MACHINE VIBRATIONS AND DIAGNOSTICS
THE WORLD OF ISO
Copyright Material IEEE
Paper No. PCIC-(do not insert number)
Dr. Horst Kuemmlee Thomas Gross
Member, IEEE DIN – Deutsches Institut
Siemens Large Drives Division fuer Normung
Nonnendammallee 72 Burggrafenstrasse 6
13629 Berlin 10787 Berlin
Germany Germany
horst.kuemmlee@siemens.com thomas.gross@din.de
Abstract – The paper gives an overview of the organization,
standardization philosophy and existing standards within ISO,
especially ISO/TC 108 “Mechanical vibration, shock and
condition monitoring" concerning machine vibrations and
vibration diagnostics.
It gives a brief summary of the most important standards, i.e.
the ISO 7919 and ISO 10816 series, and includes guidelines
for usage. The paper highlights the actual status of major
projects of ISO/TC 108/SC 2 "Measurement and evaluation of
mechanical vibration and shock as applied to machines,
vehicles and structures" and ISO/TC 108/SC 5 "Condition
monitoring and diagnostics of machine systems”.
The collaboration of ISO with other international
standardization authorities (e.g. IEC of which the IEC series
60034 is well known) and national committees in the US and
Europe are discussed.
I. INTRODUCTION
A. The Aim of Standardization
The aim of standardization is an agreement between all
parties involved in a subject in order that they can rely on the
specifications given in a standard. Therefore the principle of
standardization work is the involvement of all those who are
concerned with a certain subject, e.g. manufacturers, users,
occupational safety institutes and authorities in the case of
machinery standards. To this end, standards are developed in
a "democratic" way, i.e. they are drafted in round table
meetings, are made available to the public as drafts for
comments and vote, and finally are published as soon as the
technical content has reached approval by the members of the
dedicated standardization organization.
Standards, by their definition as an agreement, are not
mandatory in their usage. However, everyone is well advised
to base his contracts and decisions on standards which do
reflect the state of the art in a certain technical area. To keep
standards up to date they should be revised regularly. That
keeps standardization work going on.
There are many organizations elaborating standards, on a
national level (e.g. ANSI, BSI, DIN), on a regional level (e.g.
CEN within the European Union), and on the international level
(e.g. IEC, ISO).
1
Prof. Dr. Josef Kolerus
National Instruments Germany
Consultant
Eichenstrasse 49
81375 München
Germany
dr.josef@kolerus.de
B. The Organization of ISO
ISO, the International Organization for Standardization, is
the world’s largest developer of voluntary International
Standards. It was founded in 1947, and since then has
published more than 19 000 International Standards covering
almost all aspects of technology and business. Actually 164
countries are members of ISO. The technical work is
performed by some 220 Technical Committees (ISO/TC)
which may be subdivided into Sub-Committees (SC) consisting
of several Working Groups (WG).
ISO closely collaborates with other standardization
institutes. Collaboration with the International Electrotechnical
Commission IEC is documented by a double logo on the
ISO/IEC publications. Figure 1 shows the logos of ISO and
IEC.
Fig. 1 – Logos of ISO and IEC
C. Collaboration between Standardization Organizations
Collaboration with other institutes does exist even if not
marked on the standards cover sheets. ISO/TC 67 "Materials,
equipment and offshore structures for petroleum,
petrochemical and natural gas industries" or ISO/TC 118
"Compressors and pneumatic tools, machines and equipment"
adapt publications of the American Petroleum Institute API and
convert them into ISO standards, e.g. ISO 10441 "Petroleum,
petrochemical and natural gas industries — Flexible couplings
for mechanical power transmission — Special-purpose
applications" is based on API 671 "Special-purpose couplings
for petroleum, chemical, and gas industry services" or ISO
10440-1 "Petroleum, petrochemical and natural gas industries
— Rotary-type positive displacement compressors — Part 1:
Process compressors" bases on API 619 "Rotary-type
positive-displacement compressors for petroleum, petro-
chemical and natural gas industries".
On the other hand, International Standards of ISO or IEC
can be converted into regional or national standards to
encourage their use which is additionally supported by
translations into languages other than the official ones —
English and French. For instance, if an ISO standard has been
taken over in the European Union as EN ISO standard it is
published in Germany, after translation into German, as DIN
EN ISO standard.
II. ISO/TC 108
The standardization for machine vibration and diagnostics
is carried out in the Technical Committee ISO/TC 108
"Mechanical vibration, shock and condition monitoring".
The Technical Committee ISO/TC 108 consists of five
subcommittees:
SC 2: "Measurement and evaluation of mechanical vibration
and shock as applied to machines, vehicles and
structures"
SC 3: “Use and calibration of vibration and shock measuring
instruments”
SC 4 “Human exposure to mechanical vibration and shock"
SC 5: "Condition monitoring and diagnostics of machine
systems"
SC 6: “Vibration and shock generating systems”
In the following the work of two of its sub-committees (SC 2
and SC 5) are discussed more in detail.
III. ISO/TC 108/SC 2
Sub-committee SC 2 "Measurement and evaluation of
mechanical vibration and shock as applied to machines,
vehicles and structures" is mainly concerned with drafting
International Standards covering the measurement and
evaluation of mechanical vibration of machinery.
SC 2 consists of the following working groups:
JWG 1 "Joint TC 108/SC 2-IEC/TC 4 WG; Vibration of
hydraulic machine sets"
WG 1 "Rotodynamics and vibration of machines"
WG 2 "Vibration of ships"
WG 7 "Vibration of machines with active magnetic bearings"
WG 8 "Ground-borne noise and vibration from rail systems"
WG 10 "Basic techniques for vibration diagnostics"
WG 11 "Joint between ISO/TC 108/SC 2, ISO/TC 118/SC 1
and ISO/TC 118/SC 6; Vibration in reciprocating
compressor systems"
WG 31 "Balancing"
WG 1 deals with vibration behaviour of industrial machines.
There are two main standards series:
ISO 10816 "Evaluation of machine vibration by
measurements on non-rotating parts"
like bearing pedestals or bearing caps, and
2
ISO 7919 "Evaluation of machine vibration by
measurements on rotating shafts"
considering both shaft absolute and relative vibration.
Part 1 of both series gives a general description of the
principles that are generally applicable for the measurement
and evaluation of vibration. The subsequent parts deal with
the individual applications.
Both standards series define the appropriate measurement
quantities, suitable measurement locations and directions on a
machine, give advice to perform a vibration measurement
within a given frequency range, and — very helpful — provide
limit values for the measured vibration in terms of zone
boundary values. These boundary values reflect wordwide
experience with this kind of machinery and guarantee that the
machine runs satisfactorily.
Especially for electric machinery, the ISO 7919 and ISO
10816 series focus on vibration behaviour at site. The
acceptance criteria under test field conditions, however, are
standardized in the IEC 60034 series, for vibration especially in
IEC 60034-14. There is no comparable standard for test field
criteria within ISO and on the other hand no comparable
standard for in-situ conditions within IEC.
To classify the vibration at normal operating speed under
steady-state operating conditions in situ, the following four
evaluation zones are defined:
Zone A: The vibration of newly commissioned machines
normally falls within this zone.
Zone B: Machines with vibration within this zone are
normally considered acceptable for unrestricted long-term
operation.
Zone C: Machines with vibration within this zone are
normally considered unsatisfactory for long-term continuous
operation. Generally, the machine may be operated for a
limited period in this condition until a suitable opportunity
arises for remedial action.
Zone D: Vibration values within this zone are normally
considered to be of sufficient severity to cause damage to the
machine.
The vibration level associated with a particular classification
range depends on the size and mass of the vibrating body, the
characteristics of the mounting system, and the power and use
of the machine. It is therefore necessary to take into account
the various purposes and circumstances concerned when
specifying different ranges of vibration level for a specific class
of machinery. Where appropriate, reference should be made to
the product specification.
Two criteria are provided for assessing the machine
vibration. One criterion considers the magnitude of the
observed vibration; the second considers the changes in the
magnitude. It must be recognized, however, that these
criteria do not form the only basis for judging the severity of
vibration.
 For long-term steady-state operation, it is common practice
to establish operational vibration limits. These limits take the
form of ALARMS and TRIPS for which rules are given to set
the appropriate levels. Additionally, these standards present
guidelines to judge the machine vibration also under transient
operating conditions, such as run-up or run-down.
The standards series ISO 10816 and ISO 7919 actually
cover the following machinery (Figure 2):
Fig. 2 – ISO 7919 and 10816 series
For a decision which standard should be used for a given
machine, the Technical Report ISO/TR 19201 "Methodology
for selecting appropriate machinery vibration standards" can
be consulted giving an overview over the most important
machinery vibration standards which shortly are described and
summarized.
Machinery can be subdivided into four categories for the
purposes of vibration measurement and evaluation:
a) Reciprocating machinery having both rotating and
reciprocation components, such as diesel engines and
certain types of compressors and pumps. The vibration
is usually measured on the main structure of the
machine at low frequencies, typically in the range 2 Hz
to 1 000 Hz.
b) Rotating machinery having rotors with rigid behaviour,
such as certain types of electric motors, single-stage
pumps and low-speed pumps. The vibration is usually
measured on the main structure (such as on the bearing
caps or pedestals) where the vibration magnitudes are
indicative of the excitation forces generated by the rotor
due to unbalance, thermal bows, rubs and other sources
of excitation.
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c) Rotating machinery having rotors with flexible
behaviour, such as large gas or steam turbine generator
sets, multi-stage pumps and compressors. The machine
may be set into different modes of vibration as it
accelerates through one or more resonance speeds to
reach its service speed. On such a machine, the
vibration magnitude measured on a structural member
may not be totally indicative of the vibration of the rotor.
For example, a flexible rotor may experience very large
displacements resulting in failure of the machine, even
though the vibration magnitude measured on the
bearing cap is low. Therefore, it is essential to measure
also the vibration of the shaft directly.
d) Rotating machinery having rotors with quasi-rigid
behaviour, such as some steam turbine rotors, axial-
flow compressors, and fans. Such machinery contains
a special class of flexible rotor where vibration
magnitudes measured on the bearing cap are indicative
of the shaft vibration.
A. ISO 10816 – Measurements made on non-rotating parts
ISO 10816-1 provides general guidelines that describe
procedures for the measurement and evaluation of vibration
based on measurements made on non-rotating parts of the
machine. This is the first part of a series of International
Standards that provide individual criteria for each general
class of machine covered, which are unique to those
machines. These criteria, which are presented in terms of
both vibration magnitude and change of vibration, relate to
operational monitoring and acceptance testing. ISO 10816
accomplishes the following:
─ to cover the broadband frequency range of both low- and
high-speed machines
─ to set the vibration criteria to include various operational
zones
─ to incorporate vibration criteria through a worldwide survey
─ to include unique criteria and measurement procedures for
specific types of machines.
Figure 3 shows a typical zone definition of vibration velocity
versus frequency.
ISO 10816-2 covers large steam turbine generator sets with
power greater than 50 MW.
ISO 10816-3 covers coupled industrial machines when
measured in situ, like
─ steam turbines up to 50 MW
─ steam turbine sets with power greater than 50 MW and
speeds below 1 500 r/min or above 3 600 r/min (which are
not covered by ISO 10816-2)
─ compressors, industrial gas turbines with power up to
3 MW
─ generators, electric motors of any type, all blowers, fans
with power greater than 300 kW and other fans that are
not too flexibly mounted
─ pumps which are not dealt with by ISO 10816-7.

