendations for
measurements and evaluation criteria pertaining to specific machine types are
provided in additional parts of ISO 20816 as they become available as a
replacement of the relevant parts of ISO 7919 and ISO 10816. ISO/TR 19201 gives
an overview over these and further machinery vibration standards.
For some machines, measurements made on non-rotating parts are sufficient to

characterize adequately their running conditions with respect to trouble-free
operation. There are also types of machine, such as steam turbines, gas turbines
and turbo compressors, all of which can have several modes of vibration in the
service speed range, for which measurements on structural members, such as the
bearing housings, might not adequately characterize the running condition of the
machine, although such measurements are useful. Such machines generally
14
contain flexible rotor shaft systems, and changes in the vibration condition can be
detected more decisively and more sensitively by measurements on the rotating
elements. Machines having relatively stiff and/or heavy casings in comparison to
rotor mass are typical of those classes of machines for which shaft vibration
measurements are frequently preferred.
Vibration measurements are used for a number of purposes, ranging from routine
operational monitoring and acceptance tests to advanced experimental testing, as
well as diagnostic and analytical investigations. These various measurement
objectives lead to many differences in methods of interpretation and evaluation. To
limit the number of these differences, this document is designed to provide
guidelines primarily for operational monitoring and acceptance tests.
Three primary vibration quantities (displacement, velocity and acceleration) are

defined, and their limitations given. Adherence to the guidelines presented should,
in most cases, ensure satisfactory service performance.
4.3.1.2 Part of Scope

This document establishes general conditions and procedures for the measurement
and evaluation of vibration using measurements made on rotating, non-rotating
and non-reciprocating parts of complete machines. It is applicable to
measurements of both absolute and relative radial shaft vibration with regard to
the monitoring of radial clearances but excludes axial shaft vibration. The general
evaluation criteria, which are presented in terms of both vibration magnitude and
change of vibration, relate to both operational monitoring and acceptance testing.
They have been provided primarily with regard to securing reliable, safe, long-
term operation of the machine while minimizing adverse effects on associated
equipment. Guidelines are also presented for setting operational limits.
NOTE 1: The evaluation criteria for different classes of machinery will be included
in other parts of ISO 20816 when they become available. In the meantime,
guidelines are given in Clause 5.
NOTE 2: The term “shaft vibration” is used throughout ISO 20816 because, in most
cases, measurements are made on machine shafts. However, the ISO 20816 series is
also applicable to measurements made on other rotating elements if such elements
are found to be more suitable, provided that the guidelines are respected.
For the purposes of ISO 20816, operational monitoring is considered to be those

vibration measurements made during the normal operation of a machine. The ISO
20816 series permits the use of different measurement quantities and methods,
provided that they are well-defined, and their limitations are set out, so that the
interpretation of the measurements is well-understood.
The evaluation criteria relate only to the vibration produced by the machine itself
and not the vibration transmitted to it from outside.
15
4.3.1.3 Measurement
Following measurement quantities can be used:
a) vibration displacement, measured in µm (micrometers).

b) vibration velocity, measured in mm/s (millimeters per second).
c) vibration acceleration, measured in m/s² (meters per square second).
Generally, it can be stated that the preferred measurement quantity for the
measurement of vibration of non-rotating parts is r.m.s. velocity while the
preferred measurement quantity for the measurement of shaft vibration is peak-to-
peak displacement.
4.3.1.4 Position of vibration pickups
4.3.1.5
16
Figure 3 - Measuring points for vertical machine sets.
4.3.1.6 Evaluation zones

The following evaluation zones are defined to permit a qualitative assessment of
the vibration on a given machine under steady-state conditions at normal
operating speed and to provide guidelines on possible actions. Different
categorization and number of zones may apply for specific machine types. These
are provided in additional parts of ISO 20816.
• Zone A: The vibration of newly commissioned machines normally falls within

this zone. NOTE: The effort required to achieve vibration within zone A can be
disproportionate and unnecessary.
• Zone B: Machines with vibration within this zone are normally considered
acceptable for unrestricted long-term operation.
• Zone C: Machines with vibration within this zone are normally considered
unsatisfactory for long-term continuous operation. Generally, the machine
may be operated for a limited period in this condition until a suitable
opportunity arises for remedial action.
• Zone D: Vibration values within this zone are normally considered to be of
sufficient severity to cause damage to the machine.
Author’s comment: ISO 20816-1 is a very good base for other standards in the series
20816-. It also makes it easier for those who use other standards in the series 20816-.
17
4.3.2 ISO 20816-2 Land-based gas turbines, steam turbines and generators in
excess of 40 MW
Published 2017.
Complete Title - Mechanical vibration — Measurement and evaluation of machine

vibration — Part 2: Land-based gas turbines, steam turbines and generators in
excess of 40 MW, with fluid-film bearings and rated speeds of 1 500 r/min, 1 800
r/min, 3 000 r/min and 3 600 r/min
Author’s comment: Some of the text in ISO 10816-3, 7919-3 and 20816-4 is identical to
parts of the text in ISO 20816-2. This applies, for example, to ZONE subdivision A B C D,
setting of alarms and setting of trips. The author has therefore chosen to include this text in
20816-2 and not to repeat the same text in the other standards.
ISO 20816-1 provides the general requirements for evaluating the vibration of
various machine types when the vibration measurements are made on both non-
rotating and rotating parts. This document provides specific provisions for
assessing the vibration of the bearing housings or pedestals and rotating shafts of
large, land-based gas turbines, steam turbines and generators. Measurements at
these locations characterize the state of vibration reasonably well. Evaluation
criteria, based on previous experience, are presented. These can be used for
assessing the vibratory condition of such machines. It should be noted that in those
cases where there is a high ratio between the mass of the bearing supports and the
rotor, lower values of vibration of the bearing housings or pedestals can be
appropriate.
Two criteria are provided for assessing the machine vibration when operating
under steady-state conditions. One criterion considers the magnitude of the
observed vibration; the second considers changes in the magnitude. In addition,
different criteria are provided for transient operating conditions.
The evaluation procedures presented in this document are based on broad-band

measurements. However, because of advances in technology, the use of narrow-
band measurements or spectral analysis has become increasingly widespread,
particularly for the purposes of vibration evaluation, condition monitoring and
diagnostics. The specification of criteria for such measurements is beyond the
scope of this document. They are dealt with in greater detail in the relevant parts of
ISO 13373 which establish provisions for the vibration condition monitoring of
machines.

This document is applicable to land-based gas turbines, steam turbines and
generators (whether coupled with gas and/or steam turbines) with power outputs
greater than 40 MW, fluid-film bearings and rated speeds of 1 500 r/min, 1 800
r/min, 3 000 r/min or 3 600 r/min. The criteria provided in this document can be
applied to the vibration of the gas turbine, steam turbine and generator (including
synchronizing clutches). This document establishes provisions for evaluating the
severity of the following in-situ, broad-band vibration:
18
a) structural vibration at all main bearing housings or pedestals measured radial

(i.e. transverse) to the shaft axis;
b) structural vibration at thrust bearing housings measured in the axial direction;
c) vibration of rotating shafts radial (i.e. transverse) to the shaft axis at, or close to,
the main bearings.
These are in terms of the following:
• vibration under normal steady-state operating conditions;

• vibration during other (non-steady-state) conditions when transient changes
are taking place, including run up or run down, initial loading and load
changes;
• changes in vibration which can occur during normal steady-state operation.
Author’s comment: It is difficult to set standard limits on the size of changes that can be
allowed, and therefore this evaluation is rarely used. It is often useful to evaluate changes in
vibration, but in these cases the limits are normally based on own experience.
This document is not applicable to the following:
i) electromagnetic excited vibration with twice line frequency at the generator

stator windings, core and housing;
ii) aero-derivative gas turbines (including gas turbines with dynamic properties
similar to those of aero-derivatives);
NOTE: ISO 3977-3 defines aero-derivatives as aircraft propulsion gas generators

adapted to drive mechanical, electrical or marine propulsion equipment. Large
differences exist between heavy-duty and aero-derivative gas turbines, for
example, in casing flexibility, bearing design, rotor-to-stator mass ratio and
mounting structure. Different criteria, therefore, apply for these two turbine types.
iii) steam turbines and/or generators with outputs less than or equal to 40 MW or
with rated speeds other than 1 500 r/min, 1 800 r/min, 3 000 r/min or 3 600 r/min
(although generators seldom fall into this latter category) (see ISO 7919-3 and ISO
10816-3);
iv) gas turbines with outputs less than or equal to 40 MW or with rated speeds
other than 1 500 r/min, 1 800 r/min, 3 000 r/min or 3 600 r/min (see ISO 7919-3 or
ISO 7919-4 and ISO 10816-3 or ISO 10816-4);
v) the evaluation of combustion vibration but does not preclude monitoring of

combustion vibration.
19
4.3.2.3 Typical measuring points and directions

Measurements of vibration of non-rotating parts
Typical measuring points and directions on steam turbine bearing pedestals and bearing caps.
Typical measuring points and directions on a gas turbine bearing.
20
Measurements of vibration of rotating shafts
Schematic diagram for measurement of relative motion of the shaft using non-contacting transducers.
The locations of vibration measurements should be such that the transverse

movement of the shaft at points of importance can be assessed. Typically, this
requires measuring in two radial directions with a pair of orthogonal transducers
at, or adjacent to, each main bearing. The transducers may be placed at any angular
location, but it is common practice to select locations on the same bearing half
which are either at ±45° to the vertical direction (top dead centre 12 o’clock
position) or close to the vertical and horizontal directions.
4.3.2.4 Evaluation zones

