FIELD BALANCING OF ROTATING MACHINERY

Rotating machinery often has vibration that is the result of mass imbalance on the rotating assembly. When this occurs, high vibration is observed at the running speed of the machine. The dynamic forces are proportional to the square of the shaft speed, so higher speed machinery is often much more prone to balance problems.

Types of Equipment Field Balanced

All rotating machinery is susceptible to imbalance forces and the resulting vibration. Machines most commonly field balanced include:

• Centrifuges
• Centrifugal compressors
• Centrifugal fans and blowers
• Centrifugal pumps
• Drive couplings and driveshafts
• Motors and generators
• Reciprocating pumps and compressors
• Steam turbines

Advantages of Field Balancing

Many balance problems can be corrected in the field by adding correction weights to the rotor. This process can easily prevent expensive repairs where rotors have to be removed and sent to a shop for shop balancing. In addition, lower vibration amplitudes due to imbalance can generally be achieved using a field balance compared to shop balancing alone.

Kelm Engineering Field Balance Method

We use a variety of measurement tools including IOTech EZTomas with data acquisition hardware to allow single and multichannel data collection. Balance corrections are calculated using single plane or multiplane/multispeed methods using proprietary software developed to best optimize field balance corrections on a variety of machinery types.

Qualifications and Certifications for Field Balancing

We have Vibration Institute ISO Certified personnel that have either Category III or IV certification. We have also written papers on the subject of field balancing. DOWNLOADABLE PDF DOCUMENT OF FIELD BALANCING PAPER: https://www.kelmengineering.com/documents/AdvancedFieldBalancing.pdf

Contact Kelm Engineering for Field Balancing

Kelm Engineering has been performing field balance tests for nearly two decades. Our Friendswood, TX-based engineering firm continues to strive for excellence with every client. If your company has field balancing needs, contact our office today. Our field engineers will conduct a field balancing test and provide you with information and readings to enable you to make the necessary adjustments.