Application Note

AN31E VibroMetra System

Balancing System VM-BAL

Basics of Balancing
An unbalance exists when the principle mass axis of a rotating body, the so-called ‘axis of iner -
Aim of
tia’, does not coincide with the rotational axis. This can cause centrifugal forces and vibration.
balancing
The aim of balancing is to reduce these unwanted vibrations in order to:
• Improve product quality
• Extend machine life
• Reduce noise emission

How an When a machine part is set in rotation, all mass particles will generate a centrifugal force. If the
unbalance sum of these force vectors becomes zero, no dynamic force will load the bearings. The rotor is
evolves completely balanced. If the sum of force vectors is not zero a centrifugal force remains which will
transmit vibration into the bearings (Figure 1 and Figure 2).

Figure 1: Figure 2:
All centrifugal force vectors compensate each The centrifugal force vectors do not compensate
other. The rotor is balanced. each other. A centrifugal force is produced caus-
ing an unbalance.

Expression of The reason for an unbalance is a rotating mass outside the rotational axis. Unbalance is expressed
unbalance as the product of this mass times distance from the rotational axis, such as gram-millimeters
(gmm) or kilogram-meters (kgm). Unbalance is a vector quantity. Therefore the vector direction
or angle is needed for definition. The graphic representation is a polar-graphic diagram with an
unbalance pointer.
Types of The following types of unbalance are distinguished:
unbalance
· Static Unbalance is present in a rotor when the mass axis does not coincide with the rota-
tional axis and when the mass axis is parallel to the rotational axis. This is also known as sin-
gle-plane unbalance. The following figure illustrates that the magnitude and direction of the
force generated by this unbalance is equal at both bearing journals.

F F

Figure 3: Static unbalance

Manfred Weber
Metra Mess- und Frequenztechnik in Radebeul e.K. Page 1
Meissner Str. 58 P.O. Box 01 01 13 Apr 17, 2020
D-01445 Radebeul D-01435 Radebeul Internet: www.MMF.de
Phone +49-351-836 21 91 Fax +49-351-836 29 40 Email: [email protected]
 Application Note

AN31E VibroMetra System

Balancing System VM-BAL

· Couple Unbalance is present when the mass axis does not coincide with the rotational axis
and intersects the rotational axis at the center of gravity of the rotor. The force vectors created
by this type of unbalance are equal in magnitude at both bearing journals, but 180° opposite in
direction.

Figure 4: Couple unbalance

· Dynamic Unbalance is the condition where the mass axis does not coincide with the rota-
tional axis, is not parallel to it, and does not intersect it at the center of gravity . This condition
is also known as two-plane unbalance. Dynamic unbalance is a combination of static and
couple unbalances.

Figure 5: Dynamic unbalance

Disk-shaped rotors usually can be treated with static balancing. Most rotor types, however,
should be balanced dynamically.
VM-BAL allows both static and dynamic balancing.
When we measure the vibration of a machine with an accelerometer we will notice a dominant vi-
Unbalance as
Vibration bration with the frequency of rotation speed in time domain and a spectral line of high amplitude
at this frequency due to unbalance.

Figure 6: Unbalance in time domain Figure 7: Unbalance in frequency domain

Manfred Weber
Metra Mess- und Frequenztechnik in Radebeul e.K. Page 2
Meissner Str. 58 P.O. Box 01 01 13 Apr 17, 2020
D-01445 Radebeul D-01435 Radebeul Internet: www.MMF.de
Phone +49-351-836 21 91 Fax +49-351-836 29 40 Email: [email protected]
 Application Note

AN31E VibroMetra System

Balancing System VM-BAL

Measuring VM-BAL uses a relative measurement technique:

technique
1. In an optional Pilot Survey (only VM-BAL++) can be verified that balancing will be carried
out in a rotary speed range which is free of resonances. This is done by ramping up rotary
speed. If the rotor is not speed controlled it is also possible to coast down from nominal speed.
VM-BAL++ informs about potential problems for rotors at fixed speed and gives recommen-
dations for rotors with variable speed.
2. In the Initial Run the system measures unbalance vibration of the unchanged rotor under field
condition.
3. In the next step an artificial unbalance is created by attaching a known mass at a known angle
position at the rotor. The result is measured in a Test Run.
4. For two-plane balancing attaching the test mass and performing a test run needs to be done for
the second plane as well.
5. VM-BAL compares the vibration signal with and without additional unbalance and thereby
calculates amplitude and angle of the initial unbalance.
6. Now VM-BAL can calculate the necessary corrections to compensate the unbalance. These
can be different kinds of attaching or removing mass.
7. The result of the balancing measures is verified in a further test run.

