10.

The three circles for the runs with the test weights will intersect at one point or a small area. Plot a line from the origin to this point or center of the area. This line shows the angle where the permanent weight is to be installed to balance the machine. The amount of weight needed, if it is at the same radius as the trial weights, is equal to: radius of initial circle * trial weight length of line
270

ST-101
Test Location:

Balance Worksheet
Trial Wght:
0
SCA LE

Coupled End Vert. 8

0 33

large binder clip

30

DLI WATCHMAN VIBRATION SCREENING TOOL

ST-101

Application Note #006

Balancing using the ST-101

The ST-101 can be used for in-place balancing of machinery. Although not as easy to use as full featured balancing systems using spectrum analyzers, the methods used will work well on many types of machines.
60

30

The so-called 3 ring method is used for single plane balancing. This method requires placing trial weights at three locations on the rotor, and making three test runs. On machines that can be started and stopped without problem, and where the rotor is accessible, the method is extremely fast and easy to use.
90

In the example shown, 4.2 * trial weight

PRELIMINARY STEPS
1. Verify that imbalance is the cause of high vibration levels. On a machine with bearings on both sides of the rotor, readings taken in the vertical and/or horizontal directions should have equal high levels on both the LOW and MID bargraphs. On a machine with an overhung rotor, vertical and/or axial measurements on the bearing adjacent to the rotor should have equal high levels on both the LOW and MID bargraphs. If this is not the case, imbalance is probably not the primary cause of the high vibration levels. 2. Examine the machine for causes of imbalance. This might include dirt buildup on an exhaust fan, or improperly replaced bolts of unequal lengths in a coupling. Correct any problems found before proceeding.
12 0

1.4

24 0

THE PERMANENT WEIGHT

21 0 0 15

The above calculation determines the weight needed at the same radius as the trial weight. If the permanent weight will be located at a different radius, the weight needed must be calculated for the new radius. (trial weight) (radius of trial weight) weight = (radius of permanent weight)

Machine: Date: Op. Cond:

exhaust fan 12/17/99 high speed

180

ST-101 Settings Speed: Units:

1800 rpm disp - mils

BALANCE PROCEDURE
Materials Required for Balancing 1. ST-101 and magnetic mount accelerometer 2. Polar plot paper similar to that shown on the following pages (available from the web site for downloading) 3. Compass for drawing circles 4. Trial weights 5. Scale for weighing trial weights Trial Weights A trial weight of suitable size must be selected for the machine being balanced. Suitable trial weights include binder clips for small or high speed machines, and c-clamps for large, low speed machines. Clay can be used if there is a lip in the rotor to keep it in place. If the unit being balanced has a balance ring, which is a disk on the shaft with tapped holes for weights, set screws can be used for trial weights. If greater weight is needed, a hex head bolt can be used as a trial weight. The size of the trial weight will depend on the rotation rate of the machine, the weight of the rotor, and the radius at which the weight will be located. As a starting point, the following table is suggested. Based on the speed and rotor weight, the trial weight, in terms of inch-ounces will be given. Divide this result by the radius where the weight will be located to determine the weight in ounces needed.

In the example, the trial weight was located on the inside edge of the fan blades, at a radius of 12 inches. Suppose the permanent weight will be welded to the outside edge of the rotor, at a radius of 16 inches, and suppose the calculated weight needed was 1 ounce. (1 oz) x 12 weight = 16 Permanent weight may be welded, or nuts and bolts can be used. If the machine has a balance wheel, weights will be installed there. Whatever permanent weights are used, they must be securely installed so they will not come loose when the machine is operated. If threaded fasteners are used, they should be lightly staked, or lockwired to prevent loosening. If welding or bolting weights, be sure to take the weight of weld material or bolt into = 0.75 oz at a radius of 16

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INNOVATIVE PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE

RPM 900 1200 1800 3600

1

Trial Weight x Radius (in-oz) 0.070 x RW (lbs) 0.039 x RW (lbs) 0.017 x RW (lbs) 0.0044 x RW (lbs)
Binder Clip Trial Wght

