Spectrum & Time Analysis Procedures How to Analyze Data By Kevin R.

Guy Senior Field Analyst Delaware Analysis Services, Inc. P.O. Box 365 Francisco, Indiana 47649 (krguy@delawareanalysis.com)

Abstract: Individuals assigned to vibration analysis programs struggle with analyzing collected vibration data for various reasons including, training and lack of confidence. The problem is not that people dont know how to analyze data, but, rather they do not have a plan or procedure on how to systematically go about analyzing the data. In many cases, the vibration analyst should rule out what is not the problem, instead of looking for what is the problem. This paper will present a plan of attack so that an individual will have some guidance on what to look for when analyzing vibration data. Following the plan set forth in this paper will give the inexperienced vibration analyst a procedure on how they should proceed when analyzing vibration data. Key Words: Amplitude, Frequency, Time, Spectrum, Harmonic Vibration, Periodic Vibration; Impulsive Vibration, Pulsating, Random Vibration, Sidebands, Synchronous, Non Synchronous, Subsynchronous, Electrical, Balance, Alignment, Looseness, Resonance, Vane Pass, Blade Pass, Gearmesh Introduction: Analyzing data appears to be a daunting task. Many do not have experience examining at vibration data. The key is to go about the task with a plan to assist with the analysis. While each analyst develops their own plan of how they analyze data, each analyst s plan contains many of the same procedures. Many inexperienced analysts only want to look at data in the spectrum plot because many analysis charts and tables present data in the frequency domain (Figure 1).

1X

2X

Figure 1 Spectrum Plot Synchronous Vibration

These same inexperienced analysts try to match the spectrum plot to a wall chart and expect the answer to jump out at them. A wall chart or other forms of troubleshooting tables are guidelines. The expectation is the exact same spectrum plot will be found and they will, therefore, have the solution to their analysis. Data from the time plot will indicate what type of vibration is present. The five types of vibration are harmonic (Figure 2), periodic (Figure 3), beating (Figure 4), impulsive (Figure 5), or random (Figure 6).

Figure 2 Time Plot periodic Vibration

Figure 3 Time Plot Periodic Vibration

Figure 4 Time Plot Pulsating or Beating Vibration

Figure 5 Time Plot Impulsive Vibration

Figure 6 Time Plot Random Vibration

When one determines the type of vibration from the time plot, they use the spectrum plot to find out what group or frequency content the vibration frequencies in the spectrum fall under, they are: synchronous, non-synchronous, subsynchronous or electrical. While much of vibration analysis is pattern recognition, knowing the type of vibration from the time plot, and what groups the frequencies fall under in the spectrum plot, points the analyst to the vibration cause. Ninety percent of our vibration problems are the big three: balance, alignment and looseness issues. If a forth problem was added to the list, it would be rolling element bearing faults. These four items are probably ninety five percent of all vibration issues. This paper will try to lay the foundation of rules for analyzing vibration issues by using techniques developed over the past thirty-three years of analyzing data. Vibration analysis does not have to be difficult if you know how to read the data. Also, the vibration instrumentation does an excellent job at providing information to make the task easier. The analyst has to have a plan and they have to know how to extract the information from the data. Basics of Vibration Analysis: Before any discussion of analyzing data can begin, a discussion of vocabulary must take place. The two most important words in the analysts vocabulary are amplitude and frequency. Amplitude tells us the condition of the equipment and frequencies identify the problem. You, as an analyst, look at the frequencies present in the time and spectrum plots and determine the cause of the vibration. The type of frequencies present, help the analyst narrow down the cause of the vibration. The word frequency can be broken down into four additional critical words that help the analyst indentify the frequency content in the spectrum plot. Synchronous vibration is vibratory frequencies that are related to the operating frequency of the shaft (i.e. balance alignment, looseness, vane pass, blade pass, gearmesh). Subsynchronous vibration is vibration frequencies that occur at a frequency that is less than the frequency of the shaft (i.e. oil whirl, oil whip, fundamental train frequency, rubs). Non-synchronous vibration is vibration that is not related to the frequency of the shaft (i.e. rolling element bearing defect frequencies, pump flow issues). Electrical vibration is vibration that is caused by line frequency, 60Hz in North American and 50 Hz around the rest of the world.

