1

Torque is the most important condition

monitoring measurement parameter
for detecting dangerous torsion-
al vibrations that can overload the
diesel motor, the coupling and / or the
generator. In addition to calculated
torsional vibrations, torque measure-
ments with strain gauges are a very
direct and practical method for detect-
ing torsional vibrations.
But what if spatial conditions prevent
the application of a strain gauge or if the
drive system cannot be retrotted with
measuring anges? It would be possible
to shorten the coupling ange or make
windows in the coupling ange and
apply the strain gauge there. But it is
difcult to implement this on an existing
ship generator and impossible with large
machines.
A Greek shipowner was supposed to
have such a modication on a ship
generator accepted by a classication
society. But he wanted to nd an al-
ternative method of providing the re-
quired torsional vibration proof and
contacted PRFTECHNIK with a request
for support.
Angular deection analyses provide
alternative torsional vibration proof in
such drive linkages, was our recom-
mendation. For this purpose, the angular
pulse sequences are measured on both
sides of the highly exible coupling at
high resolution and then mathematically
processed. It was fortunate in the case
of the application shown in Fig. 1 that
a highly exible VULKAN coupling was
used. This coupling has the advantage
that the same number of impulse marks
are provided at the factory on both cou-
pling ends, evenly distributed on the cir-
cumference, both primary and secondary.
In the event of dangerous vibration con-
ditions in the generator, the diesel motor
or the highly exible coupling, danger-
ous torsional vibrations can quickly be
determined based on the angular deec-
tion on the input and output side and the
differential angular deection.
Several recorded impulse sequence
curves are shown in Fig. 4: measurement
of the diesel motor side on the left
Fig. 1: The on-board generator, driven by an MTU diesel motor
Condition Monitoring Service
Acceptance test of torsional vibration in the generator
Dr. Edwin Becker, Ismaning
and prosperity and since 2010
a combined heat and power plant (CHP)
and its generator supplement the power
and heat supply at PRFTECHNIK.
Generators are used in nearly every
autonomous industrial application and
provide an uninterrupted power supply
at a stable voltage level. The number of
autonomous generators is impressively
on the rise mostly due to wind turbines.
When so-called micro-CHPs provide for
autonomous power supply in the private
sector in the future, generators will be-
come a subject of interest for many peo-
ple. All generators have one design prin-
ciple in common: low vibrations and / or
good installation are synonymous with
low wear and a long service life.
This issue is devoted in particular to
generator systems running with constant
speed and discusses the different inu-
ences on their vibration behavior.
PRFTECHNIK News
Generators provide power
No. 14 Subject: Generators
In this issue:
Acceptance test of torsional vibration
in the on-board generator
Natural frequencies in the hydro-
electric generator
Acceptance criteria and permissible
vibrations in generators
Disturbing vibrations in the ship
generator
FMEA-based condition monitoring
in traction generators
Generator operates only with partial
load why?
Documentation of vibration compe-
tence with ISO certicate
Alignment errors on generator
of an express ferry
Balancing of generators
40 years of PRFTECHNIK
2
measurement of the generator side on
the right.
These time waveforms of the angular
pulse sequences can be used to rst
analyze the machine-related frequencies
and then the corresponding angular de-
ection deviations (Fig. 5). The impulse
frequencies are not relevant in these
frequency spectrums, but only the over-
laid excitations specic to the on-board
equipment.
The desired information on the rela-
tive angular deection can be derived
with the help of mathematics. Several
of the relevant results for the accep-
tance inspection are shown in Fig. 6 for
1800 rpm for a 10 % and 80 % generator
load. It was possible to calculate cor-
rect vibration behavior and acceptable
angular deection of a maximum of
1.5 degrees.
All results were summarized in a mea-
surement report as commissioned, so
that the responsible classication society
was able to determine whether the tech-
nical modication is permissible. After
some coordination and explanations on
the measuring procedure, the modica-
tion was approved.
It should be mentioned here that the
patent-pending algorithm is also used
in the PRFTECHNIK online condition
monitoring systems.
Fig. 2: Stroboscopic static angular deection
analysis
Fig. 4: Time curves of the angular momentum sequence measured with an analog method on
both sides of the VULKAN coupling
Fig. 5: Frequency analyses of the measured angular momentum sequences. Generator on left
motor on right.
Fig. 6: Angular deection trends calculated from the angular momentum sequences at 1800 rpm
rated speed, at 10 % load and at 80 % load.
Fig 3: Layout of the
sensors temporarily
mounted on the
coupling
Preview
In the next issue you can read all
about hydroelectric power plants
Disturbing noises in a hydroelectric
power plant
Field balancing in run-of-river
power plants
Impact tests on turbine wheels
Online measuring technology and
remote monitoring of hydroelectric
power plants
3
Drive technology is becoming increas-
ingly compact. The following example
from a hydroelectric application shows
that rotor-dynamic inuences can play
a role in simple generator systems:
The impeller of a Francis turbine,
which was anged directly onto the
generator rotor, displayed excessive
vibration values.
The increased vibrations were noticeable
soon after the generator was put into
operation. It was necessary to conduct an
extensive measurement analysis of the
vibration behavior, since it was suspected
that reinforcement elements installed by
the manufacturer were causing natural
vibration excitations.
Condition Monitoring Service
Natural frequencies in the hydroelectric generator
Dr. Alvaro Chavez, Ismaning
Figures 1 and 2 show the Francis tur-
bine, the impeller on the generator rotor,
the mounted displacement sensors and
accelerometers and the trigger sensor.
The frequency spectrums of the hous-
ing vibrations and the shaft vibrations
are shown in the two diagrams. The
measurements of the vibration velocity
and the shaft vibration show irregularly
high and broadband vibrations at about
44 Hz. The rotational excitations remain
low.
What is the cause of this? Further
systematic measurement analyses deter-
mined that a force-excited natural vibra-
tion was responsible. It was possible to
shift this broadband natural frequency
at 44 Hz somewhat by means of tempo-
rary reinforcements and it disappeared
immediately upon removal of the load.
These results led to the conclusion that
a bending natural frequency was being
excited by the bearