Troubleshooting High Vibration in Ships Blower Motor - Expert Feedback Needed

Question:

Hello Members, I am seeking your feedback on the vibration analysis of the ship's main engine auxiliary blower. This blower motor is being monitored using an online wireless tri-axial vibration sensor, with continuous monitoring conducted from the shore. We have identified a concerning trend of high vibration in this blower motor, particularly noting a dominant 1XR.P.M peak. Our recommendation was for them to inspect for any unbalance or impeller fouling. Attached below are images for your reference, showing the recent inspection results. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Kishore Kumar Agguna

Top Replies

Hello, So, what specific opinion are you looking for? Are you looking for feedback on your analysis or on the appearance of the impeller? As a Reliability Engineer in the United Kingdom, I would like to offer my insight. Original Message: Subject: Analysis of Vibration in Main Engine Auxiliary Blower Dear Members, I am seeking your opinion on the vibration analysis of the main engine auxiliary blower on a ship. This blower motor is equipped with an online wireless tri-axial vibration sensor, allowing us to monitor it remotely from shore. We have noticed a concerning increase in vibration levels and a dominant peak at 1X rotational speed. Our recommendation was to inspect for potential issues such as imbalance or impeller fouling. Please review the attached images for more information. Thank you, Kishore Kumar Agguna

Shittu Olakunle, I noticed some buildup on the blade's back-plate. It appears that the fan is quite dirty. Has it been thoroughly cleaned and tested post-cleaning? -------------------------------- Ralph Stewart -------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 01-12-2024 06:09 From: Shittu Olakunle Subject: Main Engine Auxiliary Blower Vibration Analysis Hi there, What specific feedback are you looking for? Were you able to conduct a thorough analysis? Or did you notice any issues with the impeller? ------------------------------ Shittu Olakunle Reliability Engineer United Kingdom Original Message: Sent: 01-11-2024 23:03 From: Kishore Kumar Agguna Subject: Main Engine Auxiliary Blower Vibration Analysis Hello Members, I would appreciate your insights on the vibration analysis of the Ship's Main Engine Auxiliary Blower. This blower motor is monitored using an online wireless tri-axial vibration sensor, and we have been monitoring its performance remotely from shore. We have observed a concerning increase in vibration levels and a prominent peak at 1XR.P.M. We recommended that they inspect for unbalance or impeller fouling. Please refer to the attached images for more details. Recently, they opened the equipment and provided the following images. -------------------------------- Kishore Kumar Agguna --------------------------------

Hello Kishore, I agree with the previous comments that it is not clear what you are asking. As you mentioned, there might be an imbalance in the impeller at 1xRPM. Possible sources of fouling could include general cleanliness/build-up or carbon build-up. It is important to consider if the blower has ever been cleaned or replaced, as this could have occurred during dry-dock. Additionally, issues with engine room ventilation/pressure should be investigated. It is also worth checking the results of the last scavenge space/under piston inspections to assess the condition of the liner/piston rings and cylinder lubrication. Looking for indications of combustion gas blow-by is crucial. Any additional information or a clearer question would be beneficial. Gareth Ward, a Chartered Engineer passionate about Asset Management, would be happy to provide further assistance. Thank you.

On January 14, 2024, at 21:35, Mr. Kishore Kumar Agguna provided feedback regarding the Main Engine Auxiliary Blower. He explained that due to the impossibility of balancing the impeller onsite, the blower needed cleaning and assembly, a task that can only be done during dry-dock. The presence of deposits on the impeller raised concerns about potential issues with the scavenging air passage. Despite suggestions for checks, no issues were reported. Mr. Agguna planned to update on the current Vibration trend once data is received from the vessel. The original message from Gareth Ward on January 14, 2024, at 16:59, revealed concerns about impeller imbalance and sources of fouling in the Main Engine Auxiliary Blower. Questions were raised about the cleanliness of the equipment, the last cleaning or replacement of the blower, carbon buildup, scavenge space inspections, piston ring conditions, and cylinder lubrication. Additional information or clarification on the issue was requested for further analysis. In a previous message dated January 11, 2024, Mr. Kishore Kumar Agguna sought opinions on the ship's Main Engine Auxiliary Blower Vibration Analysis. High Vibration trends were observed, with a dominant 1XR.P.M Peak, prompting a recommendation to inspect for unbalance or impeller fouling. Images of the opened equipment were provided for reference.