The basis for mechanical vibration issues is shaft speed. The rotational (operating) speed of the shaft is expressed in terms of revolutions per minute (rpm). The term frequency relates to cycles per unit time. Frequency can be expressed in cycles per minute (cpm) or cycles per second (cps Hz). Using the following example, a machine operating at 3575 rpm (Figure 7) this vocabulary can be tied together. If the operating speed of the shaft is 3575 rpm, then the shaft frequency is 3575 cpm or 59.58 Hz. This is also the first order of the shaft. Any frequency that is an even multiple of the shaft frequency would be synchronous vibration (Figure 7 - items 1 - 6). Vibration frequencies that occur at a frequency less than the operating frequency are subsynchronous (Figure 7 item 7). Frequencies that are not an even multiple or order of shaft frequency is non-synchronous vibration (Figure 7 item 8). Any vibration that is related to line frequency, 60 Hz (3600 cpm) or 50 Hz (3000 cpm) is electrically generated and is electrical vibration (Figure 7 item 9). Table I contains a listing of vibration frequency groups and their problems. When looking at how frequencies are identified in the spectrum plot, it is the choice of the individual analyst on how they would like to view the frequency axis: cpm, Hz or orders. There is no right or wrong way to look at frequency in the spectrum. Many analysts like cycles per minute (cpm) because they relate it to the shaft speed in rpm. Seasoned and higher certified analysts tend to use cycles per second (Hz) due to needing the second unit when performing many vibration calculations. It is recommended to many new inexperienced analysts that they use orders to assist with determining if the vibration is synchronous, non-synchronous, subsynchronous or electrical. How your frequency span is setup is personnel. Many swap back and forth between cpm, Hz and orders depending on what type of data is being analyzed. Order analysis, for the frequency units, works well when looking for rolling element defect frequencies. Defect frequencies will not be integers of operating speed. One other important term is sidebands. Sidebands are evenly spaced frequencies that occur above and below a center frequency (Figure 7 Item 10). Sidebands are mainly found in three places, with motors having broken rotor bars, rolling element bearing frequencies signaling an imminent failure, and gearmesh. The sidebands for motor broken rotor bars are spaced at the number of poles times the slip speed. Sidebands around gearmesh frequency are spaced at the frequency of the shaft, with the vibration problem. Rolling element bearing frequency sidebands are usually spaced at the frequency of the shaft or cage frequency. Table II has a list of locations where sidebands are found.

Figure 7 Example of Spectral Frequency Terms

Table I Generated Frequencies versus Shaft Frequency

Subsynchronous FTF Gage Frequency Oil Whirl Oil Whip Belt Frequency

Synchronous Alignment Balance Looseness Vane Pass Blade Pass Gearmesh

Non Synchronous Ball Spin Frequency Ball Pass Outer Race Ball Pass Inner Race Pump Flow Issue

Electrical Stator Problems

Sidebands Motors Gearboxes Rolling Element Bearings

Table II Sideband Frequency Locations Frequency Indication Number of Poles x Slip Speed Broken Rotor Bars Spaced at Shaft Speed Indicates shaft with vibration problem Bearing Defects Indicates imminent bearing failure

It is stated in many papers, that vibration analysis is nothing more than frequency matching of the spectral data matching frequencies, in the spectrum to specific components, of the machine train (Figure 8) and grouping the frequencies, into synchronous, subsynchronous, non-subsynchronous and electrical. Vibration analysis is also evaluating the type of vibration from the time plots, in addition, to looking at the grouping of the frequencies.

