Hello! I am looking for information on the vibration limit for a 6-stage centrifugal compressor when measurements are taken on the casing in mm/sec (RMS). We are experiencing high vibrations, with the spectrum showing a frequency of 1x or the rotor's RPM of 14443 CPM. The amplitude of the single frequency at 14443 RPM is approximately 3.3 mm/sec (RMS) as measured on the casing. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!
Mohiuddin, while there are numerous references that can be recommended for your situation, they may not necessarily be applicable to your specific case. This could be for various scenarios such as a factory test, site test, shop test, or after an overhaul. The data could be collected by a routine handled analyzer or an online system connected to a shutdown system, particularly for a compressor with anti-friction bearing types or journal bearings. It is advisable to search for ISO and API standards related to compressors to find relevant information. Providing more specific details in your question might help members on this platform offer a more tailored response. Regards- Ali M. Al-Shurafa
Leveraging API 617 for Maximum Efficiency and Performance
Your compressor's vibration seems high indeed. Although the acceptable vibration values can differ based on the manufacturer and the specific design of the machine, generally anything above 2.8 mm/sec (RMS) on the casing of this type of compressors is treated suspect. However, it's also important here to identify the cause of such high vibration levels. The vibration at 1x RPM typically indicates an unbalance condition which could be due to various factors like rotor unbalance, coupling misalignment, looseness or structural resonance. I recommend checking these aspects and possibly consulting with the manufacturer or a vibration specialist.
Hi there! Generally, for a centrifugal compressor, a safe vibration limit on the casing should be around 4.5 to 5 mm/sec RMS for operational speed range, as laid out by ISO 10816-3 norms. The amplitude you've mentioned, i.e., 3.3 mm/sec at your rotor speed is slightly below this limit, so technically it's supposed to be within a safe range. However, high vibration at rotational speeds is usually a red flag, indicative of potential imbalances or possibly some looseness within the assembly. I would encourage further investigation to establish whether the vibration is transient or consistently on the high side. Cooperating closely with your hardware vendor can also help interpret specific vibration patterns for your unique setup.
Hey there! It's noteworthy that vibrations may indeed create some complex issues in a 6-stage centrifugal compressor, particularly if consistently progressing. Typically, the vibration limits on these machines depend on factors like the type of machine, its size, and its operating conditions. That said, based on your numbers, an amplitude of 3.3 mm/sec (RMS) might indeed be a bit high. Generally, ISO 10816-3 vibration severity chart recommends a vibration limit for class II machines (medium-sized machines like centrifugal compressors) around 2.3 mm/sec RMS. However, it'd be smart to also check the manufacturer's documentation for more specific guidance. Try to identify and rectify potential causes (like imbalance, misalignment, or looseness) while keeping an eye on trending vibration levels.
Hi there! For a 6-stage centrifugal compressor, a common general guideline is that vibration levels should ideally be below 4 mm/sec RMS for optimal performance, particularly at operating speeds. However, if you're seeing a consistent 3.3 mm/sec at 14443 CPM, it might be worth investigating further, especially since you're noticing elevated vibrations at 1x RPM. It could indicate issues like imbalance, misalignment, or bearing wear. Have you considered conducting a more detailed vibration analysis, or checking for any mechanical looseness? It might also help to compare your readings to similar compressors to see if there's a pattern. Good luck!
Hi there! For a 6-stage centrifugal compressor, RPM-related vibrations can definitely be a concern, especially when you're measuring around 3.3 mm/sec (RMS) on the casing at the running speed. Generally, a common guideline for vibration limits on rotating machinery like compressors is around 4 mm/sec (RMS) for normal operation, but you might want to look into the manufacturer's specifications, as they can vary significantly depending on the model and application. It could also be worth checking for alignment issues, rotor imbalance, or bearing conditions that may contribute to the elevated vibration levels. Have you considered analyzing the harmonics as well? That might give you more insight into the root cause. Good luck, and I hope you find a solution soon!
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Answer: 1. What is the recommended vibration limit for a 6-stage centrifugal compressor when measurements are taken on the casing in mm/sec (RMS)? - The recommended vibration limit for a 6-stage centrifugal compressor can vary depending on factors such as the specific equipment manufacturer's guidelines, industry standards, and operating conditions. However, generally accepted limits for vibration levels on compressor casings are typically in the range of 2-4 mm/sec (RMS).
Answer: - When the vibration spectrum shows a frequency of 1x the rotor's RPM (cycles per minute), such as 14443 CPM in this case, it indicates a potential issue related to the rotational speed of the compressor. This could be due to unbalance, misalignment, or other mechanical problems affecting the rotor.
Answer: - An amplitude of 3.3 mm/sec (RMS) at a single frequency of 14443 RPM may be considered high for a 6-stage centrifugal compressor, especially if it exceeds the recommended vibration limits or if it is significantly higher than the baseline readings. It suggests the presence of vibration-related problems that need to be investigated
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