Vibration Waveform & Spectral

Vibration Measurement With the 63XX

Series Analyzers

SUNCOR Energy Denver Refinery C-53 IR HHE CC 4 HE Horiz Channel 1 FFT at 277.0 RPM 10/02/03 11:19
SUNCOR Energy Denver Refinery C-53 IR HHE CC 4 HE Horiz Channel 1 Time Waveform at 277.0 RPM 10/02/03 11:19 Overall = 6.91
10
Overall = 6.91 X: 274.22
4.2 Y: 7.572
3.4 8

2.6

1.8
6
1.0

mils
mils

0.2
4
-0.6

-1.4

-2.2 2

-3.0

-3.8
0
0 2000 4000 6000 8000
-4.6 CPM
0 1.0 2.0 3.0
Time (sec.)

6300 – 6310PA

Class Objectives

Introduction to Vibration
System Response
Transducers
Analyzer Setup (Meter Mode)
Analyzer Setup (Route Based Mode)
Data Collection and Analysis
Common causes of vibration
Review of Student Case Studies

1
 Why Use Vibration Analysis on a
Reciprocating Package?

Certification
Measure stability of support system
Identify movement due to looseness
Determine effectiveness of supports
Measure imbalance
Identify coupling problems
Determine pulsation characteristics
Identify resonant components
Analysis of rotating elements

Characteristics of a Mechanical
System
Mass
Is a body's resistance to acceleration
Something that occupies space
Spring (stiffness)
A part that supports the mass and acts like a spring
K=F/x
K=spring constant (lbs/inch)
F=Force (lbs)
x=Displacement (inches)
Damping
Tries to bring a mass to rest

2
 Degrees of Freedom

Rotation
The turning of a mass around an axis
Fan
Crankshaft
Rotor
Translation
The movement of a mass along an axis
Piston in a cylinder
Vertical movement of frame on ground

Forcing Functions

Cause the system to vibrate

Imbalance
Bent shaft
Coupling misalignment
Others
They vary with time

3
 Vibration Data Fundamentals

Gravity (spring)
Air (damping)

A mass suspended from a spring attached to a fixed point.

Vibration is the periodic movement of a body (or mass)

about an equilibrium position. The vibration amplitude
is a function of the applied force and the stiffness at a
given frequency.

X2

X1

A block (mass) hanging on a spring will stretch the

spring until the upward force of the spring equals the
weight of the block.

If the block is then displaced down a distance “X1”, and

released, the spring will pull the block back to its original
position. Momentum will cause the block to continue
traveling upwards a distance “X2” from the original
position, at which time it will stop and start moving back
downward.

4
 The motion of the block can be measured in
terms of displacement, velocity, or acceleration
versus time.

A
D
A

In terms of displacement, the peak-to-peak vibration

amplitude is the distance traveled by the block from the
highest to lowest position [D]. The peak amplitude [A]
of the vibration is the distance from the equilibrium
position to either the highest or lowest level.

Displacement [D] amplitudes are typically recorded in

mils (1 mil = 1/1000 inch) and usually defined as peak-
to-peak.

5
 Point of maximum
velocity

The velocity of the block is maximum when the block

passes through the equilibrium position. The velocity is
zero when the block is at the highest or lowest
displacement. Velocity amplitudes are typically
recorded in inches/second (ips) peak.

Minimum displacement Maximum displacement

Maximum velocity Minimum velocity

Minimum acceleration Maximum acceleration

The acceleration of the block is maximum when the

velocity is zero, and the block is at the highest or
lowest displacement. The block acceleration is zero
when the velocity is maximum, and the block passes
through the equilibrium position. Typical acceleration
amplitudes are recorded in g’s rms.

6
 Vibration Measurement Units
Displacement
Mils peak to peak 1 mil = .001 inch
Used to measure motion, strain or stress
Normally used for structural motion below 20-30 Hz
Velocity
Inches per second peak
Used to measure fatigue or stress rate
Used for general machine condition monitoring in
the 10hz to 1000 Hz range and often higher
Acceleration
G’s RMS (root mean square)
Used to measure force
Used for general system condition 1000 Hz –
10000+ Hz

The time the system takes to complete one full

oscillation will define the period (or frequency)
of the vibration. Typical units of frequency are
cycles per second (hertz (Hz)
cycles per minute (CPM), or revolutions per
minute (RPM).
CPM and RPM are equivalent
Hz equals CPM/60 or RPM/60.

7
 Vibration Parameters
Phase
Is the relative time interval between two events
It is normally measured in degrees
And the events must be occurring at the same
rate (or frequency)
Is also a key component in identifying:
Imbalance (no phase change related to
frequency)
Alignment problems (phase change across
misaligned components)
Mechanical resonance (phase change while
passing through a critical speed)

Wave Parameters

8
Period and Frequency

Phase

9
 Amplitude

Damping

Exponential decay in amplitude.

