Pump Balancing: What You Need to Know

Pumps are an integral part of many systems, from household to industrial applications. They ensure the circulation of liquids and gases, supporting various processes. However, imbalance in a pump can lead to vibration, noise, reduced efficiency, and premature wear of components. This article will discuss what pump imbalance is, why it occurs, the problems it causes, and how to address it through balancing.

What is Pump Imbalance?

Pump imbalance is a condition where the mass of the rotating parts (impeller, shaft) is unevenly distributed relative to the axis of rotation. This results in centrifugal forces that cause the pump to vibrate during operation.

Main Causes of Pump Imbalance:

• Manufacturing inaccuracies: Even small deviations in the geometry of the impeller, shaft, or other components can lead to imbalance.
• Wear and damage: Prolonged use, corrosion, cavitation, or mechanical damage can cause changes in the mass of rotating parts, leading to imbalance.
• Incorrect assembly or repair: Improper installation of the impeller or other components, as well as poor repairs, can result in imbalance.

Problems Caused by Imbalance

Pump imbalance can lead to several serious issues:

• Increased noise and vibration. This not only creates discomfort for personnel and surrounding areas but can also damage the pump, piping, and other system components.
• Accelerated wear of bearings and seals. Vibration increases the load on bearings and seals, leading to premature wear and failure.
• Reduced operational efficiency. Imbalance can decrease pump performance and increase energy consumption.
• Risk of failure. In extreme cases, imbalance can lead to shaft failure, impeller destruction, and severe accidents.

Pump Balancing: The Solution

Pump balancing involves eliminating imbalance by adding or removing corrective weights on the impeller or shaft. This reduces vibration and noise, improves operational efficiency, and extends the pump's lifespan.

Pump balancing can be performed in specialized workshops on balancing machines or on-site using a portable balancer and vibration analyzer like the "Balanset-1A".

On-Site Balancing: Advantages

On-site pump balancing with a portable balancer offers several advantages:

• Time and cost savings on pump disassembly and assembly
• Minimized equipment downtime
• Ability to quickly address imbalance at the first signs of vibration
• High balancing accuracy

Step-by-Step Balancing Process with Balanset-1A

1. Preparation: Attach vibration sensors to the pump housing near the bearings. The sensors should be oriented perpendicular to the shaft's axis of rotation. Attach a reflective marker to the pump shaft or pulley. Mount the tachometer on a magnetic stand so that its laser beam hits the reflective marker. Connect the sensors to the "Balanset-1A" device, which is connected to a laptop. Launch the specialized balancing software.
2. Initial Measurement: Select the single-plane balancing mode in the software (single-plane balancing is sufficient for most pumps). Weigh the calibration weight and enter its weight and installation radius into the program. Start the pump and measure the initial vibration level.
3. Installing the Test Weight: Install the calibration weight on the impeller in a random location. Restart the pump and measure the vibration. Ensure that the vibration or phase changes are at least 20%.
4. Data Analysis: Using the obtained data, determine the corrective weight and its installation location for balancing the pump.
5. Installing the Corrective Weight: Install the corrective weight on the impeller at the location specified by the program. Suitable methods for attaching the weight include welding, screws, clamps, or other appropriate methods.
6. Verification: Measure the vibration levels after installing the weight. Ensure that the vibration is reduced to an acceptable level. If necessary, add or remove part of the corrective weight and recheck the balance.

Balanset-1A: Your Reliable Partner in Pump Balancing

The "Balanset-1A" is a portable balancer and vibration analyzer perfect for balancing various types and sizes of pumps.

Main Advantages of Balanset-1A:

• Ease of Use: The device is easy to learn and use, even for those without specialized knowledge in vibration analysis.
• Portability: Compact and lightweight, the device is easy to transport and use on-site.
• High Accuracy: Balanset-1A provides high measurement accuracy, ensuring quality balancing.
• Multifunctionality: The device can be used not only for balancing but also for vibration analysis and equipment diagnostics.
• Affordable Price: Balanset-1A offers excellent value for money, making professional balancing accessible to a wide range of users.

Technical Specifications:

• Range of RMS Vibration Velocity Measurement: 0.02 to 80 mm/s
• Frequency Range of RMS Vibration Velocity Measurement: 5 to 550 Hz
• Number of Correction Planes: 1 or 2
• Range of Rotational Speed Measurement: 100 to 100,000 RPM
• Range of Vibration Phase Shift Measurement: 0 to 360 degrees
• Limits of Permissible Absolute Measurement Error of Vibration Phase Shift: ±1 degree

Package Contents:

• USB interface block
• Two vibration sensors
• Optical sensor (laser tachometer) with magnetic stand
• Scale
• Software
• Plastic carrying case

Benefits of Using Balanset-1A:

• Reduced Maintenance and Repair Costs: Balancing reduces wear on pump components, lowering maintenance and repair costs.
• Increased Pump Efficiency: A balanced pump operates more efficiently, improving overall system performance.
• Extended Equipment Lifespan: Balancing reduces the load on components, extending their lifespan.
• Improved Working Conditions: Reduced vibration makes the working environment more comfortable and safer for personnel.
• Time and Cost Savings: On-site balancing saves time and money on disassembly, transportation, and repair.

Conclusion

Pump balancing is a crucial procedure that ensures effective, reliable, and long-lasting operation. With the portable balancer and vibration analyzer "Balanset-1A," you can easily and quickly balance the pump directly at the site of operation, saving time and money while improving the performance and reliability of your system. Don't postpone balancing—take care of your equipment today!

The Importance of Regular Balancing

It is recommended to regularly balance the pump, especially after intense use, repairs, or signs of imbalance such as increased vibration or noise. This helps keep the pump in optimal condition and prevents costly breakdowns.

Recommendations for Using Balanset-1A

• Proper Sensor Installation: Ensure that vibration sensors are securely installed and correctly oriented.
• Accurate Weight and Radius Measurement: Use scales to accurately measure the calibration and corrective weights.
• Safety Precautions: Always follow safety rules when working with the pump.
• Regular Balancing Checks: Periodically check the pump balance, especially after intense use or component replacements.

With the portable balancer and vibration analyzer "Balanset-1A," you can easily and quickly balance the pump directly at the site of operation, saving time and money while improving system performance and reliability.