Engine Vibration Guideline

(Metric Units)
Below is a general guideline showing maximum vibration limits that apply to a rigid mounted diesel engine
coupled to a horizontal centrifugal pump used for standby fire protection service. Measurements are to be taken
on the pumpshaft/crankshaft centerline in the horizontal, vertical and axial directions (Figure A). This guideline
is developed on the basis that the baseframe structure has been completely filled with grout, there is no strain
placed on the components by the piping, and the driveshaft or coupling between the engine and pump is properly
aligned. The guideline below also does not apply to transient conditions, only while operating at rated speed.
1.00
0.8
0.6
0.5
0.4

Displacement (mm P-P)

2.5

0.2

Diesel Engine (4 Cyl.)

5 .0

mm
/se
c

mm
/se

7 .5
mm
/

10
.0 m
m/

se
c

se
c

15
25
20
.0 m
.0
.0
mm
mm
m/
se
/se
/
s
e
c
c
c

Diesel Engine (6 Or More Cyl)

Electric Motor

0.10

Ve
lo

0.05
0.04

c it
y(
mm
/

se
c

PP)

0.02

0.01
100

200

300

500

700

1000

1800 2000

3000 3600

5000

7000

10000

Cycles/Revolutions Per Minute

Vibration Frequency Cycles Per Minute (Readings Filtered)

Measure Vibration on the Pump Bearing Housings and on the Engine Block at Crankshaft Centerline. (See Figure A)
Legend
AEO Axial Reading Engine Outboard
HEO Horizontal Reading Engine Outboard
VEO Vertical Reading Engine Outboard
HEI Horizontal Reading Engine Inboard
VEI Vertical Reading Engine Inboard
APO Axial Reading Pump Outboard
HPO Horizontal Reading Pump Outboard
VPO Vertical Reading Pump Outboard
HPI Horizontal Reading Pump Inboard
VPI Vertical Reading Pump Inboard
Note: Hydraulic Institute recommends the
foundation weigh at least five (5) times the
weight of the pump unit.

Figure A
C132530
ASC 06NOV08