Higher damping – faster decay

10
 Forms of Damping

Friction
When two parts of a system slide against
each other
Viscous
The force against a body moving through a
viscous fluid
Hysteresis
Internal molecular friction in solid materials

Sensors
Accelerometers
Acceleration
Integrate to velocity
Double integrate to displacement
Velocity probes (velometers)
Integrate to displacement
Differentiate to acceleration (frequency limited)
Proximeters
Relative displacement
Laser displacement
Other 4-20 mA devices
Pressure

11
 Accelerometers
Typically use an ICP accelerometer, requires
2-4 mA bias current from analyzer.
Output typically 100 mV/g.
Each accelerometer has an upper frequency
response limit determined by its design.
Practical frequency limitations determined by
mounting method.
Magnetic mounting generally good for
frequencies below 5-8 KHz.
Fairly rugged but can be damaged by
dropping, bad handling.

Velocity Sensor
ICP velocity sensor –
accelerometer with built in
integration.
Output 100 mV/(in/sec).
Be careful, it looks like an
accelerometer.
Handle like the accelerometer.

12
 Proximeter

Eddy current probe. Has

additional box with electronics to
generate signal.
Measures distance from probe tip
to shaft. DC component is gap,
AC is variation from average
distance.
Cable length must be calibrated.
Signal is a negative voltage.
Typically 200 mV/mil, 20-80 mil
range.

Forms of Displaying Vibration

Vibration data is collected from a transducer.

For portable data collection, the transducer is often an
accelerometer.
Pressure transducers are sometimes used to measure
pulsation or other vibrations due to gas flow in a piping
system.
The output of the transducer is proportional to the
amplitude of the vibration measured.
The time waveform display shows how the sensor
output varies over time.

13
 Forms of Displaying Vibration

Time waveform displays of vibration are typically

sinusoidal in nature; however, as different forcing functions
are introduced into the vibration, the sinusoid information
will undergo harmonic distortion.

Sample Fourier Series

1.5

0.5

0
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350
-0.5

-1

-1.5

If you combine enough sine waves of different

frequencies, a square wave can be generated

14
This leads us to the Fast Fourier Transform
(FFT) display. By using the FFT, the time domain
signal can be broken down into its pure
fundamental and harmonic sine waves.

Vibration analysis should always include a time

domain examination. We are looking for non-
periodic events and impacting. We can determine if
the vibration is random or periodic

When using the FFT, periodic signals are

transformed into the frequency domain, whereas
non-periodic signals are not. Non-periodic data is
an indication of problems not associated with a
machine component.

Spikes indicate impacts such as those associated

with anti-friction bearing faults or gear tooth
impacts.

15
Intermittent problems such as electrical faults may
cause the signal to come and go in an irregular
fashion. (has discontinuities, asymmetries, or
fluttering)

The time waveform can help us determine if the

event is electrical or mechanical.

The Frequency Domain Signal is a display of the signal

amplitude on the Y axis versus frequency on the X axis.
The frequency domain display shows the frequencies
and amplitudes of the periodic components in the
signal.

16
 Information in the Frequency
Domain (FFT)

Periodic events

The relative amplitude of a particular machine

component

The harmonic relationships within the vibration signal

The separation of very close frequencies

The precise location of frequencies

The Frequency Domain Can Be

Divided Into Three Main Areas:

Synchronous components (with frequencies at running

speed and above)
Sub-synchronous components (with frequencies below
running speed)
Non-synchronous components (with frequencies that are
not related to running speed)

17
 Synchronous Components

Are components that have frequencies synchronous

with the rotating element.
These components are usually expressed as (n) x
(RPM) where “n” is an integer and RPM is the
rotating frequency expressed as revolutions per
minute (or cycles per minute).
Synchronous components are sometimes referred to
as “phase locked” components.
The fundamental frequency (also referred to as the
first order) is equal to the rotating RPM of the shaft
or 1*RPM.

Synchronous Components

There are a number of possible synchronous

components in a vibration measurement. These are
broken down into low order components and high order
components.

18
 Low Order Components
(Where N Is From 1 to 8):
Unbalance occurs at the fundamental 1X component.
The waveform and frequency amplitude at 1X increases
steadily with speed. Typically, low levels are observed
at 2X, 3X, etc. The dominant plane is radial.
Pitch line run out on belt sheaves can also cause a
vibration at the fundamental frequency of the affected
sheave.