The measurement is based on a linear and phase coherent vibration system. This means:
• A magnitude change of the unbalance changes the vibration magnitude in the same way.
• A phase shift of the unbalance results in the same phase shift in the vibration signal.

In practice, this ideal condition will never be achieved. Bearings may attenuate the vibration sig-
nal and cause phase shift errors. Both effects will cause a non-linear relationship between vibra-
tion and unbalance
For this reason, please do not expect that balancing will always be successful on the first try. In
many cases, it will be necessary to repeat the balancing procedure to obtain a satisfactory result
step by step.
Measuring Unbalance cannot be measured directly. The measured quantity is the resulting vibration. VM-
arrangement BAL uses piezoelectric accelerometers with IEPE compatible output which may be connected to
the USB sensor interface M302. Preferable bearing cases or other locations close to the bearings
are used for sensor mounting. Don't use flexible parts for attaching the sensors.
For static balancing one accelerometer is sufficient, for dynamic balancing, two.
In addition to the vibration amplitude the balancing algorithm needs the angle position of the ro-
tor. It is measured by a photoelectric reflex switch which is also connected to the M302. A mag-
netic stand simplifies the placement of the reflex switch. A piece of adhesive reflex foil needs to
be attached at the rotor.

Manfred Weber
Metra Mess- und Frequenztechnik in Radebeul e.K. Page 3
Meissner Str. 58 P.O. Box 01 01 13 Apr 17, 2020
D-01445 Radebeul D-01435 Radebeul Internet: www.MMF.de
Phone +49-351-836 21 91 Fax +49-351-836 29 40 Email: [email protected]
 Application Note

AN31E VibroMetra System

Balancing System VM-BAL

1 2
Rotor

3
Bearing 1 Bearing 2

4
5
Ch1 Ch2

1: Accelerometer at bearing 1
2: Accelerometer at bearing 2
3: Reflecting label
4: Photoelectric reflex switch
5: M302
Figure 8: Balancing instrumentation
Compensating The aim of unbalance compensation is to align the mass axis of the rotor with its rotational axis in
an unbalance order to avoid vibrations by centrifugal force. This can be achieved in two ways:
• Removing material at the unbalance position by machining
• Adding mass opposite the unbalance position

Practical machining techniques are drilling or milling. Version VM-BAL++ calculates the ma-
chining depth based on given tool and rotor data.
Adding a mass can be done in different ways. Typical attachment techniques are by screws, adhe-
sive or welding. The attachment must be strong enough to withstand rotation under normal oper-
ating conditions.
Adjustable balancing masses can be, for instance, screws or rings. With screws, the radial position
of the mass can be changed while the angle remains unchanged. With rings, the angle can be ad -
justed while the radius is unchanged. Version VM-BAL++ calculates the adjustment parameters
for both types.
It is also possible to specify certain angle positions for balancing which can be useful when bal-
ancing propellers or fans, for example.
VM-BAL++ also calculates balancing measures based on a set of pre-fabricated mass pieces.
When is an The criteria when an unbalance can be regarded as compensated, only you can define. Sometimes
unbalance a maximum permissible tolerance for the unbalance is given. The suppression of vibrations may
compensated? also be the criterion. Many manufacturers state for their equipment RMS vibration velocity values
between 10 and 1000 Hz to ISO 20816 which can be measured, for example, by the VM-Meter
instrument.
An unbalance will only cause vibration at the rotary frequency. If a mix of other vibration fre-
quencies should be present, the rotary frequency can be band-pass filtered by the VM-Meter or
displayed as a vibration spectrum with VM-FFT.

Manfred Weber
Metra Mess- und Frequenztechnik in Radebeul e.K. Page 4
Meissner Str. 58 P.O. Box 01 01 13 Apr 17, 2020
D-01445 Radebeul D-01435 Radebeul Internet: www.MMF.de
Phone +49-351-836 21 91 Fax +49-351-836 29 40 Email: [email protected]
 Application Note

AN31E VibroMetra System

Balancing System VM-BAL

Some • Accelerometers should be mounted as close as possible to the bearings.

useful hints
• All balancing runs must be performed at the same rotary speed.
for balancing
• Do not change the measuring setup (sensors, reflective label) during the balancing process.
• If the position of the calibration mass is defined as 0°, all other measurements and correction
measures can be referred to this point.
• The angle positions of VM-BAL are always measured against the rotary direction.
• It may be necessary to repeat the unbalancing procedure a few times to obtain good results.
• VM-FFT and VM-METER can be used to check whether machine vibrations result from un-
balance or other sources.