2X

Slot Pass

1X Rotor Bar Pass Vane Pass

Figure 8 Spectrum Plot Frequency Matching

The type of vibration found in the time plot also helps the analyst identify vibration problems. Harmonic vibration (Figure 2) is indicative of unbalance problems and surprisingly looseness issues in sleeve bearings. Periodic vibration (Figure 3) is an indication of vibration that repeats over and over in the same time interval such as misalignment, vane pass, and gearmesh. Pulsating or beating vibration (Figure 4) indicates two closely spaced frequencies that are adding and subtracting in a beat cycle. In some cases, this can be more of a nuisance than a major issue. An

example would be the mechanical and electrical frequencies (2X running speed & 2X line frequency) beating in a two pole motor. Impulsive vibration (Figure 5) indicates impacting and is found with rolling element bearing defects and gears having broken or cracked teeth. In severe looseness cases, impulsive vibration can also be present. Random vibration (Figure 6) is vibration that comes and goes. It is not periodic and is usually associated with flow issues in piping or pumps.
Table III Types of Time Based Vibration and Locations Type of Time Based Vibration Location Found Harmonic Balance / Natural Frequency

Periodic

Alignment / Looseness / Vane Pass / Blade Pass / Gearmesh Closely Spaced Frequencies Mechanical / Electrical or Both

Pulsating or Beating

Impulsive

Roller Bearings / Broken Teeth Gears / Severe Looseness

Random

Flow Problems in Pumps & Fans

Fault Analysis: While each analyst needs to develop their own thought process when analyzing vibration problems, several steps can assist with the process. Steps to Analysis: 1) When notified about a problem, talk to those who found it, and get his or her view on the circumstances that lead up to the problem. Learn as much information about the equipment as possible. It is best to talk to someone from operations or the shop floor as they normally have first hand knowledge of problems. Managers and supervisors normally obtain second or third hand information, and may not have all the technical information required to assist with the analysis. Find the operating conditions during the vibration problems, which should include, but not be limited to: shaft speed, temperatures, pressures, flows, or process changes. 2) Draw a schematic design of the equipment (Figure 9), and investigate its internals. Find out what types of bearings are used. This is important because the same type of bearing is normally not used throughout each equipment train. The number of teeth on the gears (Gearmesh), number of blades on the impeller (Blade Pass), and bearing frequencies should be calculated. The location of any shaft critical or structural resonance points should be identified. The analyst should have a mental picture of the machine internals and know what the required function of each machine component. 3) The analyst should also have some knowledge of the equipments application in the system. This information should include suction and discharge pressures (BEP), motor amps, flow, and any other parameters that might point to a system operations problem rather than a mechanical vibration problem.

4) When collecting data used the right hand rule (Figure 9). Collect the horizontal data on the right side of the machine and the vertical data 90 degrees left of the horizontal data or top dead center. If using prox probes (Figure #10) collect the vertical data (Y) then the horizontal data (X).

Driver

Coupling

Driven

Horizontal Axial

Vertical

Figure 9 Equipment Schematic

Shaft

Figure 10 Prox Probe Locations

5) Collect data on the machine when it is out of service. This may sound odd; however, an analyst needs to know what frequencies are present when the machine is not operating. Any frequencies present when the machine is not operating, are not coming from the machine. They are being generated by another machine and can be ignored during the analysis. 6) From the time plot (Figure 11) determine if five to eight rotations of the shaft are present and what type of vibration is present. Based on the operating frequency and the time plot, there are 14.97 cycles in the time plot. The time plot indicates impulsive vibration that is periodic in nature. 7) Determine if the frequency content present in the spectrum plot are synchronous, nonsynchronous, subsynchronous or electrical. Almost all data collection systems will provide this information in tabular form (Figure 12). The spectral data in figure 10 is 85.8% synchronous, meaning the vibration is order multiples of shaft speed.

Pr ox

Pr ob e

ox Pr e ob Pr

Impulsive Vibration

Figure 11 Time & Spectrum Plot

Figure 12 Frequency Content Breakdown

Vibration Problems and Symptoms: The remainder of this paper will discuss the dominate vibration issues that a vibration analyst will encounter along with the symptoms of each problem. Unfortunately not every vibration issue can be covered in a short paper; but, the most common vibration problems encountered will be discussed. Imbalance is a Synchronous Vibration: The problem of imbalance (Figure 13) is characterized by a high operating speed vibration (1X) in the softest direction on the machine which is normally horizontal. The symptom is referred to as one per rev due to the unbalance force passing the vibration sensor once every revolution. Horizontal and vertical data will be 90 degrees apart due to the positioning of the sensors (Figure 14). The time plot data will be a fairly harmonic signal. Correction of the problem requires balancing of the machine component. One issue many have with balancing, is no one wants to believe a new piece of equipment or a recently balanced piece of equipment can have a balance issue when it is installed and put back in service. Equipment that is balanced in a low speed balance machine is balanced for shaft rigid modes. If the shaft, when installed runs near or above the first critical, the shaft will become flexible and may still need to be balanced. Many times, plants will have a motor and a fan balanced separately. The motor and fan will be installed, coupled up, aligned and placed in service. Analysis of this installed equipment will show a balance problem because the motor and pump were balanced separately. Now they are running as a unit, they exhibit imbalance issues because they need to be balanced as one component.

Additionally, many pieces of equipment are driven with variable frequency drives (VFD). These machines may operate with low levels of vibration at low speeds and then have imbalance issue when operating at full speed. Vibration analysts must understand that whenever the speed of a machine doubles the force of the vibration, not the vibration amplitude, goes up by a factor of four. This causes the rotor to operate with a balance problem. When balancing machinery driven by a VFD, balance it at the top of the speed range. If it is balanced at full speed it will be balance at low speed.

1X

Figure 13 Spectrum Imbalance Problem High 1X Vibration Frequency

Horizontal & Vertical signals 90 degrees apart

Figure 14 Time Imbalance Problem Horizontal & Vertical Data

Misalignment is a Synchronous Vibration: Alignment issues are maybe the number one cause of machinery vibration problems and they are also the toughest to convince people they have alignment problems. The problem is not that people dont know how to align equipment, the problem is people do not use the correct cold offset. Lets face it, when equipment is aligned, it is actually misaligned, so that when it thermally grows the shaft will grow so that it is in a straight line. To get accurate alignment, the thermal growth needs to be calculated and plotted (Figure 15) or the equipment needs to be optically measured from cold to hot or hot to cold so the actual thermal growth can be determined. Once the actual growth is known or calculated, the correct cold offset can be determined.

Figure 15 Time Thermal Growth for Shaft Elevations 5 Inches to 25 inches

Alignments issues are indicated by operating speed (1X) and twice operating speed (2X) vibration in the horizontal and vertical directions (Figure 16). Axial vibration will only show operating speed (1X) vibration components (Figure 17).

1X

2X

Figure 16 Spectrum Plot Horizontal 1X & 2X Vibration Frequencies

1X

Figure 17 Spectrum Plot Axial 1X Vibration Frequencies

One additional symptom of severe misalignment is a figure eight (8) orbit (Figure #18) which is data collected from dual prox probes. Normally orbits are collected from two prox probes; however, orbits can also be collected from two accelerometers. Figure 19 is an orbit from a horizontal and vertical accelerometer mounted on a 4000 horsepower four pole motor, also showing severe misalignment.

Figure 18 Prox Probe Orbit Figure 8 Severe Misalignment

Figure 19 Accelerometer Orbit Figure 8 Severe Misalignment

Looseness is a Synchronous Vibration Problem and in Severe Cases Subsynchronous: It is fairly straight forward to identify looseness issues from spectrum and time plots; however, the cause of the looseness maybe difficult to identify. Everyone views looseness as someone forgetting to tighten down the equipment hold-down bolts. The fact is this is rarely the problem, when the bolts are loose the time plot is very impulsive (Figure 11). Looseness issues are usually internal clearance and fit issues. Additionally, looseness problems can be the result of foundation cracks, grout crumbling and other issues with the mounting of machinery. The bottom line is looseness is usually many issues combined causing one large problem. There is not a smoking gun; but, rather a number of smaller issues that add up to a larger problem. Looseness is identified by a large operating speed (1X) vibration along with multiples of operating speed that are random in amplitude. This means each multiple of shaft speed is not lower in amplitude than the previous frequency. The amplitudes are up and down (Figure 20). If the looseness is severe enough there could also be 1/2X orders of vibration.

1X

Lower Amplitude Orders of 1X

Figure 20 Spectrum Plot - Looseness

The interesting item about looseness is the time plot (Figure 21) can be harmonic. Many analysts look at this and believe the dominant vibration is operating speed (1X) and it can be balanced. You cant balance looseness problems, even if the dominant vibration is 1X.

Figure 21 Time Plot Looseness

One trick to help in the analysis of looseness problems is the phase relationship between the horizontal and vertical vibration data. With a looseness problem, the phase relationship between the horizontal and vertical data points will be 0 degrees or 180 degrees. Physically the horizontal and vertical data points

are 90 degrees apart; however, due to the nonlinearity of looseness the phase angle differential will not be 90 degrees. With looseness problems; if a balance issue is also present, the looseness problem must be corrected, before the imbalance can be addressed. Many looseness issues are the result of clearance issues with fluid film bearings (Babbitt Bearings). Bearing clearances for journals where the shaft journal is less than 5.00 inches in diameter, the rule is:

Bearing clearances for journals where the shaft journal is greater than 5.00 inches in diameter, the rule is:

If there are severe looseness issues, such as a rolling element bearing loose on a shaft or loose in the housing, very impulsive vibration is found in the time plot with difference frequencies in the spectrum (Figure 22). The spacing of the difference frequencies in the spectrum and the frequency of the impact in time plot is normally the speed of the shaft suffering the looseness problem.

Figure 22 Time and Spectrum Plot Looseness with Impacting

Rolling Element Bearing Defects are Non-synchronous with the Cage Frequency being Subsynchronous: Bearing defect analysis can be helped by setting the spectrum plot to show frequency in orders or using the equipment software to provide the frequency content in the spectrum plot (Figure 23 and Figure 24). The frequencies present in the spectrum, other than operating speed, are multiples of the ball pass frequency outer race. Additionally; the non synchronous BPFO (1X and Multiples) have sidebands spaced at 12.7 Hz which is the cage frequency (FTF) of the bearing. Normal vibration amplitudes for severe bearing defects are normally less than .05 in/sec (0-pk) and these frequencies are over .30 in/sec (0-pk). Bearing defect frequencies will deteriorate in the axial direction first, than progress to the radial directions.

1X BPFO

1X

Figure 23 Spectrum Plot Non - synchronous Bearing Defect Vibration

Figure 24 Spectrum Frequency Content of Figure 22

The time plot from a bearing defect is expected to be impulsive and in most cases it is impulsive. However, if the bearing damage is severe, it is difficult to see the impulsive vibration in the time plot (Figure 25). While the impacts are present (Figure 25) it may be difficult to identify their frequency. In this case, it is recommended to only look at a piece of the time plot. This spreads the time plot out (Figure 26). In Figure 26, the time based data has been spread out (expanded) to better analyze the data for impacting. Looking at the period of vibration for four cycles of impacting, the period of vibration is .0197 seconds which equates to a frequency of 50.72 Hz, however, there were four cycles of vibration utilized. Therefore, the 50.72 Hz needs to be multiplied by four, resulting in an actual frequency of 202.88 Hz, which is the first order if the BPFO defect frequency (Figure 23). When there are many frequencies present in a time plot, the number of bits of data that makeup each cycle of vibration may be very small. Using only one cycle of vibration may not provide an accurate frequency from the time plot. To ensure accurate frequencies analysis from a time plot, it is advisable to use five to ten cycles of vibration to get accurate frequency identification.