The following evaluation zones are defined to permit a qualitative assessment of
the vibration on a given machine under steady-state conditions at normal
operating speed and to provide guidelines on possible actions. Different
categorization and number of zones may apply for specific machine types. These
are provided in additional parts of ISO 20816.
• Zone A: The vibration of newly commissioned machines normally falls within

this zone.
NOTE: The effort required to achieve vibration within zone A can be
disproportionate and unnecessary.
• Zone B: Machines with vibration within this zone are normally considered
acceptable for unrestricted long-term operation.
• Zone C: Machines with vibration within this zone are normally considered
unsatisfactory for long-term continuous operation. Generally, the machine
21
may be operated for a limited period in this condition until a suitable

opportunity arises for remedial action.
• Zone D: Vibration values within this zone are normally considered to be of
4.3.2.5 Evaluation zone boundaries for vibration of non-rotating parts

The tables give different values depending on type of machine and operating
speed.
Zone A: The vibration of newly commissioned machines normally falls within this
zone.
Zone B: Acceptable for unrestricted long-term operation.
Zone C: Unsatisfactory for long- term continuous operation.
Zone D: sufficient severity to cause damage to the machine.
4.3.2.6 Evaluation zone boundaries for vibration of rotating shafts
Zone A: The vibration of newly commissioned machines normally falls within this
zone.
Zone B: Acceptable for unrestricted long-term operation.
Zone C: Unsatisfactory for long- term continuous operation
Zone D: Vibration values within this zone are normally considered to be of

22
4.3.2.7 Alarm limit during run up, run down and overspeed
4.3.2.8 Acceptance criteria

• Acceptance criteria should always be subject to agreement between the
machine supplier and purchaser.
• The evaluation zones provide a basis for defining acceptance criteria, but the
numerical limits are not intended to serve as acceptance specifications.
• Historically, for new machines, acceptance criteria have been specified in zone
A or zone B but would normally not exceed 1,25 times the zone A/B boundary.
4.3.2.9 Setting of ALARMS

• The ALARM limits can vary for individual machines. It is recommended that
the values chosen should normally be set relative to baseline values
determined from experience for the measurement position or direction for that
particular machine.
• It is recommended that the ALARM limit be set higher than the baseline by an
amount equal to 25 % of the zone boundary B/C. The ALARM limit should not
normally exceed 1,25 times the zone boundary B/C.
4.3.2.10 Setting of TRIPS

• The TRIP limits generally relate to the mechanical integrity of the machine and
are dependent on any specific design features which have been introduced to
enable the machine to withstand abnormal dynamic forces.
• It is not possible to give more precise guidelines for absolute TRIP limits. In
general, the TRIP limit is within zone C or D, but it is recommended that it not
exceed 1,25 times the zone boundary C/D.
4.3.3 ISO 10816-3 Industrial machines measurements on non-rotating parts

Published 2009.
Will be revised and merged with ISO 7919-3 to ISO 20816-3.
ISO 10816-1 (ISO 20816-1) is the basic document describing the general
requirements for evaluating the vibration of various machine types when the
vibration measurements are made on non-rotating parts. ISO 10816-1 provides
specific guidance for assessing the severity of vibration measured on bearings,
23
bearing pedestals, or housings of industrial machines when measurements are

made in situ.
Two criteria are provided for assessing the machine vibration. One criterion
considers the magnitude of the observed vibration; the second considers the
changes in the magnitude. It must be recognized, however, that these criteria do
not form the only basis for judging the severity of vibration. For some machine
types, it is also common to judge the vibration based on measurements taken on
the rotating shafts. Shaft vibration measurement requirements and criteria are
addressed in separate documents, namely ISO 7919-1 and ISO 7919-3.

ISO 10816-3 gives criteria for assessing vibration levels when measurements are
made in situ. The criteria specified apply to machine sets having a power above 15
kW and operating speeds between 120 r/min and 15 000 r/min.
The machine sets covered by ISO 10816-3 include:
• steam turbines with power up to 50 MW

• steam turbine sets with power greater than 50 MW and speeds below 1 500
r/min or above 3 600 r/min (not included in ISO 10816-2)
• rotary compressors
• industrial gas turbines with power up to 3 MW
• generators
• electrical motors of any type
• blowers or fans
NOTE: However, the vibration criteria presented in ISO 10816-3 are generally only
applicable to fans with power ratings greater than 300 kW or fans which are not
flexibly supported. As and when circumstances permit, recommendations for other
types of fans, including those with lightweight sheet metal construction, will be
prepared. Until such time, classifications can be agreed between the manufacturer
and the customer.
The following are excluded from ISO 10816-3:
• land-based steam turbine generator sets with power greater than 50 MW and
speeds of 1 500 r/min, 1 800 r/min, 3 000 r/min or 3 600 r/min (see ISO 10816-2)
• gas turbine sets with power greater than 3 MW (see ISO 10816-4)
• machine sets in hydraulic power generating and pumping plants (see ISO
10816-5)
• machines coupled to reciprocating machines (see ISO 10816-6)
Author’s comment: New numbers of ISO 10816-2, ISO 10816-4, 10816-5 are ISO 20816-
2, ISO 20816-4, 20816-5.
Author’s comment: There is a new AMENDMENT 1 and the most important changes of
ISO 10816-3 are:
The machine sets covered by this part of ISO 10816 include:
• steam turbines and generators with outputs less than or equal to 40 MW;
24
• Steam turbines and generators with outputs greater than 40 MW and speeds other
than 1 500 r/min, 1 800 r/min, 3 000 r/min or 3 600 r/min (although generators
seldom fall into this category);
4.3.3.3 Example of evaluations Zones for boundaries for vibration of non-

rotating parts.
4.3.4 ISO 7919-3 Coupled industrial machines measuring on rotating shafts

Published 2009.
Will be revised and merged with ISO 10816-3 to ISO ISO-20816-3.
ISO 7919-03 specifies guidelines for measuring transverse shaft vibration on
coupled industrial machines. Evaluation criteria, based on previous experience, are
given for use as guidelines for assessing the vibratory conditions of such machines.
A general description of the principles that are generally applicable for the
measurement and evaluation of shaft vibration of non-reciprocating machines is
outlined in ISO 7919-1 (ISO 20816-1.)

ISO 7919-3 gives guidelines for applying evaluation criteria of shaft vibration
under normal operating conditions, measured at or close to the bearings of
coupled industrial machines. These guidelines are presented in terms of both
steady running vibration and any amplitude changes which can occur in these
steady values. The numerical values specified are not intended to serve as the only
basis for vibration evaluation since, in general, the vibratory condition of a
machine is assessed by consideration of both the shaft vibration and the associated
structural vibration.
ISO 7919-3 applies to coupled industrial machines with fluid-film bearings, having
maximum continuous rated speeds in the range 1 000 r/min to 30 000 r/min and not
limited by size and power, comprising:
• steam turbines
25
• turbocompressors
• turbogenerators
• turbofans
• electric drives and associated gears
• rotodynamic pumps (turbo pumps)
The information relating to pumps provided in ISO 7919-3 complements that given
in ISO 10816-7. In particular, the conditions for in-situ operation, performing
acceptance tests and the influence of bearing clearance given in ISO 10816-7 shall
be taken into account when evaluating the shaft vibration of pumps.
ISO 7919-3 is neither applicable to land-based steam turbine-generator sets for

power stations with outputs greater than 50 MW (see ISO 7919-2), nor machine sets
in hydraulic power generating and pumping plants with outputs of 1 MW or
greater (see ISO 7919-5).
Author’s comment: There is a new AMENDMENT 1 and the most important changes of
ISO 7919-3 are:
The machine sets covered in ISO 7919 include:
• steam turbines and generators with outputs less than or equal to 40 MW;
• steam turbines and generators with outputs greater than 40 MW and speeds other
than 1 500 r/min, 1 800 r/min, 3 000 r/min or 3 600 r/min (although generators
seldom fall into this category);
4.3.4.3 Zone limits
n= RPM, Revs. per. minute
S(p−p) = peak-peak μm
26
Author’s comment: Standards ISO10816-3 and ISO 7919-3 will be merged by 20816-3.
These standards cover many machine types and are widely used. The vibration limits Zone
A, B, C, D seems to be well-researched.
4.3.5 ISO 20816-4 Gas turbines in excess of 3 MW, with fluid-film bearings
Published 2018.
Documents in the ISO 20816 series have been and are being developed to combine
and supersede the ISO 7919 and ISO 10816 series.
ISO 20816-1 is the basic part of the ISO 20816 series that gives the general
requirements for evaluating the vibration of various machine types when the
vibration measurements are made on both non- rotating and rotating parts. ISO
20816-2 deals with the measurement and evaluation of machine vibration of large
gas turbines with certain rotational speeds.
This document provides specific provisions for assessing the vibration of the
bearing housings or pedestals and rotating shafts of those gas turbines which are
not covered by ISO 20816-2. Measurements at these locations characterize the state
of vibration reasonably well. Evaluation criteria, based on previous experience, are
presented. These can be used for assessing the vibratory condition of such
machines. In those cases where there is a high ratio between the mass of the
bearing supports and the rotor, lower values of vibration of the bearing housings
or pedestals can be appropriate.
27
Two criteria are provided for assessing the machine vibration when operating
under steady-state conditions. One criterion considers the magnitude of the
observed vibration; the second considers changes in the magnitude. In addition,
different criteria are provided for transient operating conditions.

scope of this document. They are provided in greater detail in the relevant parts of
ISO 13373 which establish provisions for the vibration condition monitoring of
machines.

