Sleeve Bearing Diagnostics Using

Proximity Probes

Charles Phelps
Field Engineer
GE Energy
312 Thompson Ave
Lehigh Acres, FL 33972
Basic Concepts of Rotor Dynamics
 Relative Phase

Signal A ONE CYCLE

1. Two Signals
(Y)
2. Same Frequency
Amplitude

3. Same Units
RELATIVE 4. Either Signal May
PHASE
Be Reference
5. Relative Phase is
Signal B 0 to 180 degrees
(X) Leading or Lagging
ONE CYCLE

Time
Once Per Turn Reference Pulse

0°

-V
ONE
REVOLUTION

0°
ONE
REVOLUTION

-V
Shaft Balancing
Shaft Crack Detection
Shaft / Structural Resonance Detection
Shaft Mode Shape
Direction of Precession
Location of Fluid-Induced Instability
Source
 Timebase Vibration
Characteristics
1. Vibration Amplitude
2. Vibration Frequency
Y
3. Phase
4. rpm
5. Direction of Precession
X 6. Signal Shape
7. Gap
(from proximity probe)

Time
Amplitude Time
0.2 2.0
ms/
X to Y (counterclockwise)
Volts/
div. div.
Direction of Precession

Given X to Y Precession (ccw)

and (ccw) Rotation: Precession = Forward
Orbit Vibration Characteristics

1. Vibration Amplitude (X & Y)

2. Absolute Phase (X & Y)
3. Relative Phase
4. Relative Frequency (X & Y)
X vs Running Speed
Y X vs Y
5. Direction of Precession
6. Shape

Amplitude
X = 5.6 mils pp Y = 5.4 mils pp
Orbit Vibration Characteristics

1. Vibration Amplitude (X & Y)

2. Absolute Phase (X & Y)
3. Relative Phase
4. Relative Frequency (X & Y)
vs Running Speed
X vs Y
5. Direction of Precession
6. Shape
Given X to Y (ccw)
Amplitude Rotation:
Forward Precession
 Shaft Deflection Shape

A B C D E F

Different Bearings, Same Speed with

Keyphasor® Marker.
 Average Shaft Centerline
Position
TRAIN: 115 MW TG 45 deg Ref: -9.76 volts
Point ID: BRG #1 VERT 315 deg Ref: -9.28 volts
Point ID: BRG #1 HORIZ Var: PROBE GAP TRANSIENT FILE
30 SEP 88 07:02:52 to 30 SEP 88 07:42:15
AVERAGE SHAFT CENTERLINE POSITION
UP
6.0

* 07:26:4
4.0 * 07:26:1

* 07:24:5
* 07:23:3
* 07:19:2
* 07:17:1
2.0 * 07:15:0

0.0
-2.0 0.0 2.0
AMPLITUDE 0.20 mils/div X to Y (CCW) ROTATION
 1/2X Vibration

0.5X 1X 2X

Oscilloscope Spectrum Analyzer

 Vibration Signal

COMPLEX
WAVEFORM

8X
6X
TIM 3X
E 1X
 Full Spectrum

UP POINT: Bearing 1 Vibration vertical

Y

+ + + + +
B
+ + + + +

B
+ + + + + X POINT: Bearing 1 Vibration horizontal A
+ + + + + B
A
+ + + + +
A
2.0 mil/div X to Y (CCW) Rotation 5.00 ms/div 4935 rpm

2.5
2xA
B
Amplitude: (mil pp/div)

2.0
B A

1.5
A B 2xB
A
1.0

0.5

0
1.0 mil/div X to Y (CCW) Rotation -1X 0 1X
Reverse Frequency Forward
Vibration (Orders) Vibration
 Full Spectrum
POINT: PT BRG 4 VERT 0°
POINT: PT BRG 4 VERT 90°
14 SEP 93 13:17:44 4890 rpm

AMPLITUDE: 10.0 mils/div

40

30

20
1X
10

0
-4000 -2000 0 2000 4000
Reverse Vibration FREQUENCY: 200 cpm/div Forward Vibration
Components X to Y (CCW) Rotation Components
Up POINT: Dual Vibr OB VERT
. . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . POINT: Dual Vibr OB HORIZ
. . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . .
10 mils/div X to Y (CCW) 5.00 ms / div 4890 rpm
DIRECT Rotation
Full Waterfall Plot
HOW TO MAKE PHASE
MEASUREMENTS
 Relative Phase

Signal A ONE CYCLE

1. Two Signals
(Y)
2. Same Frequency
Amplitude

3. Same Units
RELATIVE 4. Either Signal May
PHASE
Be Reference
5. Relative Phase is
Signal B 0 to 180 degrees
(X) Leading or Lagging
ONE CYCLE

Time
 Deflection Shape

B
Once Per Turn Reference Pulse

0°

-V
ONE
REVOLUTION

0°
ONE
REVOLUTION

-V
 Absolute Phase Measurements

Timing (in degrees) between two (2) points on a vibration signal,

the Keyphasor® pulse and positive peak in vibration.

