Dust Removal Fan Vibration Reduction Through Dynamic Balancing

Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Equipment: Dust Removal Fan
Service: Vibration Analysis and Dynamic Balancing
Industry: Paper Manufacturing

Prepared By: Abhishek, Condition Monitoring Engineer

Type of Balancing 

Balancing Method :- Dynamic Balancing 

Balancing Type :-     Single Plane Balancing

Instruments Used

Vibration Analyzer :- CSI 2140 

Tachometer 

 Balancing Kit

Objective:- 

The objective of this job is to reduce excessive vibration levels in the fan by performing dynamic balancing and to bring vibration within acceptable limits as per ISO 20816 standards.

Project Overview

Technomax Middle East Engineering LLC successfully performed dynamic balancing on a dust removal fan at the Paper Mill in Abu Dhabi, UAE, to address excessive vibration and improve equipment operating conditions.

During the initial vibration assessment, elevated vibration levels were identified at the fan drive-end (DE) and non-drive-end (NDE) bearings, particularly in the horizontal direction. The maximum recorded vibration velocity reached 8.93 mm/s RMS, indicating a critical vibration condition according to the assessment documented in the report.

Technomax's vibration analysis identified a dominant vibration component at the fan's running speed, indicating rotor unbalance as the primary cause of the excessive vibration.

The team performed single-plane dynamic balancing at 1,300 RPM, reducing the maximum recorded fan vibration from 8.93 mm/s to 2.61 mm/s and restoring the fan to a normal vibration condition according to the reported ISO 20816-3 assessment.

The Challenge: Excessive Vibration in the Dust Removal Fan

The dust removal fan is an important component of the paper mill's dust extraction system. Excessive vibration can affect equipment reliability, increase mechanical stress, and contribute to premature bearing or component wear.

During the initial inspection, Technomax engineers identified elevated vibration levels at the fan bearings.

The vibration assessment revealed:

• Maximum horizontal vibration of 8.93 mm/s RMS at the fan drive-end bearing.
• Another elevated horizontal vibration reading of 8.79 mm/s RMS at the fan non-drive-end bearing.
• A dominant vibration peak at the fan's running speed of approximately 1,300 RPM.
• Critical vibration severity at the fan bearing locations, as recorded in the initial assessment.

The objective was to identify the source of the vibration, perform the necessary corrective balancing, and reduce vibration levels to an acceptable operating condition.

Technical Assessment and Diagnostic Approach

Technomax conducted vibration measurements at the motor and fan bearing locations to evaluate the equipment's mechanical condition.

The assessment included horizontal, vertical, and axial vibration measurements.

Equipment operating details:

The vibration spectrum showed a dominant peak at the fan's 1X rotational frequency. This finding, together with the elevated vibration measurements, indicated rotor unbalance as the primary source of the excessive vibration.

Based on the diagnostic findings, Technomax proceeded with dynamic balancing to correct the fan's unbalance.

Solution: Dynamic Balancing of the Dust Removal Fan

Technomax performed single-plane dynamic balancing at the fan operating speed of 1,300 RPM.

The balancing procedure involved:

1. Initial vibration measurement: Recorded vibration levels at the motor and fan bearing locations to establish the baseline condition.
2. Running-speed analysis: Evaluated the dominant 1X vibration component to identify rotor unbalance.
3. Trial weight application: Applied a 15-gram trial weight at 340° angular position.
4. Correction weight calculation: Evaluated the resulting vibration response and determined the required correction.
5. Final balancing: Removed the trial weight and installed a total correction weight of 27.50 grams at the documented angular position of 160°.
6. Post-balancing verification: Repeated vibration measurements at 1,300 RPM to confirm the reduction in vibration levels.

Following the balancing procedure, the fan demonstrated a substantial reduction in vibration at the critical bearing locations.

Results: Significant Reduction in Fan Vibration

The post-balancing measurements confirmed that the dynamic balancing procedure substantially reduced vibration levels across the fan and motor bearing locations.

Before and After Dynamic Balancing

FAN NDE -Horizontal - Before  Balancing

FAN NDE -Horizontal - After Balancing: After balancing, running speed 1X with 2.61 mm/sec RMS

FAN DE -Vertical - Before and after Balancing

MOTOR DE -Horizontal -Before and after Balancing

Key project outcomes:

• Reduced fan drive-end horizontal vibration from 8.93 mm/s to 2.91 mm/s.
• Reduced fan non-drive-end horizontal vibration from 8.79 mm/s to 2.61 mm/s.
• Achieved approximately 67% vibration reduction at the fan drive-end horizontal measurement.
• Achieved approximately 70% vibration reduction at the fan non-drive-end horizontal measurement.
• Reduced vertical vibration at both fan bearing locations.
• Restored the fan to a normal vibration condition according to the report's ISO 20816-3 assessment.

The results demonstrate the effectiveness of vibration analysis and dynamic balancing in correcting rotor unbalance and improving the mechanical condition of rotating equipment.

Conclusion

Technomax Middle East Engineering LLC successfully addressed excessive vibration in the dust removal fan at Crown Paper Mill, Abu Dhabi, through vibration analysis and single-plane dynamic balancing.

The diagnostic assessment identified rotor unbalance as the primary source of vibration, supported by the dominant 1X running-speed component in the vibration spectrum.

Following the balancing procedure, the maximum recorded fan drive-end horizontal vibration decreased from 8.93 mm/s to 2.91 mm/s, while the fan non-drive-end horizontal vibration decreased from 8.79 mm/s to 2.61 mm/s.

The post-balancing measurements confirmed a substantial improvement in vibration levels and a return to normal operating condition according to the documented ISO 20816-3 assessment.

This project demonstrates Technomax's capability to diagnose rotating equipment vibration, perform dynamic balancing, and support improved industrial equipment reliability through condition monitoring.

Looking for Fan Vibration Analysis and Dynamic Balancing Services in UAE?

Technomax Middle East Engineering LLC provides vibration analysis, dynamic balancing, and condition monitoring services to help industrial facilities identify mechanical problems and improve equipment reliability.

Our engineers support industrial clients in identifying vibration-related issues, evaluating machine health, and implementing corrective maintenance solutions.

Contact Technomax to discuss vibration analysis and dynamic balancing requirements for your industrial equipment.