Figure 3 – Typical zone definition according to ISO 10816
Significant differences in design, type of bearings and type
of support structures require a division in ISO 10816-3 into two
machinery groups, namely:
Group 1: large machines with rated power above 300 kW or
electrical machines with shaft heights above 315 mm
Group 2: medium-sized machines with a rated power above
15 kW up to and including 300 kW or electrical
machines with shaft heights from 160 mm to 315
mm.
ISO 10816-4 covers gas turbine sets with fluid-film
bearings. It applies to heavy-duty gas turbines used in
electrical and mechanical drive applications covering the
power range above 3 MW and a speed range under load
between 3 000 r/min and 30 000 r/min. Generally, the criteria
apply to both the gas turbine and the driven equipment;
however, for generators above 50 MW, the criteria of
ISO 10816-2 are used for assessing the vibration severity,
and for generators up to 50 MW, those of ISO 10816-3.
ISO 10816-5 covers hydraulic machines when measured in
situ. It applies to machine sets in hydraulic power generation
and pumping plants where the hydraulic machines have
speeds from 120 r/min to 1 800 r/min, shell or shoe type
sleeve bearings and main engine power of 1 MW or more. The
position of the line shaft may be vertical, horizontal or at an
arbitrary angle between these two directions.
ISO 10816-6 covers reciprocating machines. In general, it
refers to vibration measurements made on the main structure
of the machine and the limit values are defined primarily to
secure a reliable and safe operation of the machine, and to
avoid problems with the auxiliary equipment mounted on the
machine structure. In the case of reciprocating machines, the
vibration measured on the machine main structure, and
qualified according to this International Standard, may only
give a rough idea of the stresses and vibratory states of the
components within the machine itself. E.g. torsional vibration
of rotating parts cannot generally be determined by
measurements on the structural parts of the machine.
ISO 10816-7 covers pumps for industrial applications with
nominal power above 1 kW. It describes the requirements for
evaluation of vibration measurements on non-rotating parts.
4
It also provides guidance for assessing the severity of
vibration measured on the bearings, both in situ or at the
manufacturer’s test facility, or in the plant. Zones and limits
are provided for acceptance tests at the manufacturer’s test
facility, if specified and special criteria are given. The
included zone limits are for the vibration of horizontal and
vertical pumps, irrespective of their support flexibility. For
long-term operation, two additional criteria are provided. One
criterion considers the magnitude of the observed vibration
and the second considers changes in magnitude. The criteria
are applicable for the vibration produced by the machine itself,
and not for vibration transmitted to the machine from external
sources.
ISO 10816-8 covers reciprocating compressor systems. The
vibration values are defined primarily to classify the vibration of
the compressor system and to avoid fatigue problems with
parts in the reciprocating compressor system, i.e. foundation,
compressor, dampers, piping and auxiliary equipment
mounted on the compressor system. The guidelines are not
intended for condition monitoring purposes.
This part of ISO 10816 applies to reciprocating
compressors mounted rigidly with typical speed ratings
greater than 120 r/min and up to and including 1 800 r/min.
Guidance values for acceptable overall vibration
displacement, velocity and acceleration for horizontal and
vertical compressor systems are given. The general
evaluation criteria relate to operational measurements. The
criteria are also used to ensure that machine vibration does
not adversely affect the equipment directly mounted on the
machine, e.g. pulsation dampers and the pipe system.
B. ISO 7919 – Measurements made on rotating parts
ISO 7919-1 provides specific guidelines for vibration
measurements on the rotating shafts of machines. Such
machines generally contain flexible rotor-shaft systems and
changes in the vibration condition can be detected more
decisively and more sensitively by measurements on these
rotating elements. Also, machines having relatively stiff
and/or heavy casings, in comparison to the rotor mass, are
typical of those classes of machines for which shaft vibration
measurements are frequently preferred.
Machines such as industrial steam turbines, gas turbines
and turbo-compressors, all of which have several modes of
vibration in their service speed range and their responses due
to unbalance, misalignments, thermal bows, rubs and the
unloading of bearings can be better observed by
measurements on the shafts.
There are three principle factors by which the vibration
magnitude of a machine is judged, namely:
─ bearing kinetic load
─ absolute motion of the rotor
─ rotor clearance relative to the bearing.
If the bearing kinetic load is of concern to ensure against
bearing damage, the vibration of the shaft relative to the
bearing structure should be monitored as the over-riding
criteria. If the absolute motion of the shaft (a measure of rotor
bending stress) or rotor-bearing clearance are of concern, the shaft vibration. These limit values are graphically shown as
type of measurement used depends on the vibration severity zones. The definition of these zones is the same as
magnitude of the structure which supports the relative-motion that in ISO 7919-1. Also included are the bearing clearance
transducer. Hence, if the vibration magnitude of this support effects on the zone boundaries.
structure is significant, the absolute shaft vibration will be the
more valid measurement. The rotor clearance to the bearing
needs to be monitored to ensure against rotor seal and blading
rubs which can cause rotor or blading failures.

