Chapter 10 Balancing Rotating Machinery Objectives: + Understand vectors, vector addition and vector subtraction * Understand how a single plane balancing works. ‘+ Understand the difference between one plane and two-plane balancing, * Become familiar with the relevant ISO standards, Produced by Mobius USAPAGE 10-2 CHAPTER 10 - BALANCING ROTATING MACHINERY Balancing rotating machinery Balancing rotating machinery is an important part of any reliability program. Balanced ‘machinery run more smoothly and therefore run longer without incident. Modern vibration analyzers and purpose-built balancing instruments have made it easier to balance machines in- situ ~ that is, without having to remove the rotors and ship them off to a balancing machine. Like any instrument of this type, itis always important to understand how the instrument works ‘and how to correctly prepare the job and deal with any unusual readings that you may observe. In an ideal world you can take the vibration and phase readings, follow each of the steps, and the machine will be precision balanced. But life is rarely that simp The goals of this chapter ‘This section fended to provide an introduction to balancing. The aim is not to teach you ‘everything you need to know so that you can balance a machine - there is simply not enough time on a detailed course like this. Instead you should: © Understand vectors, vector addition and vector subtraction © Understand how a single plane balancing works. © Understand the clfference between one plane and tworplane balancing, ‘© Become familar with the relevant ISO standards. With this base knowledge you should find it far easier to learn the detailed steps required to perform the balance, and you will have a greater appreciation of what is involved if your request that a machine be balanced. What is balancing? First, what is balancing? The ISO standard 1940-1973 (E) definition i “Balancing isthe process of attempting to improve the mass distribution of @ body so that it rotates in its bearings without unbalance centrifuge forces.” Those “unbalance centrifuge forces” are destructive. The forces slowly destroy bearings, and can generate vibration that can damage other equipment and processes. All machines should be precision balanced and aligned to reduce these destructive forces - and therefore increase the life of the machine and improve reliability The ISO standard 1940-1:2003 definition is: “Balancing: procedure by which the mass distribution of a rotors checked and if necessary, adjusted to ensure thatthe esiduol unbelanceor the vibration in the journals andor forces onthe (© 1000-2012 Mobius Insitute ~All ight reserved ‘maaimabisinsttaiecam a7 80 Bf 7 BY D8 ie" BS Ua ee OE ee.os F T SRAPTER 10 - BALANCING ROTATING MACHINERY pace 40-3 bearings ata frequency corresponding to service speed are within specified limits" [origin:iso. 192522001, definition 4.1] ‘The goal and the intent are the same ~ reducing vibration levels to within specified limits, Later inthis section we wil discuss the ISO standards for balancing and the recommended vibration levels for different applications. There are two more definitions from ISO 1940-12003 that are important: AUntolance:coneltion which exists ina rotor when vibration force or motion is imparted to its bearings a8 result or centrifugal forces.” [Origin: SO 1925:2001, defition 31 4 ‘esidual unbalance: unbalance of any kind that remains after balancing.” [Origin: 150 1925:2001, definition 3.0) ‘The ISO standard 1925:2001 5 “Mechanica vibration Balancing ~ Vocabulary”. Preparing for the balance job -a word of warning Given the €25@ of use of balancing software provided with modem analyzers itis conceivable ‘hat balancing technicians may jump straight into a balance job without thinking ebout the machine dynamics - the interplay between the unbalance forces, the rotor and the bearings. Balancing is a dificult, time consuming, and potentially dangerous task, itis essential that you {ake all precautions before and during a balance job. Follow all lock-out tag-out procedures, and denotmake any assumptions about the safety systems installed atthe ste Safety first! There are four main sources of danger that you should be aware of, They are: * The machine starting unexpectedly + Balance weights flying off the rotor © The general dangers inherent in working in a hazardous environment * Becoming entangled — you or your equipment - in the machine {© 1990-2012 Mobis intiute I rghis reserved obiusinstiue Produced by Mobius USA