SKF Reliability Systems

Precision Balancing with the

CMVA 55 Microlog
by John Harrell

Abstract technique is described as follows:

With the advent of the Microlog CMVA Select the sensor positions A and B,
55, it is possible to achieve precision and correction planes 1 and 2
balance levels in a minimum amount of (Figures 1A, 1B, and 1C).
time. The CMVA 55s time synchronous Set up the Microlog for two-plane
averaging filters allow accurate results balancing, follow the procedure and
even when the 1X RPM signal is low and calculate the two-plane solution
embedded in noise. These filters allow the (Figures 2 through 6).
technician to quickly balance machinery,
even when background vibration is present Using the two-plane solution,
or with closely spaced operating speed compute the static corrections using
components (for example, fan banks or the Combine Weight feature.
centrifuges). In addition, the Static/Couple
approach for balancing narrow, overhung,
long slender rolls is now possible using the Static In Plane 1

CMVA 55s built-in Balancing Wizard

program, along with the technique
described in this paper.
A B

Introduction
The two-plane influence coefficient method
Plane 2 Plane 1
of balancing is well known and works well
Couple In Plane 1 and 2 Are 180 Apart.
for most balancing problems. It is
important to note that any two-plane Figure 1A.
dynamic balance solution can be separated
into a static and couple component. Plane 1 Plane 2
Narrow and overhung rotors are typically
difficult to balance using the two-plane
A B
approach because they are dominated by
static unbalance (see Figures 1A and 1B).
Therefore, the approach to balancing these
types of rotors is to eliminate the static Couple In Plane
Static 1 and Plane 2 If
unbalance first, before trying to correct the Necessary
couple. This technique is also useful in Figure 1B.
balancing long flexible rotors, as the static
correction can be applied in the center of Static In Center
Couple In
the rotor (near the center of gravity) which Plane 1 and 2 Static
Planes, Couple In
Plane 1 and Plane 2
reduces the rotors flex near its first critical Are 180
Apart
speed (see Figure 1C). A A

Technique
Plane 1 Multi-Stage Plane 2
The CMVA 55 Microlog is capable of Centrifugal Pump
Application Note solving any dynamic balancing problem Figure 1C.
CM3028 using the static couple approach. This
 Precision Balancing with the CMVA 55 Microlog 2 www.skfreliability.com

Figures 1A, 1B, and 1C show three types of rotors that etc.) considered as zero. Angles increase counter to
respond well to the static/couple approach. Locations for rotation. The machine is run up to balance speed, and after
the static and couple weights are shown for each type of stabilization, trial run data is collected (Figure 3), see Figure
rotor. 4 for actual data taken with the trial weight in plane 1.

Two-Plane Procedure Trial weight # 1 (4.9 gms at 120 counter to rotation) is

installed in plane 1 and data is collected (Figure 4).
Reference run data establishes a no-weights condition as a
reference. Data was taken for both planes 1 and 2 with no Remember that the trial weight must produce a
weight on the rotor (Figure 2). significant change (either 30 in phase or 30% in
the amplitude of vibration) in order for the
A trial weight is added to the rotor at the balance radius. All computations to be accurate. This is referred to as
angles are measured from the reference point (tape, keyway, the 30-30 rule. Compare the reference run at point
"A" to trial run #1 at point A, and note that
amplitude changed from 1.8 IPS to 1.1 IPS (>30%)
and phase changed from 148 to 178 (30 change)
to satisfy the 30-30 rule.

Figure 2. The REFERENCE RUN DATA

screen.

Figure 3. The TRIAL WEIGHT SETUP

screen.

Figure 4. A TRIAL RUN #1 data screen.

Figure 5. A TRIAL RUN #2 screen.

Figure 6. An INITIAL WEIGHT

computation.

Figure 7. The OTHER FUNCTIONS menu.

 Precision Balancing with the CMVA 55 Microlog 3 www.skfreliability.com

Figure 8. The COMBINE WEIGHTS menu.

Figure 9. The WEIGHT field.

Trial weight #1 is removed from plane 1 and trial weight #2

Figure 10. The two-plane static solution.
(4.9 gms at 220 counter to rotation) is added. Data is
collected as shown in Figure 5.
When you enter the Balance menus 5:Correction Weight,
From the Other Functions menu, select Combine
then enter the 1:Initial Weight, the Microlog computes the
Weights (Figure 8).
influence coefficient from trial run #1, trial run #2, and
reference run data. The initial correction weights are also Select Setup (Figure 9) and enter the values from
computed (Figure 6). initial weight computations (Figure 6).
All weights are removed from the rotor and, instead of Combine plane 1 and 2 corrections into static
adding the computed weights of 7.4 gms at 85 in plane 1 correction (Figure 10).
and 5.3 gms at 180 in plane 2, the static correction is
computed using the Combine Weights feature (see Figures The computed static weight of 8.8 gms is added to the rotor
710). at 122 counter to rotation. This correction is the static
correction and is added at or near the rotors center of
Do not make the two-plane corrections gravity.
Combine these two correction weights using the Press ESCAPE to return to the Combine Weights
Combine Weights feature in the Other Functions menu.
menu (Figures 710).
Calculations
From the Balance menu, select Other Functions
(Figure 7). From the Combine Weights menu, select Calculation. After

Plane 2 Plane 1
A B Plane 1 Plane 2

A B
A B

Static At 8.8 gms At 122

In Plane 1 (Nearest to The Total Static Correction = 8.8 gms
Center Of Gravity) Plane 2 Plane 1
4.4 + 4.4 = 8.8 gms

Figure 11A. Figure 11B. Figure 11C.

 Precision Balancing with the CMVA 55 Microlog 4 www.skfreliability.com

Figure 12. A TRIM RUN data screen.