Vibration
Signal
Phase
Lag
Time

Keyphasor ®
Signal
Degrees of
Rotation 0° 360°

NOTE: Frequency must be the same or harmonically related.

HOW TO INTERPRET STEADY
STATE DATA FORMATS
 Timebase Vibration
Characteristics
1. Vibration Amplitude
2. Vibration Frequency
3. Phase
4. rpm
5. Direction of Precession
6. Signal Shape
7. Gap
(from proximity probe)

Time
Amplitude Time
0.2 2.0
Volts/ ms/
div. div.
 Timebase Vibration
Characteristics
1. Vibration Amplitude
2. Vibration Frequency
Y
3. Phase
4. rpm
5. Direction of Precession
X 6. Signal Shape
7. Gap
(from proximity probe)

Time
Amplitude Time
0.2 2.0
ms/
X to Y (counterclockwise)
Volts/
div. div.
Direction of Precession

Given X to Y Precession (ccw)

and (ccw) Rotation: Precession = Forward
 Timebase Vibration
Characteristics
1. Vibration Amplitude
2. Vibration Frequency
3. Phase
4. rpm
5. Direction of Precession
6. Signal Shape
7. Gap
(from proximity probe)

Time
Amplitude Time
0.2 2.0
Volts/ ms/
Sinusoidal
div. div.
Relative Vibration Frequency

A B

1/2X 2X
Orbit Vibration Characteristics

1. Vibration Amplitude (X & Y)

2. Absolute Phase (X & Y)
3. Relative Phase
4. Relative Frequency (X & Y)
vs Running Speed
X vs Y
5. Direction of Precession
6. Shape

Amplitude
Orbit Vibration Characteristics

1. Vibration Amplitude (X & Y)

2. Absolute Phase (X & Y)
3. Relative Phase
4. Relative Frequency (X & Y)
X vs Running Speed
Y X vs Y
5. Direction of Precession
6. Shape

Amplitude
X = 5.6 mils pp Y = 5.4 mils pp
Orbit Vibration Characteristics

1. Vibration Amplitude (X & Y)

2. Absolute Phase (X & Y)
3. Relative Phase
4. Relative Frequency (X & Y)
vs Running Speed
X vs Y
5. Direction of Precession
6. Shape

Amplitude
X = 180° Y = 270°
Orbit Vibration Characteristics

1. Vibration Amplitude (X & Y)

2. Absolute Phase (X & Y)
3. Relative Phase
4. Relative Frequency (X & Y)
vs Running Speed
X vs Y
5. Direction of Precession
6. Shape

Amplitude
X leads Y by 90°
Orbit Vibration Characteristics

1. Vibration Amplitude (X & Y)

2. Absolute Phase (X & Y)
3. Relative Phase
4. Relative Frequency (X & Y)
vs Running Speed
X vs Y
5. Direction of Precession
6. Shape

Amplitude
1X
Orbit Vibration Characteristics

1. Vibration Amplitude (X & Y)

2. Absolute Phase (X & Y)
3. Relative Phase
4. Relative Frequency (X & Y)
vs Running Speed
X vs Y
5. Direction of Precession
6. Shape
Given X to Y (ccw)
Amplitude Rotation:
Forward Precession
Orbit Vibration Characteristics

1. Vibration Amplitude (X & Y)

2. Absolute Phase (X & Y)
3. Relative Phase
4. Relative Frequency (X & Y)
vs Running Speed
X vs Y
5. Direction of Precession
6. Shape