Unbalance
RAVENSWORTH # 1 Feedwater Pump Motor Inboard Horiz Run 1 Channel 1 FFT at 3545.0 RPM 12/03/03 10:23

Overall = 0.04997 Peaks

# Mag. Freq.
01 = 0.04 @ 3588.9
02 = 0.01 @ 7104.5
03 = 0.01 @ 2124.0
1 04 = 0.01 @ 10693.4
05 = 0.00 @ 14282.2
0.04

1X 06
07
08
09
10
=
=
=
=
=
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
@ 17944.3
@ 31933.6
@ 15966.8
@ 6738.3
@ 10253.9
in/s

0.02

4
5 8 6 7
9 10
0
0 10000 20000 30000 40000
CPM

RAVENSWORTH # 1 Feedwater Pump Motor Inboard Horiz Run 1 Channel 1 Time Waveform at 3545.0 RPM 12/03/03 10:23

Overall = 0.04997

0.06

0.01
in/s

-0.04

-0.09
0 100 200 300 400
Time (milliseconds)

19
Misalignment & Shaft Centerline

Occurs at one or more times the fundamental frequency.

High level radial and axial amplitudes are observed with
steady 1X, 2X or 3X components. 4X components are
usually low, and no high g level impulses are observed
in the time waveform. Bent shafts can exhibit
misalignment symptoms.

If 1X dominates, suspect angular misalignment.

If the axial levels are higher than radials, the problem is
severe.
If axial vibration is low, suspect looseness.
If high levels at 4X, suspect looseness.
If an electric motor, and the harmonics modulate,
suspect broken rotor bars.

Misalignment
RAVENSWORTH P1-F18GL RA in Horiz VEL Run 1 Channel 1 FFT at 1800.0 RPM 12/03/03 11:31

Overall = 0.662 Peaks

# Mag. Freq.
01 = 0.63 @ 3662.1
0.7 02 = 0.07 @ 1757.8
03 = 0.05 @ 878.9
1 04 = 0.04 @ 2783.2
05 = 0.03 @ 5419.9
0.6
06 = 0.03 @ 10839.8

0.5 2X 07 =
08 =
09 =
10 =
0.02
0.02
0.02
0.02
@ 9814.5
@ 8056.6
@ 11718.8
@ 15234.4

0.4
in/s

0.3

0.2

0.1 2
3 4
5 8 7 6 9 10
0
0 5000 10000 15000 20000
CPM

RAVENSWORTH P1-F18GL RA in Horiz VEL Run 1 Channel 1 Time Waveform at 1800.0 RPM 12/17/02 11:10

Overall = 0.6102
0.9
X: 124.000 Dif: 16.4
0.7 Y: 0.76221 Hz: 61.0
CPM: 3658.5
0.5

0.3

0.1
in/s

-0.1

-0.3

-0.5

-0.7

-0.9
0 100 200 300 400
Time (milliseconds)

20
Looseness may have many harmonics of the
fundamental. Second or third order harmonics often
have higher amplitudes than the first order. If the
problem is pure looseness, then the harmonics are
mostly odd-order (where N = 3,5,7, etc.). Look for
high levels in the radial vibration, while the axial
levels are usually low. The time waveform may be
noisy and have impulses. The vibration may be
highly directional so check in the horizontal and
vertical planes for rotating assemblies and in all
planes for reciprocating assembly components. The
looseness may not be noticeable until the machine
reaches normal temperature.

Looseness

21
 Roller bearing problems are detected in the radial
direction (or axial if there is an axial load).
Harmonics of bearing fault frequencies are noticed
and sidebands may be present if the fault is moving
in and out of the loaded zone.

The bearing fault frequencies may be

calculated by the following:
Cage fault freq. (FTF) = ½ S * [1 - (BD/PD)Cos O]
=~ 0.4 X S
Outer race freq. (BPFO) = N * FTF
=~ 0.4 * N * S
Inner race freq. (BPFI) = ½ S * N * [1 + (BD/PD)Cos O]
=~ 0.6 * N * S
Roller Element Freq (BSP) = ½ S (PD/BD) * [1 - ((BD/PD)Cos O)2]
=~ 0.23 * N * S (N<10)
=~ 0.18 * N * S (N>= 10)
where S = shaft speed
PD = pitch diameter
BD = ball or roller element diameter
N = number of balls
O = contact angle

22
 Other Frequency Indicators

Blade or vane pass (with a small number of blades or

vanes) usually occurs at the number of blades or vanes
times the RPM.
Cavitation typically occurs at the fundamental with
harmonics up to the number of blades. Cavitation is the
implosion of a void on the intake blade of a fan or pump
when the void reaches the pressure side.

Other Frequency Indicators

Pulsation occurs typically at the fundamental and

twice the fundamental but may also be 3X, 4X, 5X,
etc. This is the rapid rise and fall of the
instantaneous line pressure about a constant
pressure level (i.e., gauge pressure).
Cylinder stretch occurs typically at the fundamental
but may also be 2X. Cylinder stretch can be
indicated due to a loosening of the cylinder assembly
bolts.