This document is applicable to land-based gas turbines with fluid-film bearings
and power outputs greater than 3 MW and an operating speed under load between
3 000 r/min and 30 000 r/min. In some cases (see the list of exclusions below), this
includes other rotating machinery coupled either directly or through a gearbox.
The evaluation criteria provided in this document are applicable to the vibration of
the main input and output bearings of the gearbox but are not applicable to the
vibration of the internal gearbox bearings nor to the assessment of the condition of
those gears. Specialist techniques required for evaluating the condition of gears are
outside the scope of this document.
This document is not applicable to the following:
i) gas turbines with power outputs greater than 40 MW at rated speeds of 1 500
r/min, 1 800 r/min, 3 000 r/min or 3 600 r/min (see ISO 20816-2);
ii) aero-derivative gas turbines (including gas turbines with dynamic properties
similar to those of aero-derivatives);
NOTE: ISO 3977-3 defines aero-derivatives as aircraft propulsion gas generators

adapted to drive mechanical, electrical or marine propulsion equipment. Large
differences exist between heavy-duty and aero-derivative gas turbines, for
example, in casing flexibility, bearing design, rotor-to-stator mass ratio and
mounting structure. Different criteria, therefore, apply for these two turbine types.
iii) gas turbines with outputs less than or equal to 3 MW (see ISO 7919-3 and ISO
10816-3);
iv) turbine driven generators (see ISO 20816-2, ISO 7919-3 and ISO 10816-3);
v) turbine driven pumps (see ISO 10816-7);
vi) turbine driven rotary compressors (see ISO 7919-3 and ISO 10816-3);
vii) the evaluation of gearbox vibration (see this clause) but does not preclude
monitoring of gearbox vibration;
28
viii) the evaluation of combustion vibration but does not preclude monitoring of
combustion vibration;
ix) rolling element bearing vibration.
This document establishes provisions for evaluating the severity of the following
in-situ broad-band vibrations:
a) structural vibration at all main bearing housings or pedestals measured radial

(i.e. transverse) to the shaft axis;
b) structural vibration at thrust bearing housings measured in the axial direction;
c) vibration of rotating shafts radial (i.e. transverse) to the shaft axis at, or close to,
the main bearings.
4.3.5.3 Evaluation zone boundaries for vibration of non-rotating parts
Author’s comment: Same limits as in ISO 10814-4
4.3.5.4 Evaluation zone boundaries for vibration of rotating shafts
n= RPM, Revs. per. minute
S(p−p) = peak-peak μm
29
Comment: ISO 20816-4 is a merger of ISO 10816-4 and ISO 7919-4. One difference
between ISO 20816-4 compared to ISO 10816-4 and ISO 7919-4 is that the power
limit has been changed to <40MW. Gas turbines with power > 40 MW are now
available in ISO 20816-2.
4.3.6 ISO 20816-5 Machine sets in hydraulic power generating and pump-
storage plants.
Published 2018.
ISO 20816-5provides specific guidance for the vibration of housings and shafts of
machine sets installed in hydraulic power generating and pump-storage plants.
This document covers the analysis of both shaft vibration and vibration of fixed,
non-rotating parts.
Vibration criteria have been established for horizontal axis and vertical axis
machines and have been developed for each type of turbine (Bulb, Francis, Pelton,
Kaplan) when used for generating and also for pumping where appropriate. The
vibration magnitudes criteria provided in this document are guidelines based on
statistics; the magnitude values given should not be used as guarantees. It is
recommended that the vibration assessment is performed by a vibration expert
selected in common agreement by all parties. To identify the good behavior of a
hydraulic machine, it is essential to look at the following points together:
30

This document provides guidelines for evaluating the vibration measurements
made at the bearings, bearing pedestals or bearing housings and also for
evaluating relative shaft vibration measurements made on machine sets in
hydraulic power generating and pump-storage plants when the machine is
operating within its normal operating range. The normal operating ranges for each
type of turbine covered by this document are defined in Annex A.
This document is applicable to machine sets in hydraulic power generating plants

and in pump-storage plants with typical rotational speeds of 60 r/min to 1 000
r/min fitted with shell or pad (shoe) type oil- lubricated bearings.
4.3.7 ISO 10816-6 Reciprocating machines with power ratings above 100 kw.
Published 1995.
ISO 10816-6 establishes procedures and guidelines for the measurement and
classification of mechanical vibration of reciprocating machines. In general, this
part of ISO 10816 refers to vibration of the main structure of the machine, and the
guide values given for these vibrations are defined primarily to classify the
vibration of the machine and to avoid problems with auxiliary equipment
mounted on this structure. Recommendations for measurements and evaluation
criteria are provided in this part of ISO 10816.
Typical features of reciprocating machines are the oscillating masses, the cyclically
varying output (input) torques and the pulsating forces in the associated pipework.
All these features cause considerable alternating forces on the main supports and
vibration amplitudes of the main frame. The vibration amplitudes are generally
higher than for rotating machinery but, since they are largely determined by the
design features of the machine, they tend to remain more constant over the life of
the machinery than for rotating machinery.
In the case of reciprocating machines, the vibration measured on the main

structure of the machine and quantified according to this part of ISO 10816 may
only give a rough idea of the stresses and vibratory states of the components
within the machine itself. For example, torsional vibration of rotating parts cannot
generally be determined by measurements on the structural parts of the machine.
The damage, which can occur when exceeding the guide values based on
experience with similar machined, is sustained predominantly by machine-
mounted components (e.g. turbo-chargers, heat-exchangers, governors, filters,
pumps), connecting elements of the machine with its peripheral parts (e.g.
pipelines) or monitoring instruments (e.g. pressure gauges, thermometers). The
question as from which vibration values damage is to be expected largely depends
on the design of these components and their fastenings.
The vibration values of reciprocating piston machines are not only affected by the
properties of the machine itself but also to a large degree by the foundation. Since a
reciprocating machine can act as a vibration generator, vibration isolation between
31
the machine and its foundation may be necessary. This, as well as the vibration
response of the foundation, can have considerable effect on the vibration of the
machine itself. These vibration conditions are also dependent on the
transmissibility of the environment surrounding the machine and are therefore not
entirely determined by the vibration values of the machine itself. This part of ISO
10816 can therefore only take an advisory role in relation to the effects of the
machine on the environment.

This part of ISO 10816 specifies the general conditions and procedures for the
measurement and evaluation of vibration, using measurements made on the non-
rotating and non-reciprocating parts of complete machines. Shaft vibration,
including torsional vibration, is beyond the scope of this part of ISO 10816.
It generally applies to reciprocation piston machines mounted either rigidly or

resiliently with power ratings of above 100 kW. Typical examples of application
are: marine propulsion engines, marine auxiliary engines, engines operating in
diesel generator sets, gas compressors and engines for diesel locomotives.
The general evaluation criteria which are presented relate to both operational
monitoring and acceptance testing. They are also used to ensure that the machine
vibration does not adversely affect the equipment directly mounted on the
machine.
Consideration should also be given to the machinery driven by or driving the

reciprocating machine. These should be evaluated in accordance with relevant
standards and classification for the intended duty.
It is recognized that the evaluation criteria may only have limited application when
considering the effects of internal machine components; for example, problems
associated with valves, loose pistons, piston rings, etc. are unlikely to be reflected
in the measurements. Identification of such problems requires investigative
techniques which are outside the scope of this part of ISO 10816. Noise is also
outside the scope of this part of ISO 10816.
This part of ISO 10816 does not apply to machines installed in road vehicles (e.g.
trucks, passenger cars, self-propelling construction machinery and tractors).
4.3.8 ISO 10816-7 Rotodynamic pumps for industrial applications, including

measurements on rotating shafts.
Published 2009.
Vibration measurements on rotodynamic pumps can be useful for many purposes,
e.g. for the operational monitoring, acceptance test and for diagnostic or analytic
investigation (condition monitoring).
ISO 10816-7 is based on vibration data gathered from a survey of about 1 500
pumps operating both in situ and at various test facilities. This survey included
32
pumps of different types, speed and power, operating over a wide range of flows.
Due to the large number of vibration measurements, these data are considered to
be representative of pumps that are operating satisfactorily, though there is a lack
of information about the mean time between failure and operating conditions for
the measured values.