Amplitude
Circular
 Shaft Deflection Shape

A B C D E F

Different Bearings, Same Speed with

Keyphasor® Marker.
 Relative Phase

X leads Y by 10° - 15°

 Relative Phase

X leads Y by 170° - 175°

Vibration Frequency vs
Rotative Speed

X = 1X, Y = 2X
Frequency Ratio Using Orbits

180° OF ORBITING 180° ORB 1

= = X
360° OF ROTATION 360° ROT 2

120° OF ORBITING 120° ORB 1

= = X
360° OF ROTATION 360° ROT 3

240° OF ORBITING 240° ORB 2

= = X
360° OF ROTATION 360° ROT 3
 Average Shaft Centerline
Position
TRAIN: 115 MW TG 45 deg Ref: -9.76 volts
Point ID: BRG #1 VERT 315 deg Ref: -9.28 volts
Point ID: BRG #1 HORIZ Var: PROBE GAP TRANSIENT FILE
30 SEP 88 07:02:52 to 30 SEP 88 07:42:15
AVERAGE SHAFT CENTERLINE POSITION
UP
6.0

* 07:26:4
4.0 * 07:26:1

* 07:24:5
* 07:23:3
* 07:19:2
* 07:17:1
2.0 * 07:15:0

0.0
-2.0 0.0 2.0
AMPLITUDE 0.20 mils/div X to Y (CCW) ROTATION
 1/2X Vibration

0.5X 1X 2X

Oscilloscope Spectrum Analyzer

 Vibration Signal

COMPLEX
WAVEFORM

8X
6X
TIM 3X
E 1X
 Full Spectrum

UP POINT: Bearing 1 Vibration vertical

Y

+ + + + +
B
+ + + + +

B
+ + + + + X POINT: Bearing 1 Vibration horizontal A
+ + + + + B
A
+ + + + +
A
2.0 mil/div X to Y (CCW) Rotation 5.00 ms/div 4935 rpm

2.5
2xA
B
Amplitude: (mil pp/div)

2.0
B A

1.5
A B 2xB
A
1.0

0.5

0
1.0 mil/div X to Y (CCW) Rotation -1X 0 1X
Reverse Frequency Forward
Vibration (Orders) Vibration
 Full Spectrum
POINT: PT BRG 4 VERT 0°
POINT: PT BRG 4 VERT 90°
14 SEP 93 13:17:44 4890 rpm

AMPLITUDE: 10.0 mils/div

40

30

20
1X
10

0
-4000 -2000 0 2000 4000
Reverse Vibration FREQUENCY: 200 cpm/div Forward Vibration
Components X to Y (CCW) Rotation Components
Up POINT: Dual Vibr OB VERT
. . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . POINT: Dual Vibr OB HORIZ
. . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . .
10 mils/div X to Y (CCW) 5.00 ms / div 4890 rpm
DIRECT Rotation
Full Waterfall Plot
HOW TO INTERPRET STARTUP AND
SHUTDOWN PLOTS
 1X Bode Plot
Slow Roll 180
Phase 240
300
360
60
120
180 Slow Roll Vector
240
4
Amplitude: 1.0 mils pp
Phase: 225 Deg. Lag
3

Slow Roll 1
Amplitude
0
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000
rpm
Slow roll speed range (no dynamic data).
 Uncompensated Polar Plot
0°

2370
2310
* * 2385
* 2280 * 2400
2205 * 2250 *
2145
* 2415
270° * * 90°
1845
*
300 *
Slow Roll * 2430
Vector
3615 * * 2445
2985 * 2775 * 2460
* * 2475
2685* 2610
* *
2505

4.0 mil pp Full Scale 180° X to Y (CCW) Rotation

 1X Bode Plot
180
Uncompensated
240
Angle of
300
Heavy Spot
360 Compensated

60 180° Plot of
120 High Spot

180
240

4
Balance
3 Resonance

1 Uncompensated

Compensated
0
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000
rpm
 1X Compensated Polar Plot

Direction of Mass
Unbalance Amplitude and Direction
0° of Response at Balance
Resonance

2370
2310
* *
*2280 2385*
2205 **2250 2405*
2070 * 90° 2415
*
300 2430 *
270° * 90°
90° 2445 *
3615* 2460 *
* 2775
Amplitude and Direction
2610* *2505
of Response Above
Balance Resonance

180°
4.0 mil pp Full Scale X to Y (CCW) Rotation
Vertical and Horizontal 1X
Bode Plot
Split Critical and Structural Resonances
180
240
300
360
60
120
180

10
Inboard
8 Horizontal
6
Structural
4 Resonances
2 Inboard
0 Vertical
0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000
rpm
Split Critical
 Polar Plot
Balancing Effect
Mu Before 0°
Mu After
Balancing Balancing