23
 Journal Bearings - Excessive Clearance

• Problem is observed with high levels of radial

vibration with steady 1X, 2X or 3X components with
higher harmonics possible in extreme cases. Also in
thrust bearings, look for high levels in the axial
direction with 1X, 2X, and 3X components. Use
Fmax of 200 Hz with conversion to velocity.
• Oil whip is present when sub-synchronous vibrations
at 0.42 to 0.48 X are seen.
• Rubbing is detected by noting a noisy time waveform
and higher frequency components.

Journal Bearings

24
 Electric Motor

• Rotor problems in electric motors are usually easy to

detect. Use a low Fmax of 675 with 1600 lines of
resolution with averaging. Check for strong 1X, 2X
3X with sidebands or beating.
• Check sideband spacing. If P * S * fl, suspect broken
rotor bars.
• Check for waveform modulation with a period of P * S
* fl. Axial vibration should be low.
• Vibration at line frequency indicates rotor bow or
eccentricity.

Electric Motor

• S = slip ( 1 - (Fr/Fs) )
• Fr = rotational frequency (Hz) = RPM/60
• Fs = synchronous frequency (Hz) = 2 X (fl/p)
• Fl = line frequency (Hz) (60 in US)
• P = number of poles in motor

• Stator problems are more difficult, but possible to

detect. Look for high 2 X fl in radial direction which
indicates eccentricity, unbalanced phases, shorted
windings or loose parts. Axial vibration is usually low.

25
 Misaligned or Soft Foot Condition in Motor Mounting

May Cause Distortion Which Results in a High 2 X Pl.

High Order Components ( N Is Greater Than 8):

• Gear mesh frequencies which occur at the number of

gear teeth * RPM. These frequencies can be very high
sometimes in the 8,000 to 15,000hz range. Use 1600
lines of resolution at Fmax of 2500 Hz or 5000 Hz.
• One gear mesh frequency (GMF) is associated with
each pair of mating gears, so that the shaft speeds (S1
and S2) and number of teeth (N1 and N2) are related by
: GMF = S1 * N1 = S2 * N2 .
• If there is more than one fault, there may be
intermodulation sidebands appearing at sums and
differences of the fault modulation frequencies.
• The GMF harmonics may be small and difficult to locate
for helical gears with a large number of teeth in mesh.

26
 Sideband patterns grouped tightly around the mesh
components indicate a smooth, regular modulation
from pitch circle runout. Widespread sideband
patterns indicate impulsive or random modulation from
impact caused by a broken tooth.

Sub-synchronous Components

Sub-synchronous components are frequencies

that are less than the fundamental frequency.
Some sources of sub-synchronous
components are:

1. Another component within the machine

2. Another machine forcing the machine to
vibrate
3. The primary belt frequency

27
 Sub-synchronous Components

4. Oil whirl and oil whip which occur at 40% to

48% of the fundamental frequency.
5. Rubs which occur very close to ½ of the
fundamental frequency. It may be possible to
see higher harmonics of the ½ harmonics.
6. A loose anti-friction bearing in it’s housing
usually occurs at 50% of the fundamental
plus 1.5*rpm, 2.5*RPM and so on.

Sub-synchronous Components

7. FTF of ball bearings varies from bearing to

bearing and, if present, usually indicates the
advanced stages of failure.
8. Surge which usually occurs from 10% to
50% of the fundamental frequency.

28
 Non-synchronous Components

• Non-synchronous components are

components that are greater than the
fundamental (1*RPM) but are not
synchronous to the frequency of the primary
rotating element. However, harmonic families
of some forcing functions which are not at the
rotational frequency of the shaft may also be
present. A typical example is a bearing fault
frequency, where the first, second, third order
vibrations of an inner-race or outer-race fault
are usually present.

Sources of Non-synchronous
Components
1. Another component in the machine
2. Another machine in the area
3. Other system resonance
4. Belts exhibit, in most cases, a frequency equal
to the highest belt frequency times the number
of pulleys. In multiple-belt systems,
frequencies can occur at 2*primary belt
frequency up to twice the number of belts
times the primary belt frequency. The exact
fault frequencies can be calculated by:
F = [ (3.142 X pulley Dia) / belt length ]
X (RPM/60)

29
 Sources of Non-synchronous
Components

5. Bearing fault frequencies the most common fault

frequency is the outer-race frequency since the outer-
race is always under load. Outer-race frequency is
equal to the number of balls time the FTF (The
fundamental cage frequency, is approximately
0.4*rpm).
6. Electrical type vibrations are caused by loose
transformer laminations, the dress of the conductors in
a raceway, electric motors with broken or cracked rotor
bars, eccentric rotors or stators, rotors loose on the
motor shaft, motor rotor not magnetically centered, and
others.