ISO 10816-7 gives instructions for the evaluation of vibration on rotodynamic
pumps for industrial applications with nominal power above 1 kW. It defines the
special requirements for evaluation of vibration when the vibration measurements
are made on non-rotating parts (bearing housing vibration). It provides specific
guidance for assessing the severity of vibration measured on bearing housings of
rotodynamic pumps in situ and for the acceptance test at the manufacturer’s test
facility or in the plant. It also gives general information and guidelines for
assessing relative shaft vibration of the rotating shaft.
It specifies zones and limits for the vibration of horizontal and vertical pumps
irrespective of their support flexibility. The general evaluation criteria are valid for
operational monitoring of rotodynamic pumps and for acceptance tests in situ or at
the manufacturer’s test facility if specified. For the acceptance test at the
manufacturer’s test facility, special conditions are given.
4.3.8.3 Evaluation zones and conditions for operation in situ and acceptance
tests
ISO 10816-7 divides pumps into two categories as follows:
a) Category I: Pumps required to have a high level of reliability, availability or

safety reasons (e.g. pumps for toxic and/or hazardous liquids; for critical
application, oil and gas, special chemical, nuclear or power plant application);
b) Category II: Pumps for general or less critical application (e.g. pumps for non-
hazardous liquids).
NOTE: Vertical suspended pumps (pump designations VS 1 to VS 7 according to

ISO 13709 [10]) with speeds above 600 r/min are usually within Category II.
For each of these categories, different vibration limits apply. Therefore, the
classification of a pump has to be agreed upon between the manufacturer and the
user.
33
4.3.8.4 Zone limits for vibration of non-rotating parts of rotodynamic pumps

with power above 1 kW
4.3.9 ISO 10816-8 Reciprocating compressor systems

Published 2018.
ISO 20816-1 gives general guidelines for the evaluation of machine vibration by
measurements on both non-rotating parts and rotating shafts. The present
document, however, establishes special procedures and guidelines for the
measurement and classification of mechanical vibration of reciprocating
compressors. Since, in general, it is not common to measure shaft vibration, this
document refers to vibration of the main structure of the compressor, including the
foundation, pulsation dampers and attached pipe system. The guidance values
given for these vibrations are defined primarily to classify the vibration and to
avoid problems with auxiliary equipment mounted on these structures.
Recommendations for measurements and evaluation criteria are provided in this
document.
Typical features of reciprocating compressors are the oscillating masses, the

cyclically varying torques, cylinder stretch and the pulsating forces in the
cylinders, pulsation dampers and the pipe system. All these features cause
34
alternating loads on the main supports and vibration of the compressor system.
The vibration values of reciprocating compressor systems are generally larger than
for rotating compressors but, since they are largely determined by the design
features of the compressor, they tend to remain more constant over the life of the
system than for rotating machinery.
In the case of reciprocating compressor systems, the vibration measured on the

main structure of the compressor (including the foundation, pulsation dampers
and piping) and quantified according to this document can only give a rough idea
of the vibratory states of the components within the machine itself.
The damage which can occur when exceeding the guidance values based on
experience with similar compressor systems is sustained predominantly by
machine-mounted components (e.g. instrumentation, heat exchangers, filters,
pumps), connecting elements of the compressor with its peripheral parts (e.g.
pipelines) or monitoring instruments (e.g. pressure gauges, thermometers). The
question as above which vibration values damage is to be expected largely
depends on the design of these components and their fastenings. In some cases,
special measurements on certain compressor system components can be required
to ascertain that the vibration values do not cause damage. It also happens that,
even if measured values are within the guidance values of this document,
problems occur owing to the great variety of components which can be attached.
Local vibration problems as described above can be rectified by specific “local

measures” (e.g. by elimination of resonances). Experience has shown, however,
that it is possible in the majority of cases to state measurable quantities
characterizing the vibratory state and to give guidance values for these. This shows
that the measurable variables and the guidance values for acceptable vibration in
most cases permit a reliable evaluation.
If the measured vibration values as given in this document do not exceed the
guidance values, abnormal wear of internal compressor components caused by
vibration is unlikely to occur.
The vibration values of reciprocating compressor systems are not only affected by
the properties of the compressor itself but also, to a large degree, by the
foundation. Since a reciprocating compressor can act as a vibration generator,
vibration isolation between the compressor and its foundation can be necessary.
The vibration response of the foundation and the vibration from adjacent
equipment can have considerable effect on the vibration of the compressor system.

This document establishes procedures and guidelines for the measurement and
classification of mechanical vibration of reciprocating compressor systems. The
vibration values are defined primarily to classify the vibration of the compressor
system and to avoid fatigue problems with parts in the reciprocating compressor
system, i.e. foundation, compressor, dampers, piping and auxiliary equipment
mounted on the compressor system. Shaft vibration is not considered.
35
This document applies to reciprocating compressors mounted on rigid foundations

with typical rotational speed ratings in the range 120 r/min up to and including
1 800 r/min. The general evaluation criteria which are presented relate to
operational measurements. The criteria are also used to ensure that machine
vibration does not adversely affect the equipment directly mounted on the
machine, e.g. pulsation dampers and the pipe system.
NOTE: The general guidelines presented in this document can also be applied to
reciprocating compressors outside the specified speed range, but different
evaluation criteria might be appropriate in this case.
The machinery driving the reciprocating compressor, however, is evaluated in

accordance with the appropriate part of ISO 10816, ISO 20816 or other relevant
standards and classification for the intended duty. Drivers are not included in this
document.
It is recognized that the evaluation criteria might only have limited application
when considering the effects of internal machine components, e.g. problems
associated with valves, pistons and piston rings might be unlikely to be detected in
the measurements. Identification of such problems can require investigative
diagnostic techniques which are outside the scope of this document.
Examples of reciprocating compressor systems covered by this document are:
• horizontal, vertical, V-, W- and L-type compressor systems,

• constant and variable speed compressors,
• compressors driven by electric motors, gas and diesel engines, steam turbines,
with or without a gearbox, flexible or rigid coupling, and
• dry running and lubricated reciprocating compressors.
This document does not apply to hyper compressors.
The guidelines are not intended for condition monitoring purposes. Noise is also
outside the scope of this document.
4.3.10 ISO 20816-9 Gear units

Published 2020.
ISO 20816-9 (this document) provides specific provisions for assessing the
vibration of individually housed, enclosed, speed increasing or speed reducing
gear units. It can be used for acceptance testing, and, by agreement between
manufacturer and customer and/or operator, for guidance for routine operational
measurements.
Guidance is provided for assessing the vibration of gear units when operating
under steady-state conditions and considering the magnitude of the observed
vibration. However, no criteria are provided for transient operating conditions.

36

scope of this document. They are provided in greater detail in the relevant parts of
the ISO 13373 series which establish requirements for the vibration condition
monitoring of machines.

This document specifies requirements for determining and classifying mechanical
vibration of individually housed, enclosed, speed increasing or speed reducing
gear units. It specifies methods for measuring housing and shaft vibrations, and
the types of instrumentation, measurement methods and testing procedures for
determining vibration magnitudes. Vibration grades for acceptance are included.
Torsional vibration measurements are outside the scope of this document.
It applies to a gear unit operating within its design speed, load, temperature and
lubrication range for acceptance testing at the manufacturer's facility. By
agreement between manufacturer and customer and/or operator, it can be used for
guidelines for on-site acceptance testing and for routine operational measurements.
This document applies to gear units of nominal power rating from 10 kW to 100
MW and nominal rotational speeds between 30 r/min and 12 000 r/min (0,5 Hz to
200 Hz).
This document does not apply to special or auxiliary drive trains, such as
integrated gear-driven compressors, pumps, turbines, etc., or gear type clutches
used on combined-cycle turbo generators and power take-off gears.
The evaluation criteria provided in this document can be applied to the vibration
of the main input and output bearings of the gearbox and to the vibration of
internal shaft bearings. They can have limited application to the evaluation of the
condition of those gears. Specialist techniques for evaluating the condition of gears
are outside the scope of this document.
This document establishes provisions under normal steady-state operating

conditions for evaluating the severity of the following in-situ broad-band
vibration:
a) Structural vibration at all main bearing housings or pedestals measured

radially (i.e. transverse) to the shaft axis
b) Structural vibration at thrust bearing housings measured in the axial

direction
c) Vibration of rotating shafts radially (I.e. transverse) to the shaft axis at, or
close to, the main bearings
d) Structural vibration on the gear casing.
37
NOTE: Vibration occurring during non-steady-state conditions (when transient

changes are taking place), Including run up or run down, initial loading and load
changes are outside the scope of this document.
Author’s comment: This standard is new and based on ISO 8579-2:1993, which was
withdrawn in 2016. ISO 8579-2 was not below TC108 but is a product standard, which
was intended for acceptance in connection with workshop tests. ISO 20816-9 is a TC108
standard designed for measurements on machines installed in the field.
The Zone limits in ISO 20816-9 are based on previous International Standards, and on the
results of a survey which was carried out when the predecessor standards ISO 7919 (all
parts) and ISO 10816 (all parts) were initially developed and on the feedback provided by
users.
The author has limited experience with the standards ISO 20816-5, ISO 10816-6, ISO
10816-7 and ISO 10816-8 and therefore comments of these standards have been omitted.
38
5 ISO standard for Torsional vibration

5.1.1 ISO 22266-1 Mechanical vibration -Torsional vibration of rotating
machinery
Published 2009.
Complete title: ISO 22266-1 Mechanical vibration -Torsional vibration of rotating

machinery. Part 1: Land-based steam and gas turbine generator sets in excess of 50
MW.
During the 1970s, a number of major incidents occurred in power plants that were
deemed to be caused by or that were attributed to torsional vibration. In those
incidents, generator rotors and some of the long turbine blades of the low-pressure
(LP) rotors were damaged. In general, they were due to modes of the coupled shaft
and blade system that were resonant with the grid excitation frequencies. Detailed
investigations were carried out and it became apparent that the mathematical
models used at that time to predict the torsional natural frequencies were not
adequate. In particular, they did not take into account with sufficient accuracy the
coupling between long turbine blades and the shaft line. Therefore, advanced
research work was carried out to analyse the blade-to-discs-to-shaft coupling
effects more accurately, and branch models were developed to account properly
for these effects in shaft system frequency calculations.