2340
*
* 2295 2385*
2400 *
* 2235
*2065 2415 *
2400
300 2055 *
3285 **
270° 2415 90°
2745 *
* * 2445

2775 * * 2445
* 2460
2685*
*2475 * 2475
2610* *
2505

4.0 mil pp Full Scale 180° X to Y (CCW) Rotation

Frequently Observed Polar Plot
0°

High Speed
90° 270°

180°
Two Mass Rotor System

Vertical Vertical
Probe Probe

Mass
 Split Translational Resonance

0° 0°

High Speed High Speed

90° 270° 90° 270°

180° 180°
INBOARD OUTBOARD
 Translational and Pivotal
Resonance

0° 0°

High Speed
High Speed
90° 270° 90° 270°

180° 180°
INBOARD OUTBOARD
 Typical Flexible Rotor Mode
Shapes
P1 P2P3P4

Typical Rotor

P3
Cylindrical / Translational Mode
P2

Pivot / Conical Mode

P1
P4
Third Mode
Node Locations are Affected by System Stiffness
 Average Shaft Centerline
(Not Orbit or Polar Plot)
Top
3.0

2.0
*9500
* 9400
*9200
* 8700
* 8000
1.0 7600
1200
*
*
*500 * 4500
*5500

0.0 *300
-1.0 0.0 1.0
Amplitude 0.20 mils / div X to Y (CCW) Rotation
 Half Cascade Plot

1X
2X
4000

3000
3X
2000

1000

0
0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000
Frequency (cpm) Hanning Window
Full Cascade Plot
HOW TO EVALUATE PRELOADS (MISALIGNMENT) AND
RADIAL POSITION MEASUREMENTS
Direct Measurements
Vibration and Position
Rotor Speed
Bearing Temperature

Indirect Data
Process Data
Performance Data
Radial Preloads
Gravitational
Fluidic Preloads
Bearing Preloads
Internal Misalignment
Parallel and Angular Misalignment
Pipe Strain
Thermal Warping
Axial Preloads
Gravity (Vertical Machines)
Fluidic
Process Thrust Loads
Differential Expansion
Orbit Plot Can Show Preloads
(Misalignment)
(No Resonance Near Twice Rotative Speed)

Rare Common Rare

Orbit Plot Can Show Preloads
(Misalignment)
(Resonance Near Twice Rotative Speed)

Rare Common Rare

 Orbit and Position Indicators
of Preload

Y X
TN
RO

BEARING
CL
Y = - 6.8 Vdc
Normal Orbit
and Position X = - 7.2 Vdc
AVERAGE
SHAFT CL

Normal steady load downward, such as gravity.

 Orbit and Position Indicators
of Preload

Y X
AVERAGE
SHAFT CL
TN
RO

Abnormal Orbit
and Position
BEARING CL

Y = - 6.2 Vdc
X = - 5.8 Vdc
 Gap Voltage Measurement

PROVIDES:
Shaft Centerline Position
Shaft Attitude Angle
Eccentricity
Shaft Trend Plots
Alignment Along Shaft
 Radial Position Calculation

Y
Vertical Transducer
200 mV/mil

Diametral Horizontal
Clearance 10 mils Transducer
200 mV/mil
X

Rotor (Not to Scale)

Y = - 10 Vdc
Shaft Centerline X = - 10 Vdc
 Radial Position Calculation

Y
Vertical Transducer
200 mV/mil

Diametral Horizontal
Clearance 10 mils Transducer
200 mV/mil
X
Rotor (Not to Scale)

Y = - 9.6 Vdc
Shaft Centerline X = - 10.2 Vdc
Radial Position Calculation

Left 1 mil Vertical Transducer Y

Up 2 mils 200 mv/mil
Horizontal
Transducer
200 mV/mil
X
to Scale) Y = - 9.6 Vdc
Shaft Centerline X = - 10.2 Vdc
 Average Shaft Centerline
Position
Top
3.0

2.0
* 9500
*9400
* 9200
* 8700
* 8000
1.0 7600
1200
*
* 4500
*500 *
*5500

0.0 * 300
-1.0 0.0 1.0
Amplitude 0.20 mils / div X to Y (CCW) Rotation
Shaft Centerline Plot Can
Show Misalignment

Turbine
Generator
 Axial Position Measurements
AXIAL (THRUST) POSITION
Thrust Collar 12 Max

12 Max

DIFFERENTIAL EXPANSION