Does anyone know what would be the normal vibration limits on a split case fire pump driven by a 450 HP Diesel Engine? Is a vibration chart available for this type of pump/driver configuration?

Thanks,
Don

AF or sleeve brgs? Normal speed and size plus type of coupling. Coupling is everything - how much will it absorb? Need great alignment and proper couplilng and then it is basically normal to a regular motor driven pump. I monitor some and they are typically near the same levels.

As Sam says, if the equipment is PROPERLY installed, the vibrations at the pump should be no different to those on any other pump with other drivers. The charts for the acceptability of these vibrations can be found in ISO 2372, now replaced by ISO 10816-1:1995.
I say PROPERLY installed because when dealing with a diesel driver, which are notorious for generating vibrations, it is vital that the installation is perfect. By that I mean that the foundation is very rigid, that the alignment between the two is exact and that the coupling used is also designed to prevent crank-shaft vibrations migrating to the pump. Everything must be done to isolate the diesel from the pump!

The pump has antifriction bearings and not sure, at the moment, what type of coupling. Will check tomorrow when I'm back in the office. Foundation looks very rigid. I will take a second look. When it was operated for the yearly testing the foundation felt very solid. Pump vibration is from .5 to .9 ips at the inboard bearing. You can see my concern! Thanks!

The coupling on record is Falk 1090T which is a Steelflex type. Do not think this type isolates driver from driven very well. I have called operations to verify the coupling installed. Since these units are around 13 years old something could have changed.

Thanks,
Don

Hi again Don. You say this equipment has been there for around 13 years. When did you last check the alignment? When was the coupling last lubricated? What kind of grease are you using? Grease does deteriorate with time particularly when left standing for long periods. Falk recommend a new grease now called, Falk LTG, which overcomes any problems of separation of the grease components by centrifugal forces.
Regards
Mike

Yes, the systems have been around about 13 years. The units were installed when the plant was first built by the previous owner. We have inherited the situation as the new owners/operators. Reports by the area say records indicate that normal PM's have been completed over their life but all the things you mentioned are being recommended for inspection.

Looking into purchasing the ISO Standards 10816-1 and see what the limits are. The pump supplier said the limits set by the Hydraulic Institute apply to this pumping system. Will be checking there too.

Thanks,
Don