The shaft vibration of machines, measured close to the

bearings, is evaluated on the basis of two criteria:

Criterion I: The reliable and safe running of a machine under

normal operating conditions requires that the
shaft vibration displacement remains below
certain limits consistent with e.g. acceptable
kinetic loads and adequate margins on the radial
clearance envelope for the machine. The
maximum shaft vibration is assessed against
evaluation zones.

Criterion II: Changes in shaft vibration displacement, even

though the limits of Criterion I are not exceeded,
can point to incipient damage or some other
irregularity. Consequently, such changes relative
to a reference value should not be allowed to
exceed certain limits. If this reference value
changes by a significant amount, steps should
be taken to ascertain the reasons for the change
and, if necessary, appropriate action taken. In
this context, a decision on what action to take, if
any, should be made after consideration of the
maximum magnitude of the vibration, and
whether the machine has stabilized at a new
condition.

General guidelines for establishing evaluation zones under

steady-state operating conditions are described which provide
the basis for the machine-specific evaluation criteria in the
subsequent parts of ISO 7919. The definition and application
of the different zones are the same as those adopted for ISO
10816 (Figure 4).

ISO 7919-2 provides the special features required for

measuring shaft vibration on the coupled rotor systems of
steam turbine generator sets for power stations, having rated
speeds in the range of 1 500 r/min to 3 600 r/min, and power
outputs greater than 50 MW. Evaluation criteria, based on
experience, are presented which can be used as guidelines
for assessing the vibratory conditions of such machines.