Mechanical Natural Frequencies

All components, or groups of components, (piping,
pulsation bottles, scrubbers, cylinders, etc.) in a
reciprocating compressor installation will have
several mechanical natural frequencies. The
mechanical natural frequency of a component is the
frequency at which the component naturally wants to
vibrate. For example, a spring-mass system will
oscillate at a constant frequency if the weight is
pulled down and then released. Another example is
when a guitar string is plucked, it will vibrate at its
natural frequency to produce the sound we hear.
The mechanical natural frequencies of a pipe or
piping system depends on lengths, schedules,
diameters, elbows, supports, etc.

30
 Mechanical Natural Frequencies

The static stiffness of a component helps to

determine its mechanical natural frequencies (i.e., the
frequencies of the different scrubber modes that are
excited when a scrubber is struck once with a
hammer). The dynamic stiffness of the component
approaches zero at its mechanical natural
frequencies (i.e, the effective stiffness of a scrubber
when it is excited by an oscillating force at its natural
frequency). From the basic vibration equation, as the
dynamic stiffness approaches zero, the potential for
high vibration increases.

Mechanical Natural Frequencies

Mechanical resonance of a piping component occurs

when a forcing function is applied at a frequency
corresponding to a mechanical natural frequency of
the component.

If an oscillating force of constant amplitude is applied

to a system over a frequency range, the resulting
vibration of the system will vary.

31
 Mechanical Natural Frequencies

1. When the oscillating force is applied at a frequency

below the natural frequency of the component, there
will be some response.
2. As the frequency of the input force approaches the
mechanical natural frequency of the component, the
response of the system is greatly amplified. At this
point, the component is “resonant”.
3. The shape and magnitude of the response peak at
resonance is a function of the structural damping, or
resistance, in the system. The more damping in the
system, the broader and lower the peak will be.
Structural damping comes from flanged and bolted
connections, clamping, material characteristics, etc.

Natural Frequency Problem

Excessive 2X Vib

32
Natural Frequency Response

Run speed

Compressor cylinder horizontal

natural frequency

Natural Frequency Problem

Reducing speed to 890 RPM

dropped vib significantly

33
 Natural Frequency Response

Run speed

Compressor cylinder horizontal

natural frequency

Mechanical Natural Frequencies

4. When the forcing frequency is greater than the

natural frequency of the component, the response of
the system again drops to low levels.

5. As the frequency of the input force approaches the

second mechanical natural frequency of the
component, the response of the system is again
greatly amplified.

34
 Mechanical Natural Frequencies

Components of a compressor system will have less

response if the natural frequencies are below
compressor speed (components that have their
natural frequencies below compressor speed are said
to be under tuned). However, under tuning is not
always possible in cases where the static stiffness is
high. Also, by under tuning the first mode, higher
modes may become a problem. The magnitude of
the forcing function typically decreases as frequency
increases. If the component natural frequencies are
above the frequencies of greatest input (i.e., between
one and a half and less than two times compressor
speed), the vibration levels should be acceptable,
assuming the forcing functions are reasonably
controlled.

Mechanical Natural Frequencies

When a system, or part of a system, is
mechanically resonant, normal (or even low)
pulsation induced unbalanced force levels can
couple with the systems geometry to produce very
high vibration levels.

Discharge
Bottle Shell

35
 Pulsation

The suction and the discharge of a reciprocating

compressor are of a pulsating nature. The pulsations
generated do not cause difficulty when the condition
is recognized and proper provisions are made to
avoid amplification. If proper precautions are not
taken, pressure waves, or pulsations, amplified by
resonance or reflection, may build up in the suction
and discharge lines and seriously affect the
performance of the compressor and may well cause
destructive vibration. Some possible results of
pulsation are low compressor capacity, valve failures,
excessive engine load, engine speed hunting,
destructive piping vibrations, erratic and inaccurate
orifice meter readings.

Sensor Mounting Techniques

The mounting of an accelerometer is critical. Many

analysts have misdiagnosed a machine problem simply
because the mounting of the accelerometer caused
inaccurate or misleading data.

Basically, one wants the accelerometer to vibrate exactly

as the machine upon which it is mounted. The surest way
to do this is to screw the accelerometer to the machine
with a stud. The next slide illustrates common mounting
techniques and the frequency response caused by each.

36
 Transducer Mounting

The hand held and magnetic mounting methods are generally

adequate for general reciprocating machinery testing as long as
consistency can be maintained for periodic monitoring and
trending.

Sensor Mounting Techniques

Another very common problem is using a magnet mount

on a machine surface that is not flat or has dirt and/or
paint chips. When the magnet mount is not secured on
a clean, flat surface, the magnet and accelerometer will
wobble and vibrate with its own resonant frequency.
This commonly gives a very noisy spectrum or time
waveform and can lead the analyst to think there is
looseness or impacting occurring in the machine.