This part of ISO 22266 provides guidelines for applying shaft torsional vibration
criteria, under normal operating conditions, for the coupled shaft system and long
blades of a turbine generator set. In particular, these apply to the torsional natural
frequencies of the coupled shaft system at line and twice line frequencies of the
electrical network to which the turbine generator set is connected. In the event that
torsional natural frequencies do not conform with defined frequency margins,
other possible actions available to vendors are defined.
ISO 22266-1 is applicable to
• land-based steam turbine generator sets for power stations with power outputs
greater than 50 MW and normal operating speeds of 1 500 r/min, 1 800 r/min, 3
000 r/min and 3 600 r/min, and
• land-based gas turbine generator sets for power stations with power outputs
greater than 50 MW and normal operating speeds of 3 000 r/min and 3 600
r/min.
Methods currently available for carrying out both analytical assessments and test
validation of the shaft system torsional natural frequencies are also described.
Author’s comment: ISO 22266-1 is very theoretical and is not so easy to read for common
users. There has been a lot of discussion in the working group about the need of the
standard. It is now decided that the standard should be revised.
39
6 ISO standards for Balancing

6.1 WHY DO WE NEED BALANCING STANDARDS?
• Makes it easier (possible) to build a complete machine from components from
different manufacturer e.g. turbine-generator, motor-gearbox-compressor,
motor-coupling-pump.
• Facilitate discussion between customer and manufacturer.
– facilitate writing of specifications (for customer)
– makes it easier for a manufacturer to explain balancing procedure and
criteria.
– facilitate customer control of balancing.
• Good balancing standards will result in an improved quality of balancing and
that will result in improved vibration behaviour of machines in situ.
6.2 INTRODUCTION TO BALANCING
6.2.1 General
• The aim of balancing any rotor is to achieve satisfactory running when
installed on site.
• For nearly all rotors, balancing is regarded today as absolutely necessary,
whether it is to increase the time between overhauls, improve performance, or
obtain smooth vibration-free operation.
• Most rotors are balanced in workshop prior to machine assembly because
afterwards, for example, there may be only limited access to the rotor.
• Furthermore, balancing of the rotor is often the stage at which a rotor is
approved by the purchaser.
• Thus, while satisfactory running on site is the aim, the balance quality of the
rotor is usually initially assessed in a balancing facility.
• The first patent which referred to a balancing machine was filed in the year
1870, see fig. below. (four years after the invention of the dynamo by Siemens)
40
6.2.2 Unbalance distribution

In reality, unbalance is made up of an infinite number of unbalance vectors,
distributed along the shaft axis of the rotor. If a lumped-mass model is used to
represent the rotor, unbalance may be represented by a finite number of unbalance
vectors of different magnitude and angular direction as illustrated in the Figure
below.
• Rotor unbalance may be caused by design, material, manufacturing and

assembly.
• Every rotor, even in series production, has an individual unbalance
distribution along its length.
• For “rigid” rotors the unbalance can always be represented in two arbitrary
planes.
6.3 BALANCING STANDARDS
6.3.1 Status of published balancing standards and project progress

• ISO 21940-1: Mechanical vibration — Rotor balancing — Part 1: Introduction:
Published 2019. Will be revised. (old number 19499)
• ISO 21940-2: Mechanical vibration — Rotor balancing — Part 2: Vocabulary:
Published May 2017 (old number 1925)
• ISO 21940-11: Mechanical vibration — Rotor balancing — Part 11: Procedures
and tolerances for rotors with rigid behaviour: Published November 2017 (old
number 1940-1)
and tolerances for rotors with flexible behaviour Published April 2016 (old
number 11342)
41
• ISO 21940-13: Mechanical vibration — Rotor balancing — Part 13: Criteria and
safeguards for the in-situ balancing of medium and large rotors. (old number
20806) Published March 2012, Review June 2017
for assessing balance errors. Published March 2012, Review September 2017
(old number 1940-2) Will be revised.
• ISO 21940-21: Mechanical vibration — Rotor balancing — Description and
evaluation of balancing machines. Published July 2012, Under revision (old
number 2953)
• ISO 21940-23: Mechanical vibration — Rotor balancing — Enclosures and other
protective measures for the measuring station of balancing machines.
Published June 2012, Review September 2017 (old number 7475)
• ISO 21940-31: Mechanical vibration — Rotor balancing — Susceptibility and
sensitivity of machines to unbalance. Published August 2013, (old number
10814)
• ISO 21940-32: Mechanical vibration — Rotor balancing — Shaft and fitment
key convention. Published March 2012, Review June 2017 (old number 8821)
6.3.2 ISO 21940-1 Mechanical vibration. Rotor Balancing. Introduction

Published 2019.
Vibration caused by rotor unbalance is one of the most critical issues in the design
and maintenance of machines. It gives rise to dynamic forces which adversely
impact both machine and human health and well- being. The purpose of this
International Standard is to provide a common framework for balancing rotors so
that appropriate methods will be used. This standard serves essentially as
guidance on the usage of other International Standards on balancing in that it
categorizes types of machine unbalance. As such, it can be viewed as an
introductory standard to the series of International Standards on balancing
developed by ISO/TC 108.
Balancing is explained in a general manner, as well as the unbalance of a rotor. A

certain representation of the unbalance is recommended for an easier
understanding of the necessary unbalance corrections.

This International Standard provides an introduction to balancing and directs the
user through the available International Standards associated with rotor balancing.
It gives guidance on which of these standards should be used. Individual
procedures are not included here as these will be found in the appropriate
International Standards.
42
6.3.3 ISO 21940-11 rotors with rigid behaviour

Published 2017.
Changed number from ISO 1940-1 to ISO 21940-11
6.3.3.1 Definition of rigid behavior and low-speed balancing

Rigid behaviour: Rotor where the flexure caused by its unbalance distribution can
be neglected with respect to the agreed unbalance tolerance at any speed up to the
maximum service speed.
Author’s comment: It is not easy to define a rigid rotor (because there are no rotors which
are completely rigid). The definition of rigid rotors is formulated a bit different in API 616
(American petroleum standard for Gas turbines) compared to ISO.
Definition in API 616: Rotors with rigid behaviour shall be balanced at low speed
in two planes per ISO 1940. If the first flexural critical speed exceeds the maximum
operating speed by at least 50 %, then the rotor can normally be considered rigid
for balancing purposes.
Low-speed balancing: Procedure for balancing at a balancing speed where the

rotor exhibits rigid behaviour.
Rotor balancing is a procedure by which the mass distribution of a rotor (or part or
module) is checked and, if necessary, adjusted to ensure the unbalance tolerance is
met. This document covers the balancing of rotors with rigid behavior. A rotor is
said to be rigid when the flexure of the rotor caused by its unbalance distribution
can be neglected with respect to the agreed unbalance tolerance at any speed up to
the maximum service speed. For these rotors, the resultant unbalance, and often
moment unbalance, are of interest, which when combined are expressed as a
dynamic unbalance of the rotor.
The balancing machines available today enable residual unbalances to be reduced

to very low limits. Therefore, it is necessary to specify an unbalance quality
requirement for a balancing task, as in most cases it would not be cost-effective to
reduce the unbalance to the limits of the balancing machine.
In addition to specifying an unbalance tolerance, it is necessary to consider the

errors introduced by the balancing process. This document takes into account the
influence of these errors to distinguish clearly between the specified permissible
residual unbalance and the reduced residual unbalance values to be achieved
during the balancing process.

This document establishes procedures and unbalance tolerances for balancing
rotors with rigid behavior. It specifies:
a) the magnitude of the permissible residual unbalance,
b) the necessary number of correction planes,
43
c) the allocation of the permissible residual unbalance to the tolerance planes, and
d) how to account for errors in the balancing process.
NOTE: In ISO 21940-14, the assessment of balancing errors is considered in detail.

Fundamentals of rotor balancing are contained in ISO 19499 (ISO 21940-1) which
gives an introduction to balancing.
This document does not cover the balancing of rotors with flexible behavior.
Procedures and tolerances for rotors with flexible behavior are dealt with in ISO
21940-12.
6.3.3.4 The magnitude of permissible residual unbalance can be determined by

five different methods.
The methods are based on:
a) balance quality grades, derived from long-term practical experience with a large
number of different rotors
b) experimental evaluation of permissible residual unbalances
c) limited bearing forces due to unbalance
d) limited vibrations due to unbalance
e) established experience with unbalance tolerances
Author’s comment: Methods c) and d) are difficult to use and give very questionable end
result. In addition, these methods are rarely or never used.
6.3.3.5 Balance quality grade G

On the basis of worldwide experience and similarity considerations balance quality
grades G have been established which permit a classification of the balance quality
requirements for typical machinery types. These balance quality grades enable the
calculation of permissible residual unbalances.
44
NOTE: Typically, completely assembled rotors are classified here. Depending on

the particular application, the next higher or lower grade may be used instead. For
components, see Clause 9.
Author’s comment: This table is very useful and is widely used. The table is old (1960) and
some audits have been made. A lot of work has been done to produce data for the table. The
values seem to be reasonable and work well when balancing. There are a few exceptions,
where we think that values should be adjusted. We have not been able to convince the
working group, but it is not so easy to change values that have existed for 60 years.
45
eper permissible residual specific unbalance, in g⋅mm/kg n service speed, in r/min
46
e
per permissible residual specific unbalance, in g⋅mm/kg n service speed, in r/min
6.3.3.6 Methods based on established experience.