For example, suppose the rotor weight (RW) of an imbalanced fan is 250 pounds, and the rotation speed is 1800 RPM. From the table, it is calculated that 4.25 in-oz of effect is needed for the trial weight. If the weights are to be positioned on the inner edge of the fan blades as shown, the radius on this fan rotor is 12 inches, so the weight needed will be 4.25 in-oz/12 in = 0.35 oz. The weight needs to be large enough to make a change in vibration levels but not so large as to cause damage to the machine being tested. The effect of the weight is proportional to the radius at which the weight is located and the square of the speed. It is best to start with a light weight and increase the weight as needed to have a measurable effect. If a binder clip or c-clamp is used for a trial weight, position them carefully so that centrifugal force will force the weight to stay in position. Clipped to the inside edge of a fan blade is an ideal choice. Use caution when running the machine with trial weights installed.

6. Plot a circle with the radius equal to the vibration level measured. The circle will be centered at 0 degrees and the initial circle plotted. In the example shown, the vibration level was 5 mils. 7. Move the same trial weight about 1/3 of the way around the rotor. In the example shown, the fan has 7 blades. Moving the weight over 2 blades will be satisfactory. See the illustration on the previous page. 8. Run the machine and record the vibration level. Plot a circle of this radius with the origin, at the angle of the trial weight. In this example, the trial weight, located on blade 3, is at 103 degrees, and the vibration level was 3 mils. 9. Move the trial weight to the last 1/3 of the rotor and repeat the process. In the example, the weight was installed on blade 6. Run the machine again, and record the vibration level. Plot a circle of this radius centered on the original circle, at the angle of the trial weight (257 degrees in this example). In the example, a vibration level of 5.4 mils was measured.

ST-101
Test Location:

Balance Worksheet
Trial Wght:
0
SCA LE

Coupled End Vert. 8

0 33

large binder clip

30

30

60

270

3 6

Procedure This procedure is much more difficult to describe than to perform. When trial weights can be easily attached to the rotor, it is very simple to make the measurements and calculations. 1. Using this method, the machine will be run three times with a trial weight installed at 3 positions spaced approximately equally around the rotor. Determine where the weight can be attached. Each position must be at the same radius on the rotor. 2. Vibration levels will be read from the 4 digit display on the ST-101. Units should be selected to minimize effects from other than rotation rate vibration: direct drive machine: belt drive machine: displacement velocity
ST-101
Test Location:

21 0

0 15

Machine: Date: Op. Cond:

exhaust fan 12/17/99 high speed

180

ST-101 Settings Speed: Units:

1800 rpm disp - mils

ST-101
Test Location:

Balance Worksheet
Trial Wght:
0
SCA LE

ST-101
large binder clip
Test Location:

Balance Worksheet
Trial Wght:
0
SCA LE

Coupled End Vert. 8

Coupled End Vert. 8

large binder clip

Balance Worksheet
Trial Wght:
0
SCA LE

Coupled End Vert. 8

0 33

large binder clip

0 33

30

0 33

30

Select the appropriate speed and units on the ST-101. 3. Make the initial run with no trial weight installed, and measure the vibration level. For example, the vibration level might read 4.2 mils. On polar paper, plot a circle with a radius of 4.2, centered at the origin. Select the scale so this circle is about half the scale of the plot. 4. Mark the rotor locations, by numbering each blade for example, and install the trial weight at location #1. Caution: Be certain the trial weight will not come loose when the machine is run. Start with a small trial weight, and increase it if no effect in vibration level is observed. 5. Run the machine and record the vibration level. The level may increase or decrease depending on where the heavy side of the rotor is located. If no change in vibration level is observed, a larger weight may be needed to
270

6
30

30 0

30 0

30 0

270

270

90

3 90

12 0

12 0

21 0

0 15

21 0

0 15

Machine:
21 0 0 15

exhaust fan 12/17/99 high speed

180

ST-101 Settings Speed: Units:

Machine: Date: Op. Cond:

exhaust fan 12/17/99 high speed

180

ST-101 Settings Speed: Units:

Date: Op. Cond:

1800 rpm disp - mils

1800 rpm disp - mils

Machine: Date: Op. Cond:

exhaust fan 12/17/99 high speed

180

ST-101 Settings Speed: Units:

1800 rpm disp - mils

12 0

90
0 24

12

90
24 0 60

60

60 0 24

24 0