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Structural Vibration Problem Solving

Three identical pumps were relocated and experienced high vibration issues when put into a new service with an operating speed range of 3,560 to 6,000 RPM. Root cause analysis found the vibration was due to structural resonance of the pump and pedestals at around 5,100 RPM, as well as an overhung mode critical speed of the rotor at around 4,700 RPM due to a heavy coupling. Recommendations included adding bracing to the pedestals to increase their natural frequency away from resonance, as well as replacing the coupling with a lighter profiled one. These changes reduced vibrations and allowed the pumps to operate through their full speed range.

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159 views0 pages

Structural Vibration Problem Solving

Three identical pumps were relocated and experienced high vibration issues when put into a new service with an operating speed range of 3,560 to 6,000 RPM. Root cause analysis found the vibration was due to structural resonance of the pump and pedestals at around 5,100 RPM, as well as an overhung mode critical speed of the rotor at around 4,700 RPM due to a heavy coupling. Recommendations included adding bracing to the pedestals to increase their natural frequency away from resonance, as well as replacing the coupling with a lighter profiled one. These changes reduced vibrations and allowed the pumps to operate through their full speed range.

Uploaded by

ilmu2
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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BB3 Structural Vibration Problem

Resolved Using Analytical Methods


25
th
International Pump Users Symposium
Michael Singer
Sulzer Pumps (US) Inc.
Portland, OR
Joel Walker
Sulzer Pumps (US) Inc.
Odessa, TX
2
Installation
3 stage BB3 type
Water injection
service (1200 GPM
@ 2650 ft)
Driven through
gearbox by natural-
gas engine
3560 to 6000 RPM
continuous
operating speed
range
3
Problem
Vibration Performance
High bearing housing and casing vibrations showed after
the pumps were relocated and put into a new service
(Ran fine in previous life)
Same problem with 3 identical units
Horizontal vibration (~0.6 in/sec) at or above 5200 RPM
Not able to reach full speed (6000 RPM)
4
Root Cause Analysis
PIH
Structural Resonance Impact Testing
Impact tests show a horizontal
structural resonance at
approximately 85 Hz (5100 cpm) on
pump inboard and outboard end
5
Root Cause Analysis
Pump Lateral Rotordynamics
High speed operation. (6000 RPM)
Heavy coupling. (~100 lbs total)
Long shaft span at drive end.
Nearest seal is eye of suction impeller.
6
Root Cause Analysis
Overhung mode critical speed
(~4700 RPM)
Low damping
Large coupling orbit
7
Root Cause Analysis
Replace coupling
Lateral stability improved
Recommendations
8
Root Cause Analysis
Not every seam welded
Uncertain hold-down locations
Support Structure Modal FEA
9
Root Cause Analysis
Horizontal pump mode
84Hz [5040 cpm]
Mode shape offers
clues to detuning
Support Structure Modal FEA
10
Root Cause Analysis
Add gussets / struts
Box the pedestals
Predicts increase in
natural frequency
136 Hz [8160 cpm]
Recommendations
11
Implementation
Bracing added to all four pedestals (as piping allowed)
12
Implementation
Drive-end pedestals also
'Boxed' to reduce twisting
13
Implementation
Coupling Changes
Original 48 lbs (pump-side)
Profiled 36 lbs (pump-side)
Field Balanced
Entirely new
13 lbs (pump-side)
14
Results
Reduced Vibration
Original 0.60 in/sec @ 5200 RPM
Added Struts 0.28 in/sec @ 5800 RPM
Changed Coupling 0.19 in/sec @ 6100 RPM
Ability to run through entire operating
speed range
15
Lessons Learned
Avoid unnecessarily heavy couplings.
Open communication facilitates root
cause analysis.
Fix problems when found, as found.
Relocating equipment and/or changing
services including speed range can
result in vibration issues.

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