Vibration acceptance testing ensures rebuilt or new equipment starts its service life in excellent condition, minimizing the risk of installing a new unit with a minor defect that progresses slowly to failure. Initial field vibration testing will make sure the equipment does not have any defective conditions that may reduce efficiency and reliability. Any issues identified in the vibration analysis report can be corrected prior to final acceptance of the equipment, ensuring that the manufacturer covers any necessary repairs. Some early stage bearing issues or minor installation issues could last several months or even years, resulting in later repairs not under warranty that could have been avoided.
All acceptance test results are reviewed by a Level III analyst, and reports are customized to meet all customer specification requirements. Generally, acceptance tests consist of normal vibration data collected at various points specified by the manufacturer, end user, Hydraulic Institute, or a combination of the three. Bump testing, coast down, and phase data may also be collected, depending on the desired report detail.
Click here to see a sample report!
Click here to see a sample report!
Level 1 - Provides a report stating overall vibration values and pass/fail status in regards to Hydraulic Institute standards.
Level 2 - Acceptance Report - Provides a report stating overall vibration values and pass/fail status in regard to Hydraulic Institute standards. Reviews the overall levels and the spectrums to identify the different frequencies present, for instance if the vibration is from shaft speed or vane energy. Includes a bump test to determine the presence of natural frequencies. Provides trends of the test and a few spectrums of the highest values per component. Where the unit is a variable speed application and of operations allows, the test is done at minimum flow, design then at full speed if different than design. This report is typically more common for testing mandated by a government facility with detailed specifications.
Level 3 - Level 3 test builds on the Level 2 test by providing detailed spectrums on all test points in velocity and acceleration (useful for identifying the presence of bearing defects / poor lubrication). Where flow, pressure and power information is provided, a curve is generated with the test data superimposed on the factory curve tests. Flow, pressure and power data to be supplied by the customer. If required, CMS calibrated flow meter and pressure gauges are available for a daily rental fee.
Level 4 - Level 4 adds performance testing to the Level 3 test. Testing is done where possible on three different flow points then plotted on a curve. Includes calibrated flow meter and pressure gauges for testing.