The vibration magnitudes specified are for both relative and

absolute shaft vibration measured at, or close to, the main load
carrying bearings, at rated speed and under steady-state
conditions. Higher magnitudes of vibration can be permitted
at other measuring positions and under transient conditions,
such as start-up and run-down (including passing through
resonance speed ranges).
The recommended shaft vibration values for large steam
turbine generator sets measured relative to the bearings are
included for relative shaft-to-bearing vibration and for absolute
Figure 4 – Typical zone definition according to ISO 7919
ISO 7919-3 gives guidelines for application of evaluation
criteria for shaft vibration measured close to the bearings
under normal operating conditions. These guidelines are
presented in terms of both steady-state conditions and any
changes that can occur in these steady values. This
International Standard applies to coupled industrial machines
with fluid-film bearings, comprising: turbo compressors,

5
turbines, turbine generators and electric drives, all having shaft vibration of large machines (e.g. steam turbine generator
maximum rated speeds in the range of 1 000 r/min to 30 000 sets, gas turbines, industrial turbo sets, and hydraulic
r/min, and power between 30 kW and 50 MW. machines).

The numerical values specified are not intended to serve as
the only basis for acceptance specifications. In general, the
vibratory condition of these machines is usually assessed by
consideration of both the shaft vibration and the associated
casing vibration. As a result, this International Standard should
be used in conjunction with ISO 10816-3.
This part of ISO 10817 is applicable to radial vibration
measuring systems on shafts, both for absolute and relative
measurements. It covers the sensing device (i.e. transducer),
signal conditioning, attachment methods and calibration
procedures.

ISO 7919-4 applies to industrial gas turbine sets (including

those with gears) with fluid-film bearings, power outputs
greater than 3 MW and shaft rotational speeds from 3 000
r/min to 30 000 r/min. Aircraft type gas turbines are excluded,
since they differ fundamentally from industrial gas turbines,
both in the type of bearings (rolling element) and in the
stiffness and mass ratios of the rotors and support structures.

Depending on the construction and mode of operation,

there are three types of industrial gas turbines:
─ single-shaft constant-speed
─ single-shaft variable-speed
─ gas turbines having separate shafts for hot-gas
generation and power delivery.

Guidelines are given for the application of criteria for shaft

vibration measured close to the bearings of industrial gas
turbines under normal operating conditions.

ISO 7919-5 lists the special features required for

measuring shaft vibration on coupled hydraulic machine sets.
This International Standard applies to all types of hydraulic
machines having nominal speeds between 60 r/min and
3 600 r/min, with fluid-film bearings and rated power of 1 MW
or more. These machines may consist of turbines, pumps,
pump turbines, generators, motors and motor generators,
including couplings, gears or auxiliary equipment in the shaft
line. The position of the shaft may be vertical, horizontal or at
an arbitrary angle between these two directions.

The guidelines are given for the application of criteria for

shaft vibration measured close to the bearings of coupled
hydraulic machine sets, under normal operating and steady-
state conditions, and any changes that can occur in these
steady values. The numerical values specified present rotor
displacements relative to the bearings as a function of shaft
rotational speed.
Figure 5 shows the decision tree for selecting the
appropriate standard within the ISO 7919 and ISO 10816
series. It is planned within ISO/TC 108/SC 2 to combine and
align the ISO 7919 and ISO 10816 series under the new
unique number ISO 20816, but this project is not yet officially
approved at this time.
C. Additional standards
ISO 10817-1 gives details of how to obtain reproducible
measurement results in order to enable the monitoring and
evaluation of shaft vibration according to the ISO 7919 series.
As such, it is of importance primarily for the measurement of
Fig. 5 – Selection diagram for ISO 7919 and ISO 10816 series
The standards series ISO 13373 "Vibration condition
monitoring" was also prepared by ISO/TC 108/SC 2. Part 1 of
this series includes general guidelines for the measurement
and data collection functions necessary for the assessment of
machinery vibration for condition monitoring and diagnostics
purposes. It is applicable to all kinds of rotating machinery and
also describes the narrowband analysis procedures and
techniques to perform discrete frequency analyses of the
vibration signals, which are beyond the scope of the ISO
10816 and ISO 7919 series. Part 2 of the series ISO 13373
deals with processing, analysis and presentation of vibration
data. Further parts of this standards series are currently under
development (see IV. ISO/TC 108/SC 5).

6
D. ISO 14839 – Vibration of rotating machinery equipped The gaps in numbering allow for further parts in a systematic
with active magnetic bearings (AMB) order. The current state is shown in Table 1.

