LARGE ELECTRICAL MOTOR VIBRATION

CASCADEMVS – DICKINSON, TEXAS 281-482-2727

LARGE EL. MOTOR WHEN THE “TAIL

Proper evaluation with valid vibration data and analysis SHAKES THE
DOG”
saved customer Millions of dollars in unnecessary repair
and loss of production Motor I-Beam type
support structure

CascadeMVS was contracted Our first set of collected vibration supporting large
as “last resort” to confirm or data on the motor confirmed Electric Motor was
dispute recommendations of already known facts. In due deemed too weak
previous findings and time, CascadeMVS discovered
and recommended
recommendations in solving that motor bearing proximity
“solution” was either
11000 HP Electric Motor vibration. probes were mismatched and
to stiffen it or “even
Previous not properly
recommenda calibrated. better” to fill lit with
tions were to New set of concrete to increase
either proximity “needed” support
reinforce the probes its
inertia mass. Both of
existing motor drivers and
recommended
support or to cables were
fill it up with ordered
“solutions” required

grout in order from extensive down time

to increase reputable and loss of
“lacking” US production. Matter
support mass manufactur
was complicated
and or stiffness. Motor bearing er. With new and calibrated
even further as the
housing was reported to be system and using single channel
vibrating in excess of any portable instrument in location in pipeline of

acceptable standards while combination with multi-channel this particular motor

orthogonal shaft proximity probes
were indicated acceptable level
of vibration. Data presented to
CascadeMVS was collected by
“in house” personnel and
forwarded for analysis across US.
analyzer a proper data was driven compressor
obtained and analyzed. Analysis was at such location
indicated that coupling initiated
that, shutting it down,
eccentricity was the force
it would require major
behind recorded excessive drive
motor vibration. rerouting of the
product.

[Pick the date] [Edition 1, Volume 1]

 CascadeMVS – Dickinson, Texas 281-482-2727

Original Set of Vibration data

NDE Brg horizontal = 0.923 IPS DE Brg horizontal = 0.897 IPS

Proximity probe data indicating 2.5 and 1.2 Mils P-P respectively

Horizontal deflection mode was plotted as displayed here under. (old but still valuable presentation) It
revealed that the support structure was swaying abt 30% less sideways than motor body on top.
1.0 IPS

A “dove tail” attachment was fabricated in local shop and attached to Commtest Vb7 portable
analyzers accelerometer.

Dove tail was used by riding the coupling components and spool
piece to collect displacement severity in Mils P-P. Following page
sketch identifies points and vibration severity as recorded. Yellow
shaded numbers indicate point Displacement values in Inches.
 CascadeMVS – Dickinson, Texas 281-482-2727

Alignment Alignment
points points
Dynamic
vibration
0.031 Mils P-P

COUPLING

Motor

0.004” 0.012” 0.028” 0.042” 0.051” 0.003”

Renold Coupling exploded view:

New coupling of different design (double shim pack) was ordered and installed during short down time
solving the previous recommendations of stiffening and or increasing motor support inertia mass.

Moral of the story: “Shot gun” approach and basing recommendation on “visual observations”, can turn
into major failure. Checking available instrumentation, for proper work and calibration is essential. Collecting
valid data, presenting it and thereupon making analysis and recommendations is the ONLY way in solving
any and all machinery problems.