PLANT MAINTENANCE

(ME-426)

Vibration Analysis

` Assistant Professor
Adeel Ahmed Khan,
(MED)
Vibration Analysis
 All rotating machinery like fans pumps, motors, turbines and compressors will vibrate. The level of
the vibration and the pattern of the vibration indicate the condition of internal rotating components.
 Vibrations felt in the steering wheel can be an indicator of an out-of-balance wheel or looseness in
the steering linkage.
 If we use electronic instruments to measure the vibration, those levels can be monitored and the
pattern studied. To a large extent, if the levels increase, and the patterns change we can not only
detect that there is a problem, but we can diagnose the type of problem
 Fault conditions detectable with vibration analysis include
 Bearing problems – both journal and rolling element bearings
 Unbalance
 Misalignment

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Vibration Analysis
 Vibration analysis utilizes a special sensor mounted to a bearing housing that is sensitive to
movement.
 A “snapshot” of the vibration is captured in a portable data collector and transferred to a computer
for analysis. The snapshot data is generally collected on a monthly basis except for critical
machinery which may have permanent sensors mounted for continuous monitoring.
 The “snapshot” data is studied to determine whether a problem exists, and the severity of the
problem.
 Data is collected from more than one location, and in more than one direction. A machine vibrates
up and down (vertically), side to side (horizontally), and end to end (axially). Different faults
reveal themselves in different ways and in different axes.
 Sensors can be permanently mounted so that data can be collected at junction boxes in safe
environments.

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Vibration Analysis
Online monitoring
 For a machine that is critical to the process, and machines located in remote or hazardous
environment (such that routine measurements cannot be taken), sensors will be mounted
permanently on the machine, and a monitoring system will monitor the vibration levels to give an
early warning of a fault condition.
 Online monitoring may be set up for the most critical machines. They will typically have a
protection system installed so that if vibration levels reach predefined alarm levels, the machine
will shut down.
 This type of system is often used for turbine/generators.

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Vibration Analysis
Vibration Monitoring

Permanent Monitoring Regular Patrol

• Vibration switches • Hand-Held vibration severity meters
• Vibration severity monitors • FFT analyzers
• Spectrum monitors • Data loggers

VS6 M12 VM12 VM15

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Vibration Analysis
 The following illustrations show some examples for suitable measuring points:

vertical vertical

axial axial horizontal

horizontal

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Vibration Analysis
• The following illustrations show some examples for suitable measuring points:

vertical
vertical

horizontal
axial horizontal
axial

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Vibration Analysis
 The following illustrations show some examples for suitable measuring points:
vertical 1

vertical 2

 Recommendations for measuring points at different types of machines can also be found in ISO
13373-1. horizontal
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Vibration Analysis
Vibration Analysis on Pump
• Vibration analysis on a 200-hp motor/pump combination resulted in determination of improperly
sized shaft bearings on both the pump end and the motor end.
• Repair costs were less than $2,700.
• Continued operation would have led to failure and a replacement cost exceeding $10,000.

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