The ISO 14839 series deals with machines equipped with ISO 21940 "Mechanical vibration — Rotor balancing"
active magnetic bearings. Part 1 gives the vocabulary. Part 2
addresses steady-state values of rotor vibration and the AMB New number Old number Status
coil current and voltage measured during nominal steady-state
ISO 21940-1
operation, but not the transient condition while passing through
Introduction: Guidelines on the use
resonance speeds. The guidelines for transient vibration at ISO 19499:2007 R
and application of balancing
resonance speeds are established in ISO 21940-31 (formerly standards
ISO 10814) in which the modal sensitivity, the so-called
amplification factor (Q-factor), is then evaluated. ISO 21940-2
ISO 1925:1990 R
Vocabulary
Because of the stiff support of oil-film bearings with small ISO 21940-11
clearances, shaft vibration should be regulated within low Procedures and tolerances for rotors
levels to avoid oil-film rupture of the lubricant and metal with rigid behaviour: Specification
ISO 1940-1:2003 R
contact inside the bearing. In contrast, the relatively soft and verification of balance
support of AMBs and correspondingly large clearances, a tolerances and balance quality
larger vibration level is often observed in AMB rotors, but is requirements
quite normal and acceptable. The lower stiffness introduces no ISO 21940-12
major problems in the transmission force to the machine Procedures and tolerances for rotors ISO 11342:1998 R
foundation. Compared to the oil-film bearing rotor standards with flexible behaviour
(ISO 7919 series), ISO 14839-2 provides greater values of
ISO 21940-13:2012
zone limits for vibration assessment and acceptance. Criteria and safeguards for the in-situ ISO 20806:2009 I
balancing of medium and large rotors
ISO 14839-3 describes the evaluation of stability margin.
While passive bearings, e.g. ball bearings or oil-film bearings ISO 21940-14:2012
are essentially stable systems, magnetic bearings are Procedures for assessing balance ISO 1940-2:1997 I
errors
inherently unstable due to the negative stiffness resulting from
static magnetic forces. Therefore, a feedback control is ISO 21940-21:2012
required to provide positive stiffness and positive damping so Description and evaluation of ISO 2953:1999 I
that the active magnetic bearing operates in a stable balancing machines
equilibrium to maintain the rotor at a centred position. A
ISO 21940-23:2012
combination of electromagnets and feedback control system is Enclosures and other protective
required to constitute an operable AMB system. ISO 7475:2001 I
measures for the measuring station
of balancing machines
In addition to ISO 14839-2 on evaluation of vibration of AMB
rotor systems, evaluation of the stability and its margin is ISO 21940-31
R
Susceptibility and sensitivity of ISO 10814:1996
necessary for safe and reliable operation of the AMB rotor machines to unbalance
(Draft)
system; this evaluation is specified in ISO 14839-3, the
objectives of which are as follows: ISO 21940-32:2012
ISO 8821:1989 I
a) to provide information on the stability margin for mutual Shaft and fitment key convention
understanding between vendors and users, mechanical Symbols for balancing machines and
engineers and electrical engineers, etc. ISO 3719:1994 W
associated instrumentation
b) to provide an evaluation method for the stability margin that
can be useful in simplifying contract concerns, commission Status code:
and maintenance I = Issued as ISO standard
c) to serve and collect industry consensus on the R = Currently under revision
W = Withdrawn
requirements of system stability as a design and operating
guide for AMB equipped rotors.
Table 1 – Renumbering of ISO standards for rotor balancing
For evaluation of the stability margin, zone limits are given in
ISO 14839-3. The definition of each stability zone is
determined by adapting the guidelines of ISO 7919-1. IV. ISO/TC 108/SC 5

E. Balancing The other sub-committee of ISO/TC 108 which is relevant to

Currently, ISO/TC 108/SC 2 revises all rotor balancing
standards. Since confusion could arise because of the
large quantity of appropriate standards with unsystematic
numeration, re-numbering and revision was started to collect
all balancing standards under the unique number ISO 21940.
the in-situ running condition of machinery is SC 5 "Condition
monitoring and diagnostics of machine systems". The
International Standards prepared by SC 5 are concerned with
methods of monitoring the physical state of a machine when
running in situ by monitoring vibration, temperature, acoustic
emission, electric current, etc.

7
 SC 5 consists of the following working groups: mentioned but since it is crucial to vibration condition
monitoring it is discussed here in detail.
AG A "Vibration condition monitoring procedures and
instrumentation used for the purposes of diagnostics" ISO 13373-1 provides general guidelines for the
AG E "Strategic planning" measurement and data collection functions of machinery
WG 1 "Terminology" vibration for the purposes of condition monitoring. It is intended
WG 2 "Data interpretation and diagnostics techniques" to promote consistency of measurement procedures and
WG 3 "Performance monitoring and diagnostics" practices which usually concentrate on rotating machines.
WG 4 "Tribology-based monitoring and diagnostics"
WG 5 "Prognostics" In this International Standard, the principles of vibration
WG 6 "Formats and methods for communicating, presenting condition monitoring programs are outlined, see Figure 7.
and displaying relevant information and data" Furthermore it covers all basic principles for
WG 7 "Training and accreditation in the field of condition ─ Measurement methods
monitoring and diagnostics" ─ Measurement parameters
WG 8 "Condition monitoring and diagnostics of machines" ─ Transducer selection
WG 10 "Condition monitoring and diagnostics of electrical ─ Transducer location
equipment" ─ Transducer attachment
WG 11 "Thermal imaging" ─ Data collection
WG 14 "Acoustic techniques" ─ Machine operating conditions
WG 15 "Ultrasound" ─ Vibration monitoring systems
WG 16 "Condition monitoring and diagnostics of wind ─ Signal conditioning systems
turbines" ─ Interfaces with data-processing systems
─ Continuous monitoring and periodic monitoring.
WG 8 also deals with the vibration behaviour of industrial
machines. The introductory document is ISO 17359 "Condition A table of the most common causes of machinery vibration
monitoring and diagnostics of machines – General guidelines". is given in Annex C of ISO 13373-1.
It is the parent document of a group of standards which cover
the field of condition monitoring and diagnostics, outlining ISO 13373-2 describes procedures for processing and
general procedures to be considered when setting up a presenting vibration data and analyzing vibration signatures for
condition monitoring program. This standard also includes the purposes of monitoring the vibration condition of rotating
references to other International Standards and other machinery, and performing diagnostics as appropriate.
documents which are required or useful in this process.
Recently, the project ISO 17359-2 "Condition monitoring and ISO 13373-3 is still under development. It is intended to
diagnostics of machines – Part 2: Parameter selection and set- provide general guidelines for vibration condition monitoring for
up" was established in SC 5. a range of machinery. Guidance for specific machines will be
provided in other parts of this standards series as planned:
Figure 6 gives an overview about the most important ISO
standards for condition monitoring. Part 4 – Diagnosis of steam turbines
Part 5 – Diagnosis of fans and blowers
Part 6 – Diagnosis of gas turbines
Part 7 – Diagnosis of hydraulic power generation and
pumping plants
Part 8 – Diagnosis of industrial pumps
Part 9 – Diagnosis of electric motors
Part 10 – Diagnosis of generators
Part 11 – Diagnosis of gearboxes.

