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of Pump Vibration
Component failure can occur when pump vibration is not eliminated
M
any vibration problems are a result of rium point. Simply stated, any object that moves back
interactions among a system’s pump, and forth is vibrating. Examples of vibration include
motor, fluid, piping, and structure. a clock’s pendulum in motion, a guitar string that has
This interactive relationship requires a systems been plucked, or a tuning fork that has been struck.
approach to vibration analysis, rather than the These examples use oscillation—or vibration—
investigation of individual compo- to obtain a desired result. However,
nents. Neglecting important factors By STAN KUTIN vibration in a centrifugal pump can be
during pump installation can lead ITT Residential & Commercial Water undesirable and lead to component
to vibration issues that are expensive Morton Grove, Ill. failure.
and time-consuming to resolve. All Vibration is an indication of a
pump installations must adhere to manufacturers’ pump’s condition. All pumps vibrate at some level of
recommendations for system-vibration problems to intensity throughout their life cycle. A vibration
be avoided. However, if a vibration problem occurs, analysis can help identify normal vibrations that
all field and vibration data must be analyzed to may not be harmful as well as vibrations that exceed
determine the cause. Once identified, the correct, acceptable levels and can shorten a pump’s life.
most cost-effective solution can be applied to Because an analysis also may determine the source
eliminate or minimize the vibration. or cause of a vibration, it can be used as a tool for
troubleshooting and preventive maintenance.
What is Vibration?
Vibration is defined as mechanical oscillations or What Causes Vibration?
the repetitive motion of an object about an equilib- Able to originate internally or externally, an exci-
tation force is the only cause of vi-
bration. Repeating forces create the
vibration problems most commonly
associated with centrifugal pumps.
These forces often are caused by the
rotation of imbalanced, misaligned,
or worn pump components.
1 × rpm
2 × rpm
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Causes of vibration
Typical 1-times-rpm vibrations
include imbalance, a soft foot, and a
bent shaft. Mechanical looseness,
misalignment, and resonance can
generate vibrations at frequencies of
two, three, or more multiples of rpm.
Failing bearings typically produce
non-integer multiples of pump speed.
Hydraulic oscillations show frequen-
cies that are a product of the number of A point for horizontal measurement on a motor’s inboard bearing.
impeller vanes multiplied by rpm.
Vibration frequencies are used to indicators or laser alignment equip- Imbalance. Imbalance is caused when
help locate the root cause of a pump’s ment. an object’s center of mass is different
excessive vibration. Knowing the vibra- Coupling manufacturers publish from its center of rotation. As the
tion frequency—the first step in the alignment tolerances that should leading cause of pump imbalance,
analysis process—can help narrow the be followed if not addressed in a impellers should meet G6.3 for allow-
possible causes of vibration. pump’s installation manual. Different able residual imbalance. For high-rpm
Misalignment. Misalignment is couplings will produce different pumps, rotating assemblies, including
the No. 1 contributor to vibration vibrations, which are characteristics of couplings, should be balanced as a
problems. This occurs when rotating design and construction materials. unit to meet G6.3. It is reasonable to
centerlines of two shafts are offset and/ Soft foot. Vibration also can be caused assume an impeller is balanced at
or at an angle. Thus, proper coupling when the feet on a motor frame or startup, but after operation, an imbal-
alignment is key to avoiding vibration pump casing are not on the same plane. ance may be caused by wear. Impeller
problems. Shaft alignment should Tightening the nut and bolt on a soft imbalance also is a frequent cause of
occur several times during a pump foot can distort the base, casing, and/or mechanical-seal and bearing failure.
installation. Initial alignment should motor frame, leading to vibration. This Another area of concern for imbal-
be completed prior to the piping is similar to pipe strain on suction and ance is the shaft key used for a coupling
of a pump. After piping is complete discharge flanges, which can induce a and impeller. Using the wrong key
and the pump base is anchored (but soft foot. Pump and motor shafts can could adversely affect rotating-assem-
not grouted), the shafts should be be aligned perfectly and still exhibit bly balance.
aligned again. The final shaft alignment excessive vibration because of the Mechanical looseness. Mechanical
always should be performed under distorted frame caused by a soft foot. looseness should never be overlooked
actual operating temperatures. This To check for soft foot on a mo- in the field. All mounting bolts, includ-
allows for the contraction or expan- tor frame or pump casing, loosen ing base-plate, pump, motor, coupler,
sion of all system components and the mounting bolt for each foot and guard bolts, can become loose
ensures proper alignment under actual individually, checking the vibration over time. Pipe restraints also should
operating conditions. Alignment level after each change. If a soft foot be checked for looseness. Vibration
should be checked periodically and has occurred, the vibration level will can result from cracked foundations,
corrected if needed. Running a mis- decrease as a mounting bolt is loosened. insufficient contact between grout and
aligned pump can cause extreme heat in Shims can be added under a soft foot pump bases, or cracked grout in base
couplings and bearings, bent shafts, and to correct the condition. Alignment plates. When these problems occur, a
increased operating costs. To reduce between shafts should be checked after pump, base, and foundation no longer
angular misalignment, consider dial shims are added. are one solid unit. They become several
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PUMPING & PIPING