37
 6310 FFT Setup

Data Collection Menu

FFT Meter Mode

FFT
SETUP
SCREEN
(meter mode)

38
 6310 FFT Setup (Meter Mode)
• Use the tab keys to select the channel
• ID
– Enter up to ten characters in either one, or both,
columns for the channel description
• Gain
– Using the right and left arrow keys, adjust the
gain up or down to allow for better resolution of
the input signal. Choices are 1 or 5 in the 6310
– *** 1 is always used for pressure ***
– 5 should be used when using an accel for disp.
• Run Speed
– A RPM value may be entered in this field for use
on graphs when a once-per-turn marker is not
available. This value is used for the orders
cursor display.

6310 FFT Setup (Meter Mode)

• Man scale
– To auto-scale graphic displays, set this field to
0.00. To use manual vertical scales, enter a
value in this field
• Sensor type
– Use the right and left cursor keys to select the
sensor type. The choices are:
• Accel, Velocity, Disp., DC pressure, 4-20mA, AC
pressure, None
• Convert to
– Use the right/left arrow keys to select the
amplitude units.
• Accelerometer choices are: mils
displacement, g’s acceleration, ips velocity
• DC pressure choice defaults to psi

39
 6310 FFT Setup (Meter Mode)

• Sensitivity
– Enter the transducer sensitivity in volts per
engineering unit:
• The accelerometer is generally .100 volts/g
• DC pressure is 4.00/transducer range.
Example: (4.00/2000 = .002 volts/psi, 4.00/500
= .008 volts/psi)
• Amplitude
– Use the right/left arrow keys to select the
amplitude display units
• Choices are: peak, peak-peak, rms
• Must select - not automatic

6310 FFT Setup (Meter Mode)

• Sync
– Use the right/left arrow keys to select
following:
• Free Run - no relation to the crankshaft
rotation is required
• TDC (synchronous)- the encoder or other
shaft reference is required. Must be
selected for synchronous averaging.
• Peak - The signal level on channel 1
must be above the trigger level indicated
in column 2. The trigger level is entered
as g’s peak to peak. This feature does
not support multiple sampling modes (use
in instantaneous only).

40
 6310 FFT Setup (Meter Mode)

• Display
– Use the right/left arrow keys to select:
• CH1 tb/fft - channel 1 time base and
channel 1 fft graph will be displayed
• CH2 tb/fft
• CH1/CH2 tb (helpful to determine phase)
• CH1/CH2 fft
• CH1 tb
• CH1 fft - allows use of continuous
sampling CH2 tb
• CH2 fft

6310 FFT Setup (Meter Mode)

• Averages
– Use the right/left arrow keys to select 1 to 100.
• Avg. Mode
– Use the cursor keys to select:
• Instantaneous - no averaging is done
• Linear (+) -averaging is done without regard
to shaft position
• Negative avg. - For bump testing on an
active machine or eliminating background
vibration.
• Peak hold - the maximum amplitude for
each frequency is kept over the # of
samples taken.
• Synchronous - averaging is done with
respect to shaft position.

41
 6310 FFT Setup (Meter Mode)

• Lines
– Picking a maximum frequency in the analyzer sets
the time between samples
– Number of lines of resolution chosen determines
the number of data points required
– Total collection time is then number of data points
x time between samples x number of averages
– Lowest frequency seen is determined by the total
collection time

6310 FFT Setup (Meter Mode)

• Fmax
– Use the right/left arrow keys to select from
4680 CPM to 600000 CPM (78 Hz to 10000
Hz)
– Sets the upper frequency of the timebase
waveform
– 150000 CPM Fmax for pressure pulsation
– 9360 -37500 CPM for general recip monitoring

42
 6310 FFT Setup (Meter Mode)

• Lines Vs Fmax
– Use 800 to 1600 lines for Fmax=150000+
CPM (2500+ Hz)
– Use 800 lines for Fmax= 37500 - 75000 CPM
(625-1250 Hz)
– Use 400-800 lines for Fmax= 9360 CPM (156
Hz)
– Use 200 - 400 lines Fmax= 4680 CPM (78 Hz)
– Experiment to find the lowest number of lines
without reducing the displayed FFT amplitude
of the frequencies that you are interested in.

6310 FFT Setup (Meter Mode)

• FFT Window
– Use the right/left arrow keys to select
following:
• Hanning - most common for general
vibration analysis
• Hamming - not used
• Uniform - good for bump testing and
transient signals

43
 Hanning Window

A digital manipulation of the sampled signal which

forces the beginning and ending samples of the
time record to zero amplitude. Compensates for an
inherent error in the FFT algorithm which causes
the energy at specific frequencies to be spread out
rather than well defined. Causes a distortion of the
wave form used by the analyzer to calculate the
spectrum and this results in the measured levels
being too low. When processing continuous data,
this effect is compensated for, but an error is
introduced if the Hanning window is used for
transient data.