Diagnostics is a collective designation for procedures and

methods to identify a failure mode in case of a fault indicated
by a monitoring system. For vibration based condition
monitoring, the most common vibration causes useful for
diagnosis are described in ISO 13373-1, Annex C, see also
Table 2. However, this method will handle different vibration
parameters separately, independent from each other. General
procedures that can be used to determine the condition of a
machine relative to a set of baseline parameters are described
in the standard series ISO 13379. However, although this
standard exceeds vibration-based methods and includes also
Fig. 6 – Most important ISO condition monitoring standards
other condition monitoring methods in a multivariate system it
is mentioned here since vibration will be the most important
ISO 13373 is the standards series for vibration condition
feature in most cases.
monitoring which is a central topic in most condition monitoring
systems. This ISO series is edited by SC 2 as already

8
 Cause Characteristic Remarks
vibration (Phase measurements can give
frequencies additional information for many causes)
Unbalance 1x (i.e. once per Changes in balance will give changes in
revolution) 1x vector. Vibration will be highest when
running speed coincides with a rotor
system critical speed. Significant vibration
phase change will occur when passing
through critical speeds. At a fixed speed
vibration magnitudes are constant.
Bearing 1x or higher Parallel or angular bearing misalignment
misalign- harmonics is generally caused by foundation
ment movements. Bearing misalignment is not
a direct cause of vibration excitation but
changes the dynamic characteristics of
the support system.
Shaft 1x, 2x or higher Angular/parallel misalignment due to
misalign- harmonics coupling geometric inaccuracies. It
ment introduces vibration excitation due to
shaft bending. In some cases, the axial
vibration component may be of similar
magnitude to the radial components.
Journal Subsynchronous Changes in the bearing operating
bearing or 1x, 2x, 3x conditions or geometry can cause
operating changes in the steady-state vibration at
condition/ 1x and higher harmonics, or cause
geometry subsynchronous instability (oil or steam
whirl). In the latter case the vibration is
usually unsteady and can increase with
time, often rapidly.
Rolling Wideband Detection requires transducers with high-
element acceleration at frequency response. Vibration tends to be
bearing high frequency localized to the region of the defective
wear bearing. Vibration readings are usually
unsteady and increase with time. Other
techniques may be necessary to
characterize the type of fault.
Stiffness 2x Vibration peaks when a 2x stimulus is
dissym- coincident with a rotor critical speed. At a
metry (e.g. fixed rotor speed vibration magnitudes
axial are constant. Compensation grooves are
winding used on large machines to minimize the
slots in stimulus.
generator/
motor
rotors)
Bent rotor 1x, 2x or higher Change of 1x is most common. If the rotor
(see also harmonics is bent near the coupling, a high 2x axial
thermal vibration is frequently observed. At a fixed
dissym- speed the rotor vibration values are
metry) constant.
Cracked 1x, 2x or higher A growth in the 2x vector is an indication
rotor harmonics that the growth of a transverse crack is
getting critical. Changes in the 1x or
higher harmonic vectors can also occur.
Compo- 1x and Vibration values may be erratic and
nent harmonics of inconsistent between successive start-
looseness running speed stop cycles. Sometimes subharmonic
in rotor frequency frequencies are also observed.
Eccentric 1x and for non- Vibration values can be abnormal or
or non- circular journals excessive at low rotor speeds as well as
circular at harmonics of at rotor critical speeds. At a fixed rotor
journals running speed speed the vibration values are constant.
frequency
Thermal 1x Can be caused by non-uniform rotor
dissym- ventilation or shorted electrical windings
metry or non-uniform tightness of parts. Causes
rotor to bow with the same vibration
Fig. 7 – Vibration condition monitoring flowchart according to characteristics as for unbalance.
Gear High frequencies Detection requires transducers with high-
ISO 13373-1
defects corresponding to frequency responses.
harmonics of For defect in one tooth: 1x and multiples.
gear For worn teeth: Gear mesh frequencies
mesh/rotational with sidebands and multiples.
frequency and
associated
sidebands

9
 Resonan- At the excitation Vibration magnification occurs at each Nowadays, certification is an important topic in condition
ce frequencies such machine resonant speed and large phase
as when rotor angle changes are evident in the 1x
monitoring. The ISO 18436 series (see Figure 9) maintains the
speed equals a response as the rotor passes through basis documents for qualification and assessment of personnel
natural critical speeds. Rotor unbalance is also in the field of condition monitoring. Part 2 defines the
frequency of the the most common stimulus which can requirements for vibration condition monitoring and diagnosis
rotor/support produce resonant responses of the
system machine in its non-rotating systems. On personnel.
electric machines, the other major
stimulus is at 2x which results from
electromagnetic forces that the rotor
induces on the stator.
Rubs Most commonly Slight rubs that are initiated at low speed
1x, but also may clear themselves. However, rubs
multiples of 1x, that are initiated at high speed may result
subsynchronous in an abrupt change in vibration that rises
frequencies and rapidly to a magnitude that requires
natural machine shut-down. Sometimes rubs
frequencies occur due to machines being loaded too
rapidly or as a result of sudden changes
in the thermal condition within the
machine. In other cases rubs may result
from clearances being set too small
between rotating and stationary parts, or
a result of parts shifting during service.

Table 2 – Most common causes of machinery lateral

vibration and resulting vibration characteristics (ISO 13373-1)

ISO 13379 is the ISO series on data interpretation and

diagnostic techniques. Part 1 "General guidelines" gives
guidance for the data interpretation and diagnostics of
machines. Further parts are currently under development in
SC 5:
Part 2 – Data-driven applications
Part 3 – Knowledge based applications.
Figure 8 shows the subdivision of the central condition
monitoring standards in several parts. ISO 13373 is
specialized on vibration condition monitoring, whereas ISO
13379 exceeds the field of vibration, outlining the principles of
multivariate condition monitoring systems.
Fig. 9 – ISO 18436 standards for qualification and
certification of personnel
Furthermore, there is a couple of standards dedicated to
special machine types as shown in Figure 10. ISO 19860 for
gas turbines already exists. ISO 16079 is a new project for
wind turbines, based on today’s knowledge that is recorded in
VDI 3834 and the German Lloyd Guideline for the Certification
of Condition Monitoring Systems for Wind Turbines. This
standard will be updated later by further parts as the
knowledge increases. In addition, a liaison to IEC/TC 88 Wind
turbines is maintained.