Hello @kishore kumar agguna, I am interested to know how you ultimately resolved the issue. What recommendations were made to the ship management regarding the Main Engine Auxiliary Blower Vibration Analysis, and what actions were taken? Looking forward to hearing from you! Cheers, Gareth. As a Chartered Engineer passionate about all things Asset Management, I value your insights. Thank you.

Hi Kishore, The persistent 1XR.P.M. peak that you've identified does indeed seem indicative of a potential unbalance or impeller fouling – your initial analysis seems spot on in that regard. However, as a simultaneous consideration, it might also be worth examining the coupling as an inherent mismatch could present similar symptoms. Also, consider bearing defects and lubricant issues. Sometimes they could come across as an unbalance. Checking for proper motor alignment could also be of help, as misalignment sometimes manifest as high 1x frequencies. Hope this assists your investigation!

Hi Kishore, Your findings indeed indicate an issue, and your suggestions to inspect for unbalance or impeller fouling are right on point. A bent shaft or bearing issues, such as wear or looseness, could also be potential causes for this high vibration. I'd suggest you also take an infrared temperature reading to pinpoint the exact location of the problem for mechanical inspection. Alongside, monitoring in the two axial directions (vertical and horizontal) as well as radial could help further in isolating the root cause. I hope this helps!

Hi Kishore, it's great to see such proactive monitoring of the blower motor! The dominant 1XR.P.M peak you've identified could indeed suggest issues like unbalance or impeller fouling, but it might also be worth looking into potential resonance issues or bearing defects. I recommend conducting a thorough analysis of the frequency spectrum to see if there are any other harmonic or sideband frequencies present. This could help pinpoint the root cause more accurately. Did you find any anomalies in your inspection images that align with this vibration pattern?

Hi Kishore, thanks for sharing this information! It sounds like you’re on the right track by suggesting an inspection for unbalance or fouling, particularly with that clear 1XR.P.M peak indicating a potential issue with the impeller. I’d also suggest considering any alignment issues or wear-and-tear on the bearings, as these can also contribute significantly to vibration problems. Have you looked into any past maintenance records to see if similar trends have occurred before? It might help to spot recurring anomalies and target maintenance efforts more effectively. Looking forward to seeing how this progresses!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: 1. What could be causing high vibration in the ship's blower motor?

Answer: - High vibration in the ship's blower motor could be caused by factors such as unbalance, impeller fouling, misalignment, bearing issues, or resonance.

FAQ: 2. How is the ship's blower motor vibration being monitored?

Answer: - The ship's blower motor vibration is being monitored using an online wireless tri-axial vibration sensor, allowing for continuous monitoring from shore.

FAQ: 3. What does a dominant 1XR.P.M peak indicate in vibration analysis?

Answer: - A dominant 1XR.P.M peak in vibration analysis typically indicates a problem related to rotational speed, such as unbalance or misalignment issues.

FAQ: 4. What are some recommended steps to address high vibration in a blower motor?

Answer: - Recommended steps to address high vibration in a blower motor include inspecting for unbalance, impeller fouling, misalignment, bearing condition, and checking for resonance issues.

FAQ: 5. What are the potential consequences of ignoring high vibration in a ship's blower motor?

Answer: - Ignoring high vibration in a ship's blower motor can lead to increased wear and tear, reduced efficiency, potential breakdowns, and safety hazards for the crew and the vessel.

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