Uniform Window

In the FFT analyzer, the uniform, or rectangular,

window does not modify the signal amplitude at all. It is
also called rectangular weighting, or uniform weighting,
and is selected when the signal to be analyzed is a
transient rather than a continuous signal. This is the
best choice when doing bump testing; however,
Hanning is usually satisfactory.

44
 6310 FFT Setup (Meter Mode)

• Scale:
– Use the tab key to switch to column 2
– Use the right/left arrow keys to select either
CPM or Hz
• File name:
– Use the right/left arrow keys to scan through
the existing file list
– Hit “ENTER” to put in a new file name. The
name must be DOS legal and can be up to 8
characters long. The program automatically
adds the appropriate extensions. Hit “ENTER”
again to accept your new file name.

6310 FFT Data Sampling (Meter Mode)

• Select or create a new file name:

– With the cursor in the file name box, use the
left/right keys to select an existing file to add
data to.
OR
– With the cursor in the file name box, press the
“ENTER” key and type in a new file name and
press “ENTER” again.
– The name must be DOS legal and can be up
to 8 characters long. The program
automatically adds the appropriate extensions.
– All FFT files are stored in the EVDATA
directory on the hard drive.

45
6310 FFT Data Sampling (Meter Mode)

• Sample new data: HOT-KEY - 1

– With all setup fields properly setup and, with
the accelerometer mounted to the appropriate
test point, press the numerical [1 ]key.
– After the data is collected, the appropriate
graphs, as selected in the setup, will be
displayed.
– Various menu options will be displayed at the
bottom of the screen depending on the type of
graphs being displayed and/or selected. If
multiple graphs are displayed, the up/down
arrow keys are used to select the appropriate
graph to apply the menu functions to.

Typical Screen Display after New Data Sample

46
 Channel 1 Time-base Only Display

Channel 1 Time-base Only Display (zoomed)

47
6310 FFT Data Sampling (Meter Mode)

• Continuous sample mode:

– In the setup page, select the instantaneous
Avg mode, CH1 fft for the display and 1 for
averages.
– Press the 1 key to sample the data.
– When the fft graph is displayed, select the
number 2 menu option (continuous).
– Follow menu items as directed.
– Continuous sampling can also be done in
peak and linear+ modes as long as only the fft
is being graphed.

48
6310 FFT Data Sampling (Meter Mode)

• Display data: HOT-KEY - 2

– Displays the current raw data in memory using
the parameters selected on the setup page.
The current raw data stays in memory until
either a new trace is sampled or the program is
restarted.
– After data is retrieved or sampled and
displayed, the ESC key can be pressed to
return to the setup page.
– Run speed, man scale, convert to, amplitude,
and display parameters can be changed, and
the graphs redisplayed by pressing the
numerical 2 key.

Re-displaying Data in Memory

49
 Re-displayed Data

6310 FFT Data Sampling (Meter Mode)

• Save data: HOT-KEY - 3

– Saves the current raw data
and setup parameters in the
selected or named file.
– You are offered the
opportunity to enter up to a
30 character description for
each test point saved in the
file.
– Up to 100 data points can
be saved in one file.

50
 6310 FFT Data Sampling (Meter Mode)

• Recall data: HOT-KEY 4

– Retrieves a previously
saved test point from the
currently displayed file.

Upload Data to Windows

51
Upload Data to Windows

Upload Data to Windows

52
 Move Data to [evdata] Folder

Vibration Files are Stored in the EVDATA Directory

2 files are automatically created for each file name.

Both are needed to redisplay the data.

53
 You can move older vibration files into another directory.
To view them again, move them back into the EVDATA
directory.

Typical
setup for
general
vibration
survey

54
 Typical
pressure
pulsation
setup using
2000 psi
transducer

Bump Testing Example

• Mount the accelerometer on object to be tested

• Adjust the number of samples to be able to
have 10-15 seconds of excitation applied
• Use IPS, g’s or displacement depending on the
suspected natural frequency range
• Use linear+ or peak hold
• Start the acquisition

55
 Bump Testing Example

• Using a dead blow hammer, strike the object with a

constant frequency of approximately one blow per
second till the acquisition is completed.

Bump Test Results (meter mode)

56
Bump Test with Negative Averaging or
FFT Subtraction
• Done on a running machine
• Part must not be at its resonant frequency
• Use the same setup as before
• Follow the directions on the screen

Vibration Test Point Examples

Note:
The Horizontal plane is 90 degrees to the
centerline of the primary rotating element and
parallel to the ground.

The Vertical plane is 90 degrees to the centerline of

the primary rotating element and perpendicular to
the ground.

The Axial plane is in line with the primary rotating

element.