Fig. 8 – Details of central ISO condition monitoring Fig. 10 – ISO standards dedicated to special machine types
standards

10
 Besides the common standards as mentioned before, there
are further International Standards dealing with data
processing, communication and presentation (ISO 13374) or
signal processing (ISO 18431). An overview is given in
ISO/TR 19201 "Methodology for selecting appropriate
machinery vibration standards".
ISO 2041 gives the vocabulary for mechanical vibration,
shock and condition monitoring while ISO 13372 defines the
vocabulary for condition monitoring and diagnostics of
machines.
However, although vibration measurement and analysis will
in most cases be the central part of a monitoring system, a
strict limitation to vibration topics will not be useful any more.
This is clearly reflected in the development of the standards of
ISO/TC 108/SC 5.
There are a couple of standards of interest from other TCs.
Two of them should be mentioned here:
ISO 19859 "Gas turbine applications — Requirement for
power generation" (currently draft) established by ISO/TC 192
"Gas turbines". Normative references include the relevant ISO
10816 and ISO 7919 vibration standards.
ISO 19860 "Gas turbines — Data acquisition and trend
monitoring system requirements for gas turbine installations"
also established by ISO/TC 192. This standard applies to data
acquisition and trend monitoring systems for gas turbine
installations and associated systems. It classifies and defines
monitoring systems and their technical terms. For these very
complex systems with extremely important safety aspects (e.g.
for aircraft engines), performance monitoring concepts
covering multiple operational and other parameters (not only
restricted to unique quantities such as vibrations) are very
important to prevent failures and to keep the safety on a high
level.
The following future project is in progress in SC 5:
ISO 18129 "Condition monitoring and diagnostics of machines
— Approaches for performance diagnosis".
V. REFERENCES
The following reference list gives an overview of publicly
available International Standard concerning machine vibration
and condition monitoring. Some of the references are not
mentioned in the text body but listed for completeness.
[1] ISO 1925, Mechanical vibration — Balancing —
Vocabulary
[2] ISO 1940-1, Mechanical vibration — Balance quality
requirements for rotors in a constant (rigid) state — Part 1:
Specification and verification of balance tolerances
[3] ISO 2041, Mechanical vibration, shock and condition
monitoring — Vocabulary
11
[4] ISO 2954, Mechanical vibration of rotating and
reciprocating machinery — Requirements for instruments
for measuring vibration severity
[5] ISO 3719, Symbols for balancing machines and
associated instrumentation (withdrawn)
[6] ISO 4866, Mechanical vibration and shock — Vibration
of fixed structures — Guidelines for the measurement of
vibrations and evaluation of their effects on structures
[7] ISO 5348, Mechanical vibration and shock —
Mechanical mounting of accelerometers
[8] ISO 7919-1, Mechanical vibration of non-reciprocating
machines — Measurements on rotating shafts and
evaluation criteria — Part 1: General guidelines
[9] ISO 7919-2, Mechanical vibration — Evaluation of
machine vibration by measurements on rotating shafts —
Part 2: Land-based steam turbines and generators in
excess of 50 MW with normal operating speeds of
1500 r/min, 1800 r/min, 3000 r/min and 3600 r/min
[10] ISO 7919-3, Mechanical vibration — Evaluation of
machine vibration by measurements on rotating shafts —
Part 3: Coupled industrial machines
[11] ISO 7919-4, Mechanical vibration — Evaluation of
machine vibration by measurements on rotating shafts —
Part 4: Gas turbine sets with fluid-film bearings
[12] ISO 7919-5, Mechanical vibration — Evaluation of
machine vibration by measurements on rotating shafts —
Part 5: Machine sets in hydraulic power generating and
pumping plants
[13] ISO 8528-9, Reciprocating internal combustion engine
driven alternating current generating sets — Part 9:
Measurement and evaluation of mechanical vibrations
[14] ISO 8579-2, Acceptance code for gears — Part 2:
Determination of mechanical vibrations of gear units
during acceptance testing
[15] ISO 10814, Mechanical vibration — Susceptibility and
sensitivity of machines to unbalance
[16] ISO 10816-1, Mechanical vibration — Evaluation of
machine vibration by measurements on non-rotating parts
— Part 1: General guidelines (plus Amendment 1)
[17] ISO 10816-2, Mechanical vibration — Evaluation of
machine vibration by measurements on non-rotating parts
— Part 2: Land-based steam turbines and generators in
excess of 50 MW with normal operating speeds of
1500 r/min, 1800 r/min, 3000 r/min and 3600 r/min
[18] ISO 10816-3, Mechanical vibration — Evaluation of
machine vibration by measurements on non-rotating parts
— Part 3: Industrial machines with nominal power above
15 kW and nominal speeds between 120 r/min and
15000 r/min when measured in situ
[19] ISO 10816-4, Mechanical vibration — Evaluation of
machine vibration by measurements on non-rotating parts [35] ISO 14695, Industrial fans — Method of measurement of
— Part 4: Gas turbine sets with fluid-film bearings fan vibration