If a company has gained sufficient established experience to assess systematically
the balance quality tolerances of its products, it may make full use of this.
6.3.3.7 Experimental evaluation of the balance quality limit

Experimental evaluation of the balance quality tolerances is often carried out for
mass production applications. Tests are commonly performed in situ. The
permissible residual unbalance is determined by introducing various test
unbalances successively in each correction plane based on the most representative
criterion (e.g. vibration, force, noise caused by unbalance).
47
6.3.3.8 Allocation of permissible residual unbalance to tolerance planes

(normally bearing planes)
• Many of today’s balancing processes still apply unbalance tolerances at the
correction planes.
• Since correction planes are selected in accordance with the correction process,
they might not be ideal for unbalance tolerances.
• Thus, using unbalance tolerances in correction planes, many rotors are
balanced to smaller unbalance values than necessary.
6.3.3.9 Accounting for errors in the verification of permissible residual

unbalances
• After systematic errors in the unbalance readings have been corrected, ΔU is
the remaining combined error which has to be allocated to the tolerance plane.
48
• the combined error in plane A, ΔUA, and

• the combined error in plane B, ΔUB.
• However, if ΔUA is found to be less than10% of UperA or ΔUB is less than10%
of UperB, it may be disregarded.
• if ΔUA is found to be more than10% of UperA or ΔUB is more than 10% of
UperB see ISO 21940-14
Author’s comment: Error handling has not been dealt with in ISO 1940-1, but reference
has been made to ISO 1940-2(new number ISO 21940-14) which was complicated and was
therefore rarely used. There is however one important and useful method named index
balancing for experimental assessment of systematic errors. The method is described in Par.
5.6 in ISO 21940-14.
In ISO 21940-11, a limit has been introduced which says that if the fault is < 10% then you
do not have to take into account the error. This is good and it makes it much easier to
handle errors.
ISO 1940 (new number ISO 21940-11) is the first ISO vibration standard. It is widely
used, and it is said to be the best-selling ISO standard.
6.3.4 ISO 21940-12 rotors with flexible behaviour

Published 2016.
6.3.4.1 Definition of flexible behaviour

Rotor where the flexure caused by its unbalance distribution cannot be neglected
with respect to the agreed unbalance tolerance at any speed up to the maximum
service speed.
The aim of balancing any rotor is to achieve satisfactory running when installed in-
situ. In this context, “satisfactory running” means that not more than an acceptable
magnitude of vibration is caused by the unbalance remaining in the rotor. In the
case of a rotor with flexible behavior, it also means that not more than an
acceptable magnitude of deflection occurs in the rotor at any speed up to the
maximum service speed.
Most rotors are balanced in manufacture prior to machine assembly because

afterwards, for example, there might be only limited access to the rotor.
Furthermore, balancing of the rotor is often the stage at which a rotor is approved
by the purchaser. Thus, while satisfactory running in-situ is the aim, the balance
quality of the rotor is usually initially assessed in a balancing machine. Satisfactory
running in-situ is, in most cases, judged in relation to vibration from all causes,
while in the balancing machine, primarily, once-per-revolution effects are
considered.
ISO 21940-12 classifies rotors in accordance with their balancing requirements and
establishes methods of assessment of residual unbalance.
49
ISO 21940-12 also shows how criteria for use in the balancing machine can be
derived from either vibration limits specified for the assembled and installed
machine or unbalance limits specified for the rotor. If such limits are not available,
ISO 21940-12 shows how they can be derived from ISO 10816 (ISO 20816-) and ISO
7919 (ISO 20816-) if desired in terms of vibration, or from ISO 21940-11, if desired
in terms of permissible residual unbalance. ISO 21940-11 is concerned with the
balance quality of rotating rigid bodies and is not directly applicable to rotors with
flexible behavior because rotors with flexible behavior can undergo significant
bending deflection. However, in ISO 21940-12, methods are presented for adapting
the criteria of ISO 21940-11 to rotors with flexible behavior.

ISO 21940-12 presents typical configurations of rotors with flexible behavior in
accordance with their characteristics and balancing requirements, describes
balancing procedures, specifies methods of assessment of the final state of balance,
and establishes guidelines for balance quality criteria.
ISO 21940-12 can also serve as a basis for more involved investigations, e.g. when
a more exact determination of the required balance quality is necessary. If due
regard is paid to the specified methods of manufacture and balance tolerances,
satisfactory running conditions can be expected.
ISO 21940-12 is not intended to serve as an acceptance specification for any rotor,
but rather to give indications of how to avoid gross deficiencies and unnecessarily
restrictive requirements.
Structural resonances and modifications thereof lie outside the scope of ISO 21940-
12.
The methods and criteria given are the result of experience with general industrial
machinery. It is possible that they are not directly applicable to specialized
equipment or to special circumstances. Therefore, in some cases, deviations from
ISO 21940-12 are possible.
There are situations in which an otherwise acceptably balanced rotor experiences

an unacceptable vibration level in situ, owing to resonances in the support
structure. A resonance or near resonance condition in a lightly damped structure
can result in excessive vibratory response to a small unbalance. In such cases, it can
be more practicable to alter the natural frequency or damping of the structure
rather than to balance to very low levels, which might not be maintainable over
time (see also ISO 21940-31).
6.3.4.4 Fundamentals of dynamics and balancing of rotors with flexible behavior.

Rotors with flexible behaviour normally require multiplane balancing at high
speed. Nevertheless, some rotors with flexible behaviour can also be balanced at
low speed.
Generally, if the speed of the rotor is influenced by n flexural resonance speeds,

then n + 2 correction planes are often needed. If the rotor is influenced by more
than one plane it is often possible to use less than n+2 correction plane.
50
An adequate number of correction planes at suitable axial positions shall be

included at the design stage.
51
6.3.4.5 Low speed balancing of rotors with flexible behavior (examples)
52
Table 2 – Balancing procedures
Procedure Description Subclause
Low-speed balancing
A Single-plane balancing 6.5.1
B Two-plane balancing 6.5.2
C Individual component balancing prior to assembly 6.5.3
D Balancing subsequent to controlling initial unbalance 6.5.4
E Balancing in stages during assembly 6.5.5
F Balancing in optimum planes 6.5.6
High-speed balancing
G Multiple speed balancing 7.3
H Service speed balancing 7.4
I Fixed speed balancing 7.5
Comment: Subclauses refer to subclauses in the standard.
53
6.3.4.6 Multiple speed balancing

• The rotor is balanced at a series of balancing speeds, which are selected so that
there is a balancing speed close to each resonance speed within the service
speed range.
• Experience has shown that it is often advantageous to also carry out balancing
at low speed. This is particularly advantageous for rotors significantly affected
by only the first flexural resonance speed.
6.3.4.7 Evaluation criteria

Choice of criteria
• One practice when evaluating the balance quality of a rotor with flexible
behaviour in the factory is to consider the once-per-revolution vibration.
• Another practice is to evaluate the balance quality by considering the residual
unbalance.
Author’s comment: The author is convinced that this method (residual unbalance) is the
best, when it comes to assessing the balance state of a rotor. Still, vibrations are often used
to assess the balance state, however it becomes more and more common to use residual
unbalance criteria.
6.3.4.8 Vibration limits in the balancing machine

• If the final state of unbalance is to be evaluated in terms of vibration criteria in
the balancing machine, then these shall be chosen to ensure that the relevant
vibration limits are satisfied on site.
• There is a complex relationship between vibrations measured in the balancing
machine and those obtained in the fully assembled machine on site, which is
dependent on a number of factors. Where experience exists, it should be used
as the basis for defining the permissible vibration in the balancing machine.
• There can, however, be cases where such in balancing machine experience
does not exist, and some advice, are given, how to calculate vibration limits in
the balancing machine, based on vibration limits in situ.
In either case, the corresponding permissible once-per-revolution bearing pedestal

or shaft vibration in the balancing machine, y, can be expressed as:
y = x K0 K1 K2
where
x is the permissible total bearing or shaft vibration in the transverse

horizontal or vertical direction for measurements taken on site in the service
speed range as given in the product specification or the appropriate standard
(e.g. ISO 7919 or ISO 10816);
K 0 is the ratio of the permissible once-per-revolution vibration to the

permissible total vibration (K 0 = 1);
K 1 is a conversion factor used if the rotor support or coupling systems differ

from site conditions. It is defined as the ration of the once-per-revolution
54
measurements in the balancing machine (shaft or bearing pedestals) to similar

measurements taken on the assembled machine on site (if not applicable, K 1 ≤
1);
K 2 is a conversion factor, which is used if in the balancing machine shaft

measurements are taken at locations other than those for which x is specified.
Its value depends on the modal characteristics of the rotor. If the measurement
locations are the same, then K 2 = 1.
Author’s comment: The last method is very complicated (or impossible) to use.
6.3.4.9 Residual unbalance tolerances for rotors with flexible behavior

• For rotors with flexible behaviour balanced at low speed, permissible residual
unbalances in specified correction planes (ISO 21940-11) are used to state the
balance quality.
• For rotors balanced at high speed, permissible residual modal unbalances are
applied. The residual unbalance tolerances are based on those recommended
in ISO 21940-11 for rotors with rigid behaviour and percentages of these values
for the bending modes of rotors with shaft-elastic behaviour.
6.3.4.10 Definition of equivalent nth modal unbalance

The minimum single unbalance equivalent to the nth modal unbalance in its effect on
the nth flexural mode.
6.3.4.11 Equivalent residual unbalance tolerances

• First and second bending modes
• a) the equivalent first modal residual unbalance shall not exceed 60 %; (of rek.
In ISO 21940-11)
• b) the equivalent second modal residual unbalance shall not exceed 60 %;
• c) if low-speed balancing is carried out, the total residual unbalance as a rigid
body shall not exceed 100%.
• In cases when one of the modes is less significant than the other, the
corresponding limit can be relaxed, but shall not exceed 100 %.
6.3.4.12 Example calculation of equivalent residual modal unbalances