Manfred Weber
Metra Mess- und Frequenztechnik in Radebeul e.K. Page 5
Meissner Str. 58 P.O. Box 01 01 13 Apr 17, 2020
D-01445 Radebeul D-01435 Radebeul Internet: www.MMF.de
Phone +49-351-836 21 91 Fax +49-351-836 29 40 Email: [email protected]
 Application Note

AN31E VibroMetra System

Balancing System VM-BAL

A Typical Balancing Process With VM-BAL+

In the following example a longish rotor is balanced in two planes. The mass changes are done at
a rotor radius of 300 mm. The accepted unbalance is 150 gmm. Correction takes place by coun-
terweights which are to be attached at the opposite side of the unbalance. Corrections can be done
at the entire circumference of the rotor.

Preparations • Install the accelerometers close to the bearings.

• Connect both accelerometers and the photoelectric reflex switch to the M302.
• Make the software connection in VibroMetra between the accelerometers and the correspond-
ing measuring channels (VibroMetra main window, “Sensors”, “Measuring channels”)
• Assign suitable names to the measuring channels, e.g. ‘Plane A’, ‘Drive side’, ‘Bearing side’
etc.
• Attach a piece of reflective tape to the rotor surface. Usually a size of 1 to 2 cm² is sufficient.
• Adjust the photoelectric reflex switch so that the yellow LED flashes when the reflective tape
passes the sensor spot.
• Open VM-BAL.

F Press the F1 key in any place of the program to obtain help.

Settings for the • In the “Settings” tab select “Two-plane balancing” and enter the balancing radius for both
first run (initial planes.:
unbalance)

Figure 9: Rotor settings

Note that the balancing radius is not always the radius of the rotor itself.

Manfred Weber
Metra Mess- und Frequenztechnik in Radebeul e.K. Page 6
Meissner Str. 58 P.O. Box 01 01 13 Apr 17, 2020
D-01445 Radebeul D-01435 Radebeul Internet: www.MMF.de
Phone +49-351-836 21 91 Fax +49-351-836 29 40 Email: [email protected]
 Application Note

AN31E VibroMetra System

Balancing System VM-BAL

Enter for both planes the balancing aim (acceptable unbalance):

Figure 10: Balancing aim

The measuring channels will be selected automatically. If you don't use more than one M302 no
changes are necessary.

Figure 11: Measuring channels

F Usually VM-BAL will operate within one gain range only. In some cases, for example, in the
presence of erratic external vibration, VM-BAL may become overloaded and will change its gain
range if the auto-ranging function has been activated. A gain change during the balancing process
must be avoided. It will make the balancing results invalid. Therefore, please observe the gain
display. If the gain should change during balancing, switch to one of the fixed gains 1 / 10 / 100 /
1000. Gains are selected under Settings / Vibration measurement.
• For good results a constant rotation speed is crucial during the balancing process. In the Menu
“Settings / Measurement of rot. speed” you can enter the parameters of rotation speed monitor-
ing.
• Here you can enter the maximum allowable deviation of rotation speed in percent.
• You may also set a minimum rotation speed for monitoring. The value should not be higher
than the nominal speed of your rotor less the expected tolerance. The lower the minimum
speed value the longer the balancing procedure will take.
• “Cycles for measurement run” determines how many revolutions are measured for speed moni-
toring”. A higher value provides better accuracy but increases also the duration of measure-
ment.

Manfred Weber
Metra Mess- und Frequenztechnik in Radebeul e.K. Page 7
Meissner Str. 58 P.O. Box 01 01 13 Apr 17, 2020
D-01445 Radebeul D-01435 Radebeul Internet: www.MMF.de
Phone +49-351-836 21 91 Fax +49-351-836 29 40 Email: [email protected]
 Application Note

AN31E VibroMetra System

Balancing System VM-BAL

Figure 12: Rotation speed measurement

• Under “Presets for mass changes” the used test masses for measuring the initial unbalance are
entered. If the entered parameters do not deliver satisfying results you can still change them
later during the balancing process.

