CASE STUDY

Equipment & Location: Pump for Wash Column Ejector

Instruments used: Vibration Data Collector/Analyser, Model Easy-Viber

Abstract of Case: This pump had been showing increase in the vibration levels due to Misalignment, and
also it was making abnormal sound in operations. The flexible membranes of coupling
were found in the damaged condition. Also the alignment was checked and corrected,
resulting in to decreasing the vibration levels.

Equipment Specifications: Pump – Make Pompe Gabbioneta, Model R 200/38 GM1, Max Condition Flow Rate 29
M3/Hour, Head Max 51 Meter, Suction Min/Max Press 1.92/1.9 bar, Discharge
Press 5.82 bar, Design Pressure 30.4 bar, Design Temp 200 Degree C,
Impellers Diameter 195 mm, Impellers Material A 351 CF3M, Diameter of
Suction 3 inch, Diameter of Discharge Line 2 inch, Seal Type Mechanical,
Coupling Flexible Membrane Type. Driver Electrical Motor, Speed 2,900 rpm,

Vibration Data: The measurement unit of vibration readings is in mm/sec rms.

Point Direction 13-Feb-2006 19-Feb-2006 23-Feb-2006
Vertical 0.4324 1.774 0.5895
Motor Free
Horizontal 0.7037 0.6828 0.7942
End Bearing
Axial 0.499 3.090 1.658
Vertical 0.8400 0.3229 0.9139
Motor Coupling
Horizontal 1.184 1.230 1.535
End Bearing
Axial 0.4507 1.593 0.8470
Vertical 0.5393 2.689 0.5356
Pump Coupling
Horizontal 0.3761 0.6289 0.5799
End Bearing
Axial 0.5615 0.6756 0.6231
Vertical 0.3270 0.4991 0.4423
Pump Free
Horizontal 0.3784 0.4515 0.4333
End Bearing
Axial 0.4344 1.104 1.086
Maximum Vibration 1.184 3.090 1.658
Vibration Analysis: Vibration level had increased from 1.184 to 3.09 mm/sec rms. Checking of the coupling
and alignment was suggested on 20th February 2006 due to rise in the vibrations
particularly in the axial direction at the motor bearings. Accordingly, checking of the
coupling and alignment was asked on priority. The actions were taken on 22nd
February 2006 and re-alignment was carried. Observed decrease in vibrations to 1.658
mm/sec after re-alignment. The bearing fault frequency (BPFO) was excited at motor
bearings though its level is low. The spare bearings were asked to be kept readily
available in stock for replacing, in future, if required.

Action/Observations: Checking of the coupling and alignment was asked on 20th February 2006 due to rise
in vibrations particularly in the axial direction at the motor bearings. Checks of coupling
and alignment were done on 22nd February 2006 and re-alignment was carried out due
to existing misalignment in the motor and pump. Also the membranes of the coupling
were found in damaged condition.

Conclusion: Alignment problems can very well be identified by the Vibration Analysis through study
of the Signs and Symptoms in the early / initial stages and they also can be rectified in
time in enhancing the Reliable and Operable Life of a Machine.
TREND REPORT (23rd Feb 2006)
Motor Bearing # 1-Vertical

TREND REPORT (23rd Feb 2006)

Motor Bearing # 1-Horizontal
TREND REPORT (23rd Feb 2006)
Motor Bearing # 1-Axial

TREND REPORT (23rd Feb 2006)

Motor Bearing # 2-Vertical
TREND REPORT (23rd Feb 2006)
Motor Bearing # 2-Horizontal

TREND REPORT (23rd Feb 2006)

Motor Bearing # 2-Axial
TREND REPORT (23rd Feb 2006)
Pump Bearing # 3-Vertical

TREND REPORT (23rd Feb 2006)

Pump Bearing # 3-Horizontal
TREND REPORT (23rd Feb 2006)
Pump Bearing # 3-Axial

TREND REPORT (23rd Feb 2006)

Pump Bearing # 4-Vertical
TREND REPORT (23rd Feb 2006)
Pump Bearing # 4-Horizontal

TREND REPORT (23rd Feb 2006)

Pump Bearing # 4-Axial
SPECTRA REPORT (19th Feb 2006)
Motor Bearing # 1-Axial

SPECTRA REPORT (23rd Feb 2006)

Motor Bearing # 1-Axial
SPECTRA REPORT (19th Feb 2006)
Motor Bearing # 2-Axial

SPECTRA REPORT (23rd Feb 2006)

Motor Bearing # 2-Axial
SPECTRA REPORT (19th Feb 2006)
Pump Bearing # 3-Axial

SPECTRA REPORT (23rd Feb 2006)

Pump Bearing # 3-Axial
SPECTRA REPORT (19th Feb 2006)
Pump Bearing # 4-Axial

SPECTRA REPORT (23rd Feb 2006)

Pump Bearing # 4-Axial