Motor Vibration Problems: How to Diagnose and Correct Vibration Errors

Vibration problems in large induction motors can be extremely frustrating and may lead to reduced motor reliability. It is imperative that downtime is avoided or minimized in all production operations. If a motor problem does occur, the source of the problem needs to be promptly identified and corrected. With proper knowledge of the vibration sources, appropriate vibration measurement, and diagnostic procedures, it is possible to quickly identify the root cause of motor vibration. This article, based in part on [1], aids cement plant operators in avoiding erroneous conclusions that may be reached as a consequence of not understanding the root cause of the vibration and problems that may result in trying to fix an incorrectly diagnosed problem, wasting time and money in the process. By utilizing the proper data collection and analysis techniques, it is possible to accurately determine the true source of the vibration.