D.1 Residual unbalance calculation
The principals of residual unbalance calculation are shown in the following

example. A recommended procedure is outlined in 9.2.3.
The rotor is a gas turbine rotor with four correction planes P c,1 to P c,4 (see Figure
D.1 below) the balancing calculations are based on vibration measurements at the
two bearings (transducers T 1 and T 2).
55
Figure D.1 – Example gas turbine rotor
Key
P c,1 P c,2, P c,3, P c,4 correction planes

T 1 , T 2 transducers
The service speed of the rotor is 10 125 r/min.
The rotor mass is 1 325 kg.
The permissible total unbalance for an equivalent rigid body according to balance
quality grade G 2,5 is taken from ISO 21910-11 to be 2,37 gmm/kg.
The total residual unbalande for an equivalent tigid b ody is therefore
The permissible equivalent first modal unbalance (60% thereof, see 8.3.4.2) is
2 311gmm.
The permissible equivalent second modal unbalance (60%) is 2 311 gmm.
56
6.3.4.13 Balancing speeds

D.2 Influence coefficients
The balancing speeds for this rotor are the following (see Figure D.2):
• 1 000 r/min (low speed);

• 3 400 r/min (just below rotor resonance 1);
• 9 000 r/min (just below rotor resonance2).
Table D.1 – Influence coefficients

Measurement Correction plane Speed
point P c,1 P c,2 P c,3 P c,4 r/min
Transducer 1 0,0594/3°a 0,0330/1° 0,00912/333° a 0,00490/233°
Transducer 2 0,00216/35° a 0,0227/14 0,0334/11° a 0,0425/9° 1 000
Transducer 1 0,249/82° 0,343 /94° 0,055/222° 0,360/265° a
Transducer 2 0,087/107° 0,157/87° 0,102/34° 0,224/6° a 3 400
Transducer 1 1,99/146° 2,29/285° a 1,56/293° 2,07/176°
Transducer 2 1,92/353° 1,99/134° a 1,16/109° 0,595/281° 9 000
a
Influence coefficients used for residual unbalance calculation.
57
6.3.4.14 Final vibration readings and residual unbalance
6.3.5 ISO 21940 -14 Mechanical vibration — Rotor balancing — Procedures for
assessing balance errors.
Published 2017.
The balance quality of a rotor is assessed in accordance with the requirements of
ISO 1940-1 or ISO 11342 by measurements taken on the rotor. These measurements
might contain errors which can originate from a number of sources. Where those
errors are significant, they should be taken into account when defining the
required balance quality of the rotor.
ISO 1940-1 and ISO 11342 do not consider in detail balance errors or, more
importantly, the assessment of balance errors. Therefore, this part of ISO 21940
58
gives examples of typical errors that can occur and provides recommended
procedures for their evaluation.

ISO 21940-14 specifies the requirements for the following:
a) identifying errors in the unbalance measuring process of a rotor;
b) assessing the identified errors;
c) taking the errors into account
ISO 21940-14 specifies balance acceptance criteria, in terms of residual unbalance,

for both directly after balancing and for a subsequent check of the balance quality
by the user.
For the main typical errors, ISO 21940-14 lists methods for their reduction in an
informative annex.
Author’s comment: The standard is complicated to use, and it has been used very seldom.
There is however one important and useful method for experimental assessment of
systematic errors. The method is named index balancing and is performed by mounting the
rotor alternatively at 0° and 180° relative to the item which is the source of the particular
error being investigated and measuring the residual unbalance or vibration times in both
positions. The method is described in Par.5.6 The standard will be revised.
6.3.6 ISO 21940 -32 Shaft and fitment key convention

Published 2012.
It is often impossible or economically unreasonable to balance rotors with fitments
after they have been assembled; the rotor components which also may originate
from different suppliers are therefore balanced separately. An appropriate balance
tolerance is applied to each component so that, when shaft and fitment(s) are
coupled together, the rotor assembly meets the required balance tolerance and/or
vibration limit. For coupling the fitment(s) to the shaft, different methods are
applied, a very common one uses keys. If, however, a different key convention has
been used when balancing the shaft than that one used for balancing the fitment(s),
it is quite likely that the rotor assembly has a balance error influencing its residual
unbalance.
There are three methods, or key conventions, for balancing shafts and fitments
coupled together with keys:
• full-key convention;
• half-key convention;
• no-key convention.
This part of ISO 21940 unifies the key conventions used throughout the world and
gives instructions on a marking of components balanced in accordance with the
59
key convention applied. When consistently used, it results in compatibility of

shafts and fitments so that they can be balanced by different suppliers and, after
being assembled, the balance tolerance and/or vibration limit for the rotor
assembly is met.

This part of ISO 21940 specifies one convention for balancing the individual
components (shaft and fitments) of a keyed rotor assembly. This provides
compatibility of all balanced components so that when they have been assembled
the overall balance tolerance and/or vibration limit for the rotor assembly is met.
This part of ISO 21940 specifies that half-keys be used when balancing the
individual components of a keyed rotor assembly. It also specifies a marking of the
components balanced in accordance with the key convention used. ISO 21940-32
applies to rotors balanced in a balancing machine, in their own bearings or in situ.
The key convention can also be applied when measuring the residual unbalance
and/or vibration of rotors with keyways, but to which fitments have not yet been
assembled. In addition to applying to keys of constant rectangular or square cross-
section mounted parallel to the shaft centerline, this part of ISO 21940 also applies
to keys mounted on tapered shaft surfaces, to woodruff, gib head, dowel and other
special keys. The principle of the half-key convention is applied as is appropriate
to the particular shape and location of the special key.
60
7 ISO Standards for vibration condition

monitoring
7.1 ISO 13373- CONDITION MONITORING AND DIAGNOSTICS OF
MACHINES — VIBRATION CONDITION MONITORING
7.1.1 ISO 13373-1 General procedures

Published 2002.
The principal purpose of vibration condition monitoring of machinery is to
provide information on the operating condition of the machine for protection and
predictive maintenance. An integral part of this process is the evaluation of the
vibratory condition of the machine over operating time. The purpose of this part of
ISO 13373 is to promote the use of well-accepted guidelines for acquiring and
evaluating vibration measurements for condition monitoring.
In contrast to vibration testing used strictly for diagnostic or acceptance purposes,

condition monitoring involves the acquisition of data which can be compared over
a span of time and emphasizes the changes in vibration behavior rather than any
particular behavior by itself.
Changes in vibration behavior may typically be caused by
• changes in balance,
• changes in alignment,
• wear of or damage to journals or anti-friction bearings,
• gear or coupling defects,
• cracks in the critical components,
• operational transients,
• fluid-flow disturbances in hydraulic machinery,
• transient excitations in electric machinery,
• rubbing, and
• mechanical looseness.
Vibration condition monitoring can provide information for the following

purposes:
• to increase equipment protection;

• to improve safety for personnel;
• to improve maintenance procedures;
• to detect problems early;
• to avoid catastrophic failures;
• to extend equipment life;
• to enhance operations.
Vibration measurements for condition monitoring may take many forms from the
very simple to the very complex and can include continuous or periodic
61
measurements. However, they all share the common goal of accurately and
reliably assessing the condition of machinery. The instrumentation and procedures
recommended ISO 13373-1 will assist in achieving that goal.
7.1.1.2 Part of scope

ISO 13373-1 provides general guidelines for the measurement and data collection
functions of machinery vibration for condition monitoring. It is intended to
promote consistency of measurement procedures and practices, which usually
concentrate on rotating machines.
Because of the diversity of approaches to condition monitoring, recommendations

specific to a particular kind of monitoring program will be addressed in additional
parts of ISO 13373.
ISO 13373-1 is a basic document which presents recommendations of a general

nature, encompassing.
• measurement methods,
• measurement parameters,
• transducer selection,
• transducer location,
• transducer attachment,
• data collection,
• machine operating conditions,
• vibration monitoring systems,
• signal conditioning systems,
• interfaces with data-processing systems,
• continuous monitoring, and
• periodic monitoring.
The vibratory conditions of a machine can be monitored by vibration

measurements on the bearing or housing structure and/or by vibration
measurements of the rotating elements of the machine. In addition, measurements
can be continuous or non-continuous. ISO 13373-1 provides guidance on the types
of measurements recommended in both the continuous and the non-continuous
modes.
It is emphasized that ISO 13373-1 addresses only the procedures for vibration
condition monitoring of machines. In many cases, the complete condition
monitoring and diagnostics of a machine can also include other parameters, such
as thermography, oil analysis, ferrography, process variations, temperatures and
pressures. These non-vibratory parameters will be included in other International
Standards.
Author’s Comment: The author thinks that 13373-1 is not a standard but it is an excellent
manual for how to perform condition monitoring.
62
7.1.2 ISO 13373-2 Processing, analysis and presentation of vibration data

Published 2016.