[20] ISO 10816-5, Mechanical vibration — Evaluation of [36] ISO 14839-1, Mechanical vibration — Vibration of
machine vibration by measurements on non-rotating rotating machinery equipped with active magnetic
parts — Part 5: Machine sets in hydraulic power bearings — Part 1: Vocabulary (plus Amendment 1)
generating and pumping plants
[37] ISO 14839-2, Mechanical vibration — Vibration of
[21] ISO 10816-6, Mechanical vibration — Evaluation of rotating machinery equipped with active magnetic
machine vibration by measurements on non-rotating parts bearings — Part 2: Evaluation of vibration
— Part 6: Reciprocating machines with power ratings
[38] ISO 14839-3, Mechanical vibration — Vibration of
above 100 kW
rotating machinery equipped with active magnetic
bearings — Part 3: Evaluation of stability margin
[22] ISO 10816-7, Mechanical vibration — Evaluation of
machine vibration by measurements on non-rotating parts
[39] ISO 14839-4, Mechanical vibration — Vibration of
— Part 7: Rotodynamic pumps for industrial applications,
rotating machinery equipped with active magnetic
including measurements on rotating shafts
bearings — Part 4: Technical guidelines
[23] ISO 10816-8, Mechanical vibration — Evaluation of [40] ISO 15242 (all parts), Rolling bearings — Measuring
machine vibration by measurements on non-rotating parts methods for vibration
— Part 8: Reciprocating compressor systems (draft)
[41] ISO 17359, Condition monitoring and diagnostics of
[24] ISO 10817-1, Rotating shaft vibration measuring machines — General guidelines
systems — Part 1: Relative and absolute sensing of
radial vibration [42] ISO 18431 (all parts), Mechanical vibration and shock —
Signal processing
[25] ISO 11342, Mechanical vibration — Methods and criteria
for the mechanical balancing of flexible rotors [43] ISO 18436 (all parts), Condition monitoring and
diagnostics of machines — Requirements for
[26] ISO 13372, Condition monitoring and diagnostics of qualification and assessment of personnel
machines — Vocabulary
[44] ISO/TR 19201, Mechanical vibration — Methodology for
[27] ISO 13373-1, Condition monitoring and diagnostics of selecting appropriate machinery vibration standards
machines — Vibration condition monitoring — Part 1:
General procedures [45] ISO 19499, Mechanical vibration — Balancing —
Guidance on the use and application of balancing
[28] ISO 13373-2, Condition monitoring and diagnostics of standards
machines — Vibration condition monitoring — Part 2:
Processing, analysis and presentation of vibration data [46] ISO 19859, Gas turbine applications — Requirement for
power generation (draft)
[29] ISO 13374-1, Condition monitoring and diagnostics of
[47] ISO 19860, Gas turbines — Data acquisition and trend
machines — Data processing, communication and
monitoring system requirements for gas turbine
presentation — Part 1: General guidelines
installations
[30] ISO 13374-2, Condition monitoring and diagnostics of
[48] ISO 20283-4, Mechanical vibration — Measurement of
machines — Data processing, communication and
vibration on ships — Part 4: Measurement and
presentation — Part 2: Data processing
evaluation of vibration of the ship propulsion machinery
[31] ISO 13374-3, Condition monitoring and diagnostics of
[49] ISO 21940-13, Mechanical vibration — Rotor balancing
machines — Data processing, communication and
— Part 13: Criteria and safeguards for the in-situ
presentation — Part 3: Communication
balancing of medium and large rotors
[32] ISO 13379-1, Condition monitoring and diagnostics of
[50] ISO 21940-14, Mechanical vibration — Rotor balancing
machines — Data interpretation and diagnostics
— Part 14: Procedures for assessing balance errors
techniques — Part 1: General guidelines
[51] ISO 21940-21, Mechanical vibration — Rotor balancing
[33] ISO 13381-1, Condition monitoring and diagnostics of
— Part 21: Description and evaluation of balancing
machines — Prognostics — Part 1: General guidelines
machines
[34] ISO 14694, Industrial fans — Specifications for balance
quality and vibration levels

12
[52] ISO 21940-23, Mechanical vibration — Rotor balancing
— Part 23: Enclosures and other protective measures
for the measuring station of balancing machines
[53] ISO 21940-31, Mechanical vibration — Rotor balancing
— Part 31: Susceptibility and sensitivity of machines to
unbalance (draft)
[54] ISO 21940-32, Mechanical vibration — Rotor balancing
— Part 32: Shaft and fitment key convention
Thomas Gross is member of staff of DIN Deutsches Institut
fuer Normung in Berlin since 1991. He is associated with the
department Acoustics, Noise control and Vibration. Since mid
2013 he is Secretary of ISO/TC 108/SC 2 and since many
years already Secretary of some ISO and a couple of DIN
working groups.
Thomas Gross graduated from Technical University of Berlin
with a Dipl.-Ing. degree in Mechanical Engineering (1982).
From 1984 to 1989 he was scientific fellow for acoustics at the
same university.

[55] ISO 22266-1, Mechanical vibration — Torsional vibration

of rotating machinery — Part 1: Land-based steam and
gas turbine generator sets in excess of 50 MW
[56] IEC 60034-14, Rotating electrical machines — Part 14:
Mechanical vibration of certain machines with shaft
heights 56 mm and higher — Measurement, evaluation
and limits of vibration severity
[57] IEC 60994, Guide for field measurement of vibrations
and pulsations in hydraulic machines (turbines, storage
pumps and pump-turbines)
[58] API 541, Form-wound squirrel-cage induction motors
------ 500 horsepower and larger
Prof. Dr. Josef Kolerus was graduated from Technical
University of Vienna with a Dip.-Ing. degree in Physics (1965)
and has received the degree of Dr. of technical sciences at the
department of mechanical engineering for his work self-excited
vibrations (1971). After some years with Bruel & Kjaer he was
employed at Mueller-BBM, a consulting company for acoustics
and vibration in Munich until 2004.
Nowadays he still working as a consultant for vibration
analysis and condition monitoring. Additionally he gives
lectures at the Technical University of Vienna for machinery
monitoring and acoustics. He is member and chair of several
working groups within ISO, DIN and VDI.

[59] API 546, Brushless synchronous machines ------

500 kVA and larger

[60] API 547, General purpose form-wound squirrel cage

induction motors ------ 250 horsepower and larger

[61] API 617, Axial and centrifugal compressors and

expander-compressors for petroleum, chemical and
gas industry services

[62] API RP 684, Paragraphs rotodynamic tutorial: lateral

critical speeds, unbalance response, stability, train
torsionals and rotor balancing

VI. VITA

Dr. Horst Kuemmlee is the head of the Research and

Developement Department for large electrical machines in the
Large Drives Division of the Siemens Industrial Sector in the
Siemens Dynamowerk in Berlin, Germany. He is responsible
for the basic mechanical and electrical design, rotor dynamics,
simulation of electro-mechanical systems, measurement
procedures and systems and standardization. He worked at
Siemens Dynamowerk since 1985 as research engineer, head
of the Special Machines Order Processing and Design
Department and in his current position. He is member or chair
of several working groups within ISO, IEC, DIN, VDI and API.
Dr. Kuemmlee graduated from Technical University of Berlin
with a Dipl.-Ing. degree in Mechanical Engineering (1980). He
has received the degree Dr.-Ing. for his work on Hyperelastic
Coupling Elements and Dampers (1985).

13