VIBRATING CONDENSER WATER PUMP
VIBRATING CONDENSER WATER PUMP
(OP)
I have inherited a project, where chillers were upgraded, requiring the condenser water pumps changed. The new pumps are rated at 250 litres/sec @ 400kPA.
Some modifications were carried out to fit the pumps at the suction and discharge pipework. The pump was mounted on the old inertia base. When the pump was run it began to vibrate badly. The pump motor shaft alinment was checked and the balance checked by the manufacturer. The problem still exists.
Is cavitation a likely problem?
Some modifications were carried out to fit the pumps at the suction and discharge pipework. The pump was mounted on the old inertia base. When the pump was run it began to vibrate badly. The pump motor shaft alinment was checked and the balance checked by the manufacturer. The problem still exists.
Is cavitation a likely problem?





RE: VIBRATING CONDENSER WATER PUMP
A vibration analysis will give you the information you need to properly diagnose and then correct the problem.
Hope this helps.
Cheers!
RE: VIBRATING CONDENSER WATER PUMP
Broadband vibration would generally point towards cavitation or turbulence.
1X running speed vibration would generally point towards unbalance, misalignment, possibly other things.
Blade pass frequency vibration points to another set of considerations.
If the vibration is directional, we may suspect a resonance. Sometimes may be evaluated with a bump test.
Also critical speed of the machine should be considered. Evaluate it with a coastdown test.
This is just a start. I agree as mentioned above there are many possibilities.
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RE: VIBRATING CONDENSER WATER PUMP