Figure 25 Time Plot Bearing Defect

Impacting

4 Cycles

Figure 26 Time Plot Expended from Figure #25 Bearing Defect

Pump Vane Pass is a Synchronous Vibration Problem caused by Low Flow Conditions or Pumping Dense Liquids: Vane Pass is equal to the number of vanes on the impeller times the shaft frequency. The majority of pump vibration issues are not caused by mechanical problems; but, rather operating conditions. The best troubleshooting reference you can supply yourself when analyzing a pump vibration problem, is a pump curve (Figure 27). For the pump to run reliably and without vibration issues the pump needs to be within +/- ten percent of the best efficiency point (BEP).

Figure 27 Pump Operating Curve

If operation of the pump gets over 110% of the BEP, the pump will be pumping more water than it is designed to pump, and it will start cavitating and have a low discharge pressure and a flow much higher than designed. The spectrum plot will have broadband noise generated by the flow disturbances in the pump (Figure 28). The time plot will contain random vibration due to the flow noise.

Broadband Noise - Lift Off

Figure 28 Spectrum Plot - Pump Operating on Right Side of the BEP

If the pump flow drops below 65% of the BEP, the pump will operate in a low flow condition with higher discharge pressure and lower flow then design. The spectrum plot will be dominated by vane pass (Figure 29). The time plot will contain random vibration due to the flow noise. The vane pass is generated by the force vector of the pumping (Figure 30). When one uses a fixed speed pump and it is operating on the BEP, the shaft speed and pump flow generate a resultant discharge vector (green) of water that leaves the pump without restriction. If the flow requirements of the system drop, the shaft speed remains constant and the discharge vector (red)

becomes steeper. This results in the fluid being discharged from the impeller to be slammed against the pump housing causing a hammering that results in a vane pass frequency being generated. Additionally, a hydraulic instability occurs, called low flow shuttling. This causes an axial thrusting of the shaft to occur.

6 vanes on impeller

Figure 29 Spectrum Plot Pump Operating in a Low Flow Condition Left Side of BEP

Figure 30 Pump Force Vectors

Vane pass can also be caused by pumping very dense fluids such as limestone slurry used in power plant scrubbers (Figure 31). In these cases, the vibration maybe more of a nuisance issue then an actual problem. Additionally, pumping against a high head pressure will also cause vane pass. The forces on the shaft due to the vane pass vibration can cause a bowing of the rotor and this will result in a high operating speed vibration along with the vane pass frequency in the spectra plot.

Figure 31 Spectrum Plot Vane Pass due to Fluid Density

Blade Pass on fans is a Synchronous Problem caused by Aerodynamic Issues: Blade pass vibration on fans is essentially the same problem as vane pass on a pump. This is a synchronous vibration. Blade pass is the number of blades on the fan wheel times the shaft frequency (Figure 32). The cause of blade pass is a discharge damper that is pinched closed and is causing backpressure on the fan, much as running a pump on the left side of the BEP point.
Blade Pass 1X

Figure 32 Time and Spectrum Plot Blade pass on Fan Improper Damper Position

Gearmesh vibration is a Design Induced Synchronous Vibration: Gearmesh vibration is the number of teeth on a gear times the shaft frequency. This is a synchronous vibration. Gearmesh vibration is usually a dominate vibration in the spectrum plot. The most common problems with gearing are broken or cracked teeth (Figure 33). The time plot data is very impulsive due to the impacting of the broken, cracked or chipped teeth. Identifying the shaft causing the problem is done by looking at the spacing of the sidebands around the gearmesh frequency or the spacing of the frequencies in the spectrum plot (Figure 33). This data comes from a single reduction gearbox with an 18 tooth pinion gear meshing with a 94 tooth bull gear. The gearmesh frequency is 535.5 Hz having an input frequency of 29.75 Hz and an output frequency of 5.68 Hz.

