The limits of recommended pump vibration vary based on many considerations, but the primary considerations are (1) the pump design and application, (2) new product acceptance and (3) condition monitoring following a new baseline. Additionally, measurement methods and acceptable limits will be different for vibration on a stationary bearing housing compared to measuring shaft vibration inside a sleeve bearing. Therefore, a simple answer cannot be provided to this question, and it requires a study of applicable factors.
Design and application are important to consider because certain applications will result in greater expected vibration, and the pumps for these applications will be designed to withstand higher loads and vibration. Additionally, pumps with higher power requirements can be expected to have higher vibration than pumps of lower power requirements.
New product vibration acceptance testing is often a commissioning item that is completed when the pump is new and installed and operated per industry standards. For rotodynamic pumps, ANSI/HI 9.6.4 Rotodynamic Pumps for Vibration Measurement and Allowable Values sets standard procedures for measurement and comparison of the measured vibration to an acceptance level. The level varies based on the pump design, power consumption and operating flow rate relative to the pump’s best efficiency point flow rate. For reciprocating and rotary pumps, consult the manufacturer regarding testing.
Vibration condition monitoring is often done on a periodic basis following the new product baseline testing. The periodic measurements should be taken at consistent locations and consistent operating conditions, and then comparison and trending can help determine if a problem is developing or exists. For rotodynamic pumps, ANSI/HI 9.6.5 Rotodynamic Pumps Guideline for Condition Monitoring, and for rotary pumps, ANSI/HI 9.6.9 Rotary Pumps Guideline for Condition Monitoring, provide guidelines for alarm and shutdown based on levels above the trend baseline or levels above new pump acceptance levels.
For more information on pump vibration and condition monitoring, refer to ANSI/HI 9.6.4, ANSI/HI 9.6.5 and ANSI/HI 9.6.9 at pumps.org.