57
SKID VIBRATION TEST POINTS USE MILS PK TO PK or IN/SEC PK

1 2 3

4 5 6

POINT DESCRIPTION MEASUREMENT PLANE

1 RIGHT FRONT CORNER HORIZONTAL - VERTICAL - AXIAL

2 RIGHT SIDE MIDDLE HORIZONTAL - VERTICAL
3 RIGHT REAR CORNER HORIZONTAL - VERTICAL
4 LEFT FRONT CORNER VERTICAL - AXIAL
5 LEFT SIDE MIDDLE VERTICAL
6 LEFT REAR CORNER VERTICAL

COMPRESSOR FRAME VIBRATION TEST POINTS

TAKE HORIZONTAL AND AXIAL MEASUREMENTS AT CRANK LINE HEIGHT
USE MILS PK TO PK or IN/SEC PK

1 2

COUPLING
END

3 4

POINT DESCRIPTION MEASUREMENT PLANE

1 RIGHT FRONT CORNER HORIZONTAL - VERTICAL - AXIAL

2 RIGHT REAR CORNER HORIZONTAL - VERTICAL
3 LEFT FRONT CORNER VERTICAL - AXIAL
4 LEFT REAR CORNER VERTICAL

58
 Frame Movement

ANR Defiance 1105 KVS412 Eng Frame 1 Horiz Run 1 Channel 1 FFT at 327.0 RPM 01/27/05 14:04

Overall = 5.224

5.6

4.8

4.0

3.2
mils

2.4

1.6

0.8

0
0 1000 2000 3000 4000
CPM

COMPRESSOR CYLINDER VIBRATION TEST POINTS USE IN/SEC PEAK

GATHER DATA FOR EACH CYLINDER AND BOTTLE

2 SUCTION BOTTLE 3

CYLINDER
1 HEAD

DISCHARGE BOTTLE
4 5

POINT DESCRIPTION MEASUREMENT PLANE

1 CYLINDER HEAD HORIZONTAL - VERTICAL - AXIAL

2 SUCTION BOTTLE SEAM AREA HORIZONTAL - VERTICAL - AXIAL
3 OTHER SUCTION SEAM AREA VERTICAL - HORIZONTAL
4 DISCHARGE BOTTLE SEAM AREA HORIZONTAL - VERTICAL - AXIAL
5 OTHER DISCHARGE SEAM AREA VERTICAL - HORIZONTAL

59
 Cylinder Vibration
ROCKVILLE Unit 1 UTC 166 new CC 2 HE Horiz Run 1 Channel 1 FFT at 300.0 RPM 12/12/03 10:20

Overall = 9.188
12

10

6
mils

00 1000 2000 3000 4000

CPM

SCRUBBER VIBRATION TEST POINTS USE IN/SEC PEAK

GATHER DATA FOR EACH SCRUBBER

INLET

2 2

POINT DESCRIPTION MEASUREMENT PLANE

1 SCRUBBER SHELL NEAR INLET HORIZONTAL - VERTICAL - AXIAL

2 SCRUBBER BASE VERTICAL

60
DRIVER FRAME VIBRATION TEST POINTS
TAKE HORIZONTAL AND AXIAL MEASUREMENTS AT CRANK LINE HEIGHT
USE MILS PK TO PK or IN/SEC PK

1 2

COUPLING
END

3 4

POINT DESCRIPTION MEASUREMENT PLANE

1 RIGHT FRONT CORNER HORIZONTAL - VERTICAL

2 RIGHT REAR CORNER HORIZONTAL - VERTICAL - AXIAL
3 LEFT FRONT CORNER VERTICAL
4 LEFT REAR CORNER VERTICAL - AXIAL

Windows FFT Program

61
62
63
64
 General Vibration Limits
(Up to 1200 RPM and 4800 BHP)

Component < 2500 BHP >2500 BHP

Engine .30 ips .50 ips

Compressor Frame .20 ips .50 ips

Compressor Cylinders .45 ips .60 ips

Skid .12 ips .15 ips

Piping .90 ips .90 ips

Scrubbers .80 ips .80 ips

Why Is It Shaking Too Much?

– Excessive forcing function

– Insufficient damping and clamping
– Mechanical resonance

65
 Common Vibration Sources
(Forcing Functions)

• Engine
– Unbalance
• 1x
– Shaft misalignment
• Angular - 1X, 2X
• Offset - 1X, 2X, 3X
– Torsional forces
• Possible half speed increments

Common Vibration Sources

• Compressor
– Unbalance
• Static - 1X
• Couple - 1X
– Shaft misalignment
• angular- 1X, 2X
• Offset - 1X, 2X, 3X
– Cylinder centerline misalignment
• 1x
– Pulsation
• 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, 6X, etc

66
 Common Vibration Sources

• Cooler
– Shaft unbalance - 1X shaft speed
– Bent shaft - 1X, 2X
– Blade unbalance - 1X
– Blade/vane pass defects - # of blades X turning
speed
– Belt and pulley defects -1X, 2X

67