Hydraulic pumps balancing

Hydraulic Pump Balancing Using Balanset-1A Device

1. Purpose and Operating Principle

Hydraulic pump balancing is a procedure for eliminating imbalance of rotating parts to reduce vibration and increase equipment service life.

Main causes of imbalance:

Manufacturing inaccuracies of impeller and shaft
Wear and damage during operation
Corrosion and cavitation damage
Incorrect assembly after repair

Consequences of imbalance:

Increased vibration and noise
Accelerated wear of bearings and seals
Reduced pump efficiency
Risk of emergency failure

2. Technical Description of Balanset-1A

Balanset-1A is a portable dual-channel device for dynamic balancing of rotors directly at the workplace.

Balanset-1A System Structure

Technical specifications

Parameter	Value	Unit
Vibration velocity measurement range (RMS)	0.02 - 80	mm/s
Frequency range	5 - 550	Hz
Rotational speed measurement range	100 - 100,000	rpm
Phase measurement accuracy	±1	degree
Number of correction planes	1 or 2	-
Operating temperature	+5...+50	°C

Device package contents

Measuring unit
USB interface with preamplifiers and ADC

Vibration sensors
2 accelerometers with magnetic mounting

Laser tachometer
Phase sensor with magnetic stand

Reflective tape
For installation on pump shaft

Electronic scales
For precise weight measurement

Software
On USB drive with instructions

3. Preparation for Balancing

Safety requirements: Before starting work, disconnect pump power, install barriers, check equipment mounting reliability.

Sensor installation

Sensor installation diagram on hydraulic pump

Install vibration sensors on pump housing near bearings perpendicular to shaft axis
Mount reflective tape on shaft or coupling
Install laser tachometer on magnetic stand opposite the tape
Connect sensors to measuring unit
Connect to laptop with USB cable

Important: Sensors must be securely mounted and directed perpendicular to the shaft rotation axis.

4. Balancing Procedure

Initial vibration measurement

Start Balanset-1A software
Select single-plane or two-plane balancing mode
Start pump at operating speed
Press "Run#0" button to measure initial vibration
Record vibration amplitude and phase values

Ensure that rotation speed is stable before starting measurements.

Trial weight installation

Stop the pump
Weigh trial weight on electronic scales
Install weight in first correction plane
Enter weight mass and installation radius in software
Start pump and perform "Run#1" measurement

Trial weight must change vibration by at least 20% in amplitude or phase.

Second plane measurement (for two-plane balancing)

Stop pump and remove trial weight from first plane
Install trial weight in second plane
Start pump and perform "Run#2" measurement
Software automatically calculates correction weights

Correction weight installation

Stop pump and remove trial weight
Manufacture and install correction weights according to calculation
Weights can be welded, bolted, or secured with clamps
Installation angle is measured from trial weight position in rotation direction

Verification measurement

Start pump at operating speed
Perform control measurement "RunTrim"
Check vibration reduction to acceptable levels
Adjust weight masses if necessary

5. Balancing Quality Assessment Criteria

Acceptable residual vibration values

Pump type	Acceptable vibration, mm/s	Note
Centrifugal pumps up to 15 kW	≤ 2.8	Good condition
Centrifugal pumps 15-75 kW	≤ 4.5	Good condition
Centrifugal pumps over 75 kW	≤ 7.1	Good condition
Any pumps	> 11.2	Unacceptable

Signs of successful balancing

70-90% reduction in 1x rotational frequency vibration
Stable vibration phase readings
Absence of extraneous noise
Uniform pump operation

6. Practical Recommendations

Balancing frequency

Scheduled balancing

New equipment - after run-in period
After major repairs - mandatory
Annually for critical equipment
When vibration increases by factor of 2

Unscheduled balancing

Upon appearance of unusual noise
After impeller replacement
When acceptable vibration is exceeded
After emergency shutdown

Requirements for quality balancing

Good technical condition of pump
Reliable foundation mounting
No bearing clearances
Proper alignment with drive
Stable rotation speed

Attention: Balancing does not eliminate vibration caused by bearing wear, shaft misalignment, coupling defects, and other mechanical malfunctions.

Results documentation

Maintain balancing work log
Save Balanset-1A software reports
Register installed correction weights
Record control measurement results

Conclusion

The portable Balanset-1A device provides effective balancing of hydraulic pumps directly at the workplace. Proper application of the technology allows:

Reduce equipment vibration by 3-10 times
Increase bearing service life by 2-5 times
Reduce energy consumption by 5-15%
Prevent emergency shutdowns
Reduce maintenance costs

Regular balancing of hydraulic pumps is an important component of the planned preventive maintenance system for industrial equipment.

Technical support: For consultations on Balanset-1A device application, contact Vibromera company specialists.