Hello, one of our 8.4MW ID fans, mounted on a flexible foundation, had its impeller replaced. The impeller was refurbished by a third party without shop-floor balancing, leading to poor performance during in-situ dynamic balancing. I am seeking information on the importance of shop-floor balancing for in-situ dynamic balancing. Is it possible to perform dynamic balancing without first conducting shop-floor balancing?
This question falls under the category of "Yes, but..." scenarios. In theory, Insitu balancing would be equivalent to shop balancing if the 1X component in-situ is solely attributed to unbalancing forces. Shop balancing offers a high level of certainty in ensuring this condition. However, in practical scenarios, the 1X components on-site may result from a combination of misalignment, looseness, or other factors beyond just imbalance. This could explain why balancing on-site does not always reduce fan vibration, as the issue may stem from other sources. Nonetheless, it would have been advantageous to conduct proper shop balancing before dismantling and reinstalling such a large fan. I recommend exploring additional vibration data to pinpoint the root of the problem.
We are currently addressing additional parameters, including ESP and process-related concerns. Only the 1X component is evident in the spectrum analysis. It is important to note that both the motor and fan bearings are classified as journal bearings.
When assessing if 1x dominance is present, examine the phase relationship between vertical and horizontal components. If there is a 90-degree phase difference at each bearing, dynamic balancing can be highly effective in minimizing vibrations.
Certainly, shop-floor balancing is an important procedure that, when skipped, can indeed result in poor performance during in-situ dynamic balancing. Though it is technically possible to perform dynamic balancing without prior shop-floor balancing, it may result in more corrections, increased wear and tear, and could potentially compromise the longevity of the impeller. Shop-floor balancing can provide a more controlled environment for accurate initial balance, reducing the amount of work required during in-situ balancing and helping to ensure more efficient and effective operation in the long run.
Shop-floor balancing is crucial because it ensures the impeller is within acceptable tolerances before installation, which can significantly reduce the issues encountered during in-situ dynamic balancing. When an impeller is not properly balanced from the start, it can lead to excessive vibrations and stress on the fan and foundation, complicating the balancing process later on. While you can technically perform dynamic balancing without prior shop-floor balancing, it often results in a more extensive and potentially costly correction process. Investing in shop-floor balancing upfront tends to pay off in smoother operation and enhanced longevity of equipment.
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Answer: 1. Why is shop-floor balancing important for in-situ dynamic balancing? - Shop-floor balancing ensures that the components are properly balanced before installation, reducing the need for significant adjustments during in-situ dynamic balancing. 2. What are the consequences of skipping shop-floor balancing before in-situ dynamic balancing? - Skipping shop-floor balancing can lead to poor performance, as seen in the case of the 8.4MW ID fan with an unbalanced impeller, causing operational issues and potential damage to the equipment.
Answer: - While it is technically possible to perform in-situ dynamic balancing without shop-floor balancing, it is generally recommended to conduct shop-floor balancing to ensure better overall performance and efficiency of the equipment.
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