Figure 13: Presets for test masses

Start balancing After finishing the setup confirm your entries by clicking

Now we are ready for balancing. The following steps are done in the “Balancing” tab.
The balancing process consists of several steps called “runs”. In the initial run the system deter-
mines the unbalanced condition. The second test run measures the unbalance after adding a
known mass at a certain angle of the rotor. Based on this run the balancing measures are calcu-
lated. Finally a verification run is performed. For two planes two separate runs are needed in each
step.
The balancing runs can be repeated until the measured unbalance is within the desired limits.

Manfred Weber
Metra Mess- und Frequenztechnik in Radebeul e.K. Page 8
Meissner Str. 58 P.O. Box 01 01 13 Apr 17, 2020
D-01445 Radebeul D-01435 Radebeul Internet: www.MMF.de
Phone +49-351-836 21 91 Fax +49-351-836 29 40 Email: [email protected]
 Application Note

AN31E VibroMetra System

Balancing System VM-BAL

Initial run • Start the rotation.

• Select in the measurement tree “Test runs” / “Initial run” / “Vibration measurement” and click
“Start measurement”.
• The system will display the polar coordinates of the unbalance (amplitude and angle) for both
planes.

Figure 14: Results of initial run

• VM-BAL automatically detects the start of rotation. It informs you about the current rotation
speed and its stability. It is compared to the expected rotation speed. Reasons for deviations
can be a poor detection of the reflex switch.
• With some experience you will be able to make predictions about a successful balancing result
from the initial run. When the vectors become stable within short time good balancing results
can be expected. If the vectors change abruptly there can be problems with noisy or too low vi-
bration signals or with an inadequate position of the test mass.
Notice: Any measuring step or input can be canceled and repeated without loosing previous mea-
surements.

Manfred Weber
Metra Mess- und Frequenztechnik in Radebeul e.K. Page 9
Meissner Str. 58 P.O. Box 01 01 13 Apr 17, 2020
D-01445 Radebeul D-01435 Radebeul Internet: www.MMF.de
Phone +49-351-836 21 91 Fax +49-351-836 29 40 Email: [email protected]
 Application Note

AN31E VibroMetra System

Balancing System VM-BAL

Test mass for • Stop rotation.

plane A
• Click “Test run plane A” / “Mass change”
• You are asked to attach (or remove) a defined piece of mass at a certain angle position.

Figure 15: Test mass for plane A

• Choosing the optimum weight of the test mass needs some experience. The test weight should
be sufficiently high to cause a significant change of unbalance but an order of magnitude. A
good value is a doubled unbalance, but also an increase of 3 to 5 times is acceptable. If you
don't have practical experience make your decision based on the balancing aim. In our case it
is 150 gmm. The tolerated unbalance that may sit on the rotor radius of is therefore
150 mm is 150 gmm / 150 mm = 1 g
We use a test mass of 5 grams to be within the recommended limits.
• For the angle it is advantageous to enter 0°. Then all calculated angles will be referred to the
angle position of the test mass. If other angles are used the difference between 0° and the test
mass angle is to be entered. All angles are measured against rotation.
• The angle of the reflective label has no importance.
• Confirm your entries by clicking
• Start rotation.
Manfred Weber
Metra Mess- und Frequenztechnik in Radebeul e.K. Page 10
Meissner Str. 58 P.O. Box 01 01 13 Apr 17, 2020
D-01445 Radebeul D-01435 Radebeul Internet: www.MMF.de
Phone +49-351-836 21 91 Fax +49-351-836 29 40 Email: [email protected]
 Application Note

AN31E VibroMetra System

Balancing System VM-BAL

Test run with Select “Test run plane A” / “Vibration measurement” and click “Start measurement”. VM-BAL
test mass for shows the polar diagrams of the resulting unbalance with a test mass at plane A for both planes.
plane A

Figure 16: Results of test run for plane A

Manfred Weber
Metra Mess- und Frequenztechnik in Radebeul e.K. Page 11
Meissner Str. 58 P.O. Box 01 01 13 Apr 17, 2020
D-01445 Radebeul D-01435 Radebeul Internet: www.MMF.de
Phone +49-351-836 21 91 Fax +49-351-836 29 40 Email: [email protected]
 Application Note

AN31E VibroMetra System

Balancing System VM-BAL

Test mass for • Stop rotation.

plane B
• Under “Test run plane B” / “Mass change” you are requested to remove the test mass from
plane A.
• Enter now the test mass for plane B. attach it to the rotor and confirm your changes.

