VIBRATION ANALYSIS AS A TOOL FOR PUMP SELECTION, TROUBLESHOOTING AND PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE

Vibration analysis has been a valuable tool in the selection and monitoring of rotating equipment for many years. Although routinely used in other industries, vibration analysis is not used as extensively in the selection and maintenance of pumping equipment in the wastewater industry.Vibration analysis can be used to specify proper equipment during design, verify equipment performance during startup, ensure proper installation and monitor equipment over time for maintenance purposes. It can help pinpoint the cause of pump vibration and determine if it is caused by bearing failure, shaft deflection, impeller imbalance/wear, insufficient support structure, hydraulic resonance or many other causes.This paper discusses how to use vibration analysis as a tool for wastewater pumps (and other equipment). Topics to be discussed include the following:Causes of Pump VibrationVibration StandardsVibration Testing EquipmentVibration Analysis (reading vibration signatures to determine bearing failure, shaft deflection, impeller imbalance/wear, insufficient support structure, or hydraulic resonance).Case HistoriesA case study will be presented to illustrate the above topics. The case study will show how vibration analysis was used to detect equipment problems and how vibration limits are important for equipment acceptance.