Readings after adding static
correction weight.

Figure 13. A TRIM WEIGHTS computation.

a moment of computation, the Microlog displays the

Figure 14. The combine weights CALCULATION.
combined weight and angle (Figure 10).
This combined weight is the static weight correction. This
weight should be placed in plane 1, or in the plane nearest (Figure 12). This static trim correction is added in the
the center of gravity, or distributed axially about the center rotors center of gravity plane.
of gravity plane (Figures 11A, 11B, and 11C).
After entering 5:Correction Weight from the Balance main
To summarize: menu and 2:Trim Weight, the Microlog computes the trim
weights (Figure 13).
Plane 1 correction (7.49 gms at 84.9) + plane 2 correction
(5.3 gms at 179.8). Instead of adding these trim weights, (Figure 13) combine
the plane 1 and 2 corrections into static corrections. The
Sum = Combined Weight = 8.8 gms at 122 = Static
results are shown in Figure 14.
Correction.
Again, using the Combine Weights program, add the
Do not make the couple corrections at this time.
two trim weights. This weight should be placed in
Continue in the trim mode and calculate the trim plane 1, or in the plane nearest the center of gravity,
weights for planes 1 and 2 (Figures 12-13). or distributed axially about the center of gravity plane
(Figure 14).
After adding the static correction weight, the rotor is run up
to balancing speed and readings are taken. Instead of When the static unbalance is acceptable, apply the
adding the trim corrections in planes 1 and 2, the static trim couple correction. The couple correction is the
correction is computed using the Combine Weights feature dynamic solution for planes 1 and 2. In other words,

Plane 1 Plane 2

Plane 2 Plane 1
Plane 1 Plane 2
A B

A B
A B

Static Correction Weights

Static Correction Weight Static Correction Weight

Figure 15A. Figure 15B. Figure 15C.

 Precision Balancing with the CMVA 55 Microlog 5 www.skfreliability.com

when the static unbalance has been reduced to 0, the impeller. For overhung, attach static weight in plane (plane
only unbalance left in the rotor is the couple; two 1) nearest the inboard bearing (A).
equal weights that are 180 apart in planes 1 and 2.
Use the CMVA 55s Combine Weight feature to derive the
static component. The vector sum of the plane 1 and 2
Continue, in the trim mode correcting the couple until corrections is the static correction. After the static
the rotor is balanced. unbalance has been removed, the remaining dynamic
unbalance is simply the couple. If desired, the couple
If the static component increases during the component is calculated using the Combine Weight
procedure, correct it immediately following feature, remembering that the couple corrections is 1/2 the
procedures given earlier. vector difference of the plane 1 and 2 corrections. [plane 1
Figures 15A, 15B, and 15C show the locations (planes) + (plane 2)] / 2 (Figure 17).
where the initial and trim static weights should be placed.
Balance Report
Figures 16A, 16B, and 16C show the locations where the
couple correction weights should be placed. As a final step, the two-plane Balance Report is generated
by entering the Balance menus 8:Report option (Figure
Remember if the static component increases during 18).
this procedure, correct the static immediately.
Summary
To summarize:
The Static/Couple approach using the method described in
The key to the Static/Couple approach is to correct the static this paper can add a new dimension to your condition
first. This static correction should be applied on or about monitoring balancing program. The CMVA 55 can be used
the rotors center of gravity. For a multistage rotor, the both in the field and in the shop to solve all types of
static corrections may be divided between the center two or balancing problems. By virtue of the sophisticated Digital
three stages. For a narrow impeller, the static corrections Tracking Filter, the Microlog can be readily used to
could be split in half and applied on either side of the precision balance equipment.

Plane 2 Plane 1

Couple

A B

Couple

Figure 16A.

Plane 1 Plane 2

Couple

A B

Couple

Figure 16B.

Plane 1 Plane 2
Couple

A B

Couple

Figure 16C.
Figure 17. Vector Diagrams Showing the Static and Couple Solutions.


"Precision
Balancing with
the CMVA 55
Microlog"

SKF Reliability Systems

4141 Ruffin Road
San Diego, California 92123
USA
Telephone (+1) 858-496-3400
FAX (+1) 858-496-3531

Web: www.skfreliability.com

Figure 18. A two-plane Balance Report.

Although care has been taken to

assure the accuracy of the data
compiled in this publication, SKF Terminology Influence Coefficient In a balancing
does not assume any liability for procedure, a scaling vector called the
errors or omissions. SKF Center of Gravity The position on the influence coefficient is computed to relate
reserves the right to alter any part shaft where the total distributed mass can
of this publication without prior
the unbalance force vector to the measured
notice. be considered as a point mass. displacement and phase. The amplitude of
this vector defines a rotor sensitivity of
SKF is a registered trademark Couple Unbalance Results when
weight/mil at the balance speed, and at the
of SKF USA Inc. statically balanced weights are 180 apart
exact placement of the measuring
at opposite ends of a rotor and cause
All other trademarks are the transducer. The phase is the system lag of
property of their respective rocking action during rotation.
owners.
the vibration signal to the transducer.
Critical Speed A rotor speed which
Plane 1 Balance plane nearest
generates high vibration amplitudes. If the
measurement Point A.
speed corresponds to a resonance
frequency of the system, it is called the Plane 2 Balance plane nearest
balance resonance speed. measurement Point B.
Dynamic Unbalance A combination of Static Unbalance Occurs when the shaft
both static and couple unbalance. center of gravity is displaced from the
rotation axis through bearing centers. A
CM3028 (Revised 11-99) Flexible Rotor A rotor where the shaft
statically unbalanced shaft placed on knife
Copyright 1999 by natural modes are excited by rotational
SKF Reliability Systems edges will roll to rest with the weight at the
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
unbalance forces.
bottom.