Sidebands

Frequencies spacing at input speed

Impacting at input speed

Figure 33 Time and Spectrum Plot Cracked Tooth Impulsive Vibration

The vibration is being caused by the input shaft to the gearbox based on the spacing of the sidebands around gearmesh and the impact frequency in the time plot. Resonance Excitation of a Natural Frequency: All vibration analysts are taught early on that you never operate machinery within +/- 15% of a natural frequency. To have a resonance, you must have a forcing function close to a natural frequency. When the forcing function is within fifteen percent of a natural frequency, the natural frequency will be excited and the vibration amplitudes will be amplified. On fixed speed equipment it is fairly straight forward to be able to design the shaft and bearings so the machine will operate away from a natural frequency. The natural frequency of a system is based on stiffness and mass. Increasing mass lowers a natural frequency, while increasing stiffness, increases a natural frequency.

[(
[(

(1) (2)

)( )] ( )
)( )]

(3)
2

M = Mass (lb-sec /in) K = Stiffness (lb/in) fn = Natural Frequency (Hz)

As a general rule, large equipment has a low natural frequency due to its mass and small light weight equipment has a high natural frequency. Symptoms of resonant condition include balance sensitivity, high operating speed (1X) vibration and the amplitude in one radial direction six times higher than the other direction. Balance sensitivity is a condition where a piece of equipment always requires balancing, indicating the equipment is operating close to a natural frequency. Figure 34 is a resonance issue on a fixed speed motor driving a single stage pump. The operating speed of the pump is 3565 rpm (59.41 Hz). The vibration data indicates a high spectral component at 58.44 HZ with a somewhat harmonic time plot. Impact tests confirmed this natural frequency at 58.45 Hz. Operating speed is within 15% of the natural frequency and it is exciting the natural frequency causing a resonant condition.

Figure 34 Time and Spectrum Fixed Speed Resonance Excitation

Variable speed equipment is very susceptible to operating close to a natural frequency due to the wide speed range over which they operate. Figure 35 is data from a VFD driven motor pump combination operating at 1643 rpm. The same equipment (Figure 36) operating at 1190 rpm has vibration amplitudes that have increased tenfold due to operation near a natural frequency. Figure 37 is a cascade plot of route data showing the amplitude changes when the shaft speed is close to its natural frequency. Figure 38 is an impact test of this VFD driven pump.

Figure 35 Spectrum Plot VFD driven Motor Operating at 1643 rpm

Figure 36 Spectrum Plot VFD driven Motor Operating at 1190 rpm

Figure 37 Cascade plot of Monthly reading showing amplitude when operating at Natural Frequency

Figure 38 Impact Test of VFD Motor Pump in Figure 35 and Figure 36

Resonance due to VFD electrical excitation: The electrical excitation frequency of the VFD can be a forcing function if it is close to the equipment natural frequency. This electrical excitation frequency can be calculated from the following formula:

Figure 39 contains data from a gearbox driven by a VFD motor when the electrical excitation is 31.00 Hz and the shaft speed is 612 cpm (10.20 Hz). This is operating away from its natural frequency. The same machine operating when the electrical excitation frequency is 33.33 Hz and the shaft speed is 652 cpm (10.86 Hz) can be observed in Figure 40. The electrical excitation frequency is exciting the natural frequency of the structure supporting the gearbox. Confirmation of the excitation from the electrical frequency can be found in Figure 41. When the power is cut, the vibration dies immediately and when the motor is turned back on the vibration immediately returns.

Figure 39 Electrical Excitation away from Natural Frequency

Figure 40 Electrical Excitation at Natural Frequency

Figure 41 Compressed Time Plot - Vibration Data at Electrical Cut Off

Conclusion: Vibration analysis does not have to be difficult, if the analyst takes a systematic approach and rules out what is not the problem, rather than trying to analyze for what is the problem. Look at the type of vibration that is present in the time plot: Harmonic, Periodic, Impulsive, Pulsating or Random vibration. Then group the frequency content present in the spectrum into: Synchronous, Nonsynchronous, Subsynchronous or Electrical. Use the type of time plot vibration and the frequency content groups to narrow down the vibration cause. Analyzing vibration is the enjoyable part of being involved in the vibration field. Use the information the data provides to identify the cause of the vibration.

Important Troubleshooting Equations: ( )

( ( ( )

) )

( (

) ) ( ( ) )

( )(

)(

) ]

( )