Figure 17: Test mass for plane B

Manfred Weber
Metra Mess- und Frequenztechnik in Radebeul e.K. Page 12
Meissner Str. 58 P.O. Box 01 01 13 Apr 17, 2020
D-01445 Radebeul D-01435 Radebeul Internet: www.MMF.de
Phone +49-351-836 21 91 Fax +49-351-836 29 40 Email: [email protected]
 Application Note

AN31E VibroMetra System

Balancing System VM-BAL

Test run with • Start rotation.

test mass for
• Select “Test run plane B” / “Vibration measurement” and click “Start measurement”. VM-
plane B and
BAL shows the polar diagrams of the resulting unbalance with a test mass at plane B for both
evaluation
planes.
• You will see an evaluation of the measured unbalance with reference to your balancing aim.

Figure 18: Results of test run for plane A and evaluation

• Stop rotation.

Manfred Weber
Metra Mess- und Frequenztechnik in Radebeul e.K. Page 13
Meissner Str. 58 P.O. Box 01 01 13 Apr 17, 2020
D-01445 Radebeul D-01435 Radebeul Internet: www.MMF.de
Phone +49-351-836 21 91 Fax +49-351-836 29 40 Email: [email protected]
 Application Note

AN31E VibroMetra System

Balancing System VM-BAL

• After finishing the test runs we will now begin with the actual balancing to bring the unbalance
under the desired limit. Choose “Continue balancing” and confirm.
• You will reach next step “Verification run 1” / “Mass change”
• VM-BAL shows you the necessary changes for both planes (“A>>” or “B>>”), i.e. on which
positions how much weight needs to be added (or removed). In plane B you will be reminded
under “Reversion” to remove the test mass from the previous step before you continue to “Ex -
ecution”.

Figure 19: Balancing measures

• After confirming the done corrections start rotation again and click “Start measurement”.

Manfred Weber
Metra Mess- und Frequenztechnik in Radebeul e.K. Page 14
Meissner Str. 58 P.O. Box 01 01 13 Apr 17, 2020
D-01445 Radebeul D-01435 Radebeul Internet: www.MMF.de
Phone +49-351-836 21 91 Fax +49-351-836 29 40 Email: [email protected]
 Application Note

AN31E VibroMetra System

Balancing System VM-BAL

• As mentioned you will often not reach the final result at the first verification run.

Figure 20: First verification run

• You can continue the balancing procedure and perform further corrections until you are satis-
fied with the result.

Manfred Weber
Metra Mess- und Frequenztechnik in Radebeul e.K. Page 15
Meissner Str. 58 P.O. Box 01 01 13 Apr 17, 2020
D-01445 Radebeul D-01435 Radebeul Internet: www.MMF.de
Phone +49-351-836 21 91 Fax +49-351-836 29 40 Email: [email protected]
 Application Note

AN31E VibroMetra System

Balancing System VM-BAL

Figure 21: Second verification run

Manfred Weber
Metra Mess- und Frequenztechnik in Radebeul e.K. Page 16
Meissner Str. 58 P.O. Box 01 01 13 Apr 17, 2020
D-01445 Radebeul D-01435 Radebeul Internet: www.MMF.de
Phone +49-351-836 21 91 Fax +49-351-836 29 40 Email: [email protected]
 Application Note

AN31E VibroMetra System

Balancing System VM-BAL

Additional The above description is based on the program version VM-BAL+.

features of
VM-BAL++ offers some additional functions:
VM-BAL++
• A Pilot survey helps to find the optimum rotation speed for balancing

Figure 22: Pilot survey

• Comprehensive balancing methods:

Figure 25: Radial drilling Figure 23: Radial milling Figure 24: Concentric mass

Figure 26: Radial mass (1) Figure 28: Radial mass (2) Figure 27: Mass list

• Additional balancing aims: Balancing quality to ISO 1940, vibration displacement, velocity
and acceleration

Manfred Weber
Metra Mess- und Frequenztechnik in Radebeul e.K. Page 17
Meissner Str. 58 P.O. Box 01 01 13 Apr 17, 2020
D-01445 Radebeul D-01435 Radebeul Internet: www.MMF.de
Phone +49-351-836 21 91 Fax +49-351-836 29 40 Email: [email protected]