ISO 13373-2 recommends procedures for processing and presenting vibration data
and analyzing vibration signatures for the purpose of monitoring the vibration
condition of rotating machinery and performing diagnostics as appropriate.
Different techniques are described for different applications. Signal enhancement
techniques and analysis methods used for the investigation of particular machine
dynamic phenomena are included. Many of these techniques can be applied to
other machine types, including reciprocating machines. Example formats for the
parameters that are commonly plotted for evaluation and diagnostic purposes are
also given.
ISO 13373-2 is divided essentially into two basic approaches when analyzing
vibration signals: the time domain and the frequency domain. Some approaches to
the refinement of diagnostic results, by changing the operational conditions, are
also covered.
ISO 13373-2 includes only the most commonly used techniques for the vibration
condition monitoring, analysis and diagnostics of machines. There are many other
techniques used to determine the behavior of machines that apply to more in‐
depth vibration analysis and diagnostic investigations beyond the normal follow‐
on to machinery condition monitoring. A detailed description of these techniques
is beyond the scope of ISO 13373, but some of these more advanced special
purpose techniques are listed in Clause 5 for additional information.
For specific machine types and sizes, the ISO 7919 and ISO 10816 series provide
guidance for the application of broadband vibration magnitudes for condition
monitoring, and other documents such as VDI 3839 provide additional information
about machinery‐specific problems that can be detected when conducting
vibration diagnostics.
7.1.3 ISO 13373-3 Guidelines for vibration diagnosis

Published 2015.
ISO 13373-3 has been developed as a set of guidelines for the general procedures to
be considered when carrying out vibration diagnostics of machines. It is intended
to be used by vibration practitioners, engineers and technicians and it provides
them with useful diagnostic tools. These tools include diagnostic flowcharts,
process tables and fault tables. The material contained herein presents a structured
approach of the most basic, logical and intelligent steps to diagnose vibration
problems associated with machines. However, this does not preclude the use of
other diagnostic techniques.
63

ISO 13373-3 sets out guidelines for the general procedures to be considered when
carrying out vibration diagnostics of rotating machines. It is intended to be used by
vibration practitioners, engineers and technicians and provides a practical
structured approach to fault diagnosis. In addition, it gives examples of faults
common to a wide range of machines.
7.1.3.3 Structured diagnostic approach

The tools used in 13373-3 to guide the diagnostic process are flowcharts, process
tables and fault tables. The flowcharts and the process tables are essentially a step-
by-step question and answer procedure that guides the user in the diagnosis
process. The flowcharts are used for an overview of the vibration events and
characterize the features, while the process tables are used for more in-depth
analysis. The fault tables are used to illustrate common machinery events and how
they manifest themselves.
Annex A specifies the systematic approach to the vibration analysis of machines:
a) A.1 is used to gather background information regarding the machine, nature

and severity of the vibration.
b) A.2 is used to answer a set of questions aimed at arriving at a probable

diagnosis of such common faults as unbalance, misalignment and rubs.
c) A.3 is used to set out certain considerations when recommending actions

following a probable diagnosis.
In addition, approaches for faults common to a wide range of machines are shown
in other annexes:
• Installation faults and examples are described in Annex B.

• Radial hydrodynamic fluid-film bearing faults and examples are described in
Annex C.
• Rolling element bearing faults and examples are described in Annex D.
Author’s comment: The author thinks that 13373-3 is not really a standard but it is an
excellent manual for how to perform diagnosis.
The standard 13373-1 deals with Condition monitoring of Vibrations and 13373-3 treats
Vibration diagnosis. Condition monitoring involves detecting deviations from the normal
vibration behaviour and diagnosis means determining the cause of the deviations.
7.1.4 ISO/DIS 13373-4 DRAFT. Diagnostic techniques for gas and steam
turbines with fluid-film bearings
This document provides guidelines for the procedures to be considered when
carrying out vibration diagnostics of gas turbines and steam turbines on fluid-film
bearings. It is intended to be used by vibration practitioners, engineers and
technicians and it provides them with useful diagnostic tools. These tools include
64
the use of diagnostic flowcharts, process tables and fault tables. The material
contained in this document presents the most basic, logical, and intelligent steps
that should be taken when diagnosing problems associated with these particular
types of machines.
Author’s comment: It is not a final standard, but it has been sent out for voting.
7.1.5 ISO 13373-5 Diagnostic techniques for fans and blowers

Published 2006.
This document defines the procedures to be considered when carrying out vibration
diagnostics of fans and blowers. It is intended to be used by vibration practitioners,
engineers and technicians and it provides them with useful diagnostic tools. These
tools include the use of diagnostic flow charts, process tables and fault tables. The
material contained in this document presents the most basic, logical and intelligent
steps that should be taken when diagnosing problems associated with these particular
types of machines.
7.1.6 ISO 13373-7 Diagnostic techniques for machine sets in power generating
and pump storage plants.
Published 2017.
This document is a guideline for procedures to be considered when carrying out

vibration diagnostics of machine sets in hydraulic power generating and pump-
storage plants, shortly named hydropower units. It is intended to be used by
vibration practitioners, engineers and technicians, and it provides them with
diagnostic tools. These tools include the use of diagnostic process tables and fault
tables. The material contained herein presents the most basic, logical and
intelligent steps that should be taken when diagnosing problems associated with
these particular types of machines.
7.1.7 ISO 13373-9 Diagnostic techniques for electrical motors

Published 2017.
This document has been developed as guideline for the procedures to be

considered when carrying out vibration diagnostics of electric motors. It is
intended to be used by vibration practitioners, engineers and technicians and it
provides them with useful diagnostic tools. These tools include the use of
diagnostic flowcharts and process tables and fault tables. The material contained in
this document presents the most basic, logical, and intelligent steps that should be
taken when diagnosing problems associated with these particular types of
machines.
7.1.8 ISO 13373-10 Diagnostic techniques for generators > 50MVA

Ongoing work that is has not been published.
65
Keywords
Standards for vibration measurement, balancing, condition monitoring.
66
ISO STANDARDS FOR MACHINE
VIBRATION, BALANCING AND
CONDITION MONITORING
Standards are important, both for customers and suppliers, to create a common
ground for discussions in connection to procurement, operation, and main-
tenance of components. It is something that is often taken for granted and not
acknowledged to its immense value.
This report summarizes the most important standards for vibrations, balancing
and condition monitoring and how to implement them in different cases.
The purpose is to make a compilation and description of ISO standards for

machine vibration, balancing and condition monitoring, which are used or can
be used in power plants. The report highlights the most important content and
provides comments and advice on how to use the standards.
Energiforsk is the Swedish Energy Research Centre – an industrially owned body

dedicated to meeting the common energy challenges faced by industries, authorities
and society. Our vision is to be hub of Swedish energy research and our mission is to
make the world of energy smarter!

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Machine Vibration Balancing and Condition Monitoring

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ISO STANDARDS FOR MACHINE VIBRATION,

BALANCING AND CONDITION MONITORING

ISBN 978-91-7673-775-0 | © Energiforsk May 2021

Frågeställningar kring mekanisk vibration, stöt och tillståndsövervakning ligger

Vibrationsnormer är viktiga i kravställning inför investering och efterföljande

Rotorbalansering är en procedur där massfördelningen hos en rotor kontrolleras

Det finns även normer för vibrationstillståndsövervakning och diagnos av

Vibrations relating to mechanical vibration, shock and condition monitoring is

Vibration standards are important in procurement of new components and in

6 ISO standards for Balancing 40

1 Introduction about ISO International

• ISO standards respond to a need in the market.

1.2 ISO HISTORY

• 1947 the new organization, ISO, officially began operations.

1.2.1 ISO Vibration standardization

• SC2 Measurements and evaluation of mechanical vibration and shock to

SC2 consists of following Working Groups:

• WG 1 Rotor dynamics and vibration of machines

1.3 SIS, SWEDISH INSTITUTE FOR STANDARDS

1.3.1 SIS vibration standardization

SIS/TK 111/AG 2 includes standardization in the field of machine vibration. The

Project manager: Lisa Almkvist SIS lisa.almkvist@sis.se

Chairman: Björn Larsson Siemens, Finspång

2 Vocabulary, Terminology and Abbreviations

2.1.1 Name of ISO documents used during development of standards.

2.1.3 ISO Vocabulary

3 ISO standards for machine vibration

3.1 LIST OF COMMON STANDARDS FOR BEARING AND SHAFT VIBRATIONS.

• ISO 20816-1: General guidelines (Published 2016)

3.2 LIST OF COMMON STANDARDS FOR TORSIONAL VIBRATION

3.3 LIST OF COMMON STANDARDS FOR BALANCING

3.4 LIST OF COMMON STANDARDS FOR VIBRATION CONDITION

4 ISO standards for Machine, bearing and shaft

4.2 VIBRATION STANDARDS HISTORY

The first official standard was developed by VDI.

• DIN VDI 2056 - Bearing vibration, 1957.

4.3 ISO 20816- BEARING AND SHAFT VIBRATION

4.3.1 ISO 20816-1 General guidelines

At present, it is not uncommon for continuous operation to be expected and

For some machines, measurements made on non-rotating parts are sufficient to

Three primary vibration quantities (displacement, velocity and acceleration) are

4.3.1.2 Part of Scope

For the purposes of ISO 20816, operational monitoring is considered to be those

a) vibration displacement, measured in µm (micrometers).

4.3.1.4 Position of vibration pickups

Figure 3 - Measuring points for vertical machine sets.

4.3.1.6 Evaluation zones

• Zone A: The vibration of newly commissioned machines normally falls within

Complete Title - Mechanical vibration — Measurement and evaluation of machine

The evaluation procedures presented in this document are based on broad-band

4.3.2.2 Part of Scope

a) structural vibration at all main bearing housings or pedestals measured radial

b) structural vibration at thrust bearing housings measured in the axial direction;

These are in terms of the following:

• vibration under normal steady-state operating conditions;

This document is not applicable to the following:

i) electromagnetic excited vibration with twice line frequency at the generator

NOTE: ISO 3977-3 defines aero-derivatives as aircraft propulsion gas generators

v) the evaluation of combustion vibration but does not preclude monitoring of

4.3.2.3 Typical measuring points and directions

Typical measuring points and directions on a gas turbine bearing.

Measurements of vibration of rotating shafts

The locations of vibration measurements should be such that the transverse

4.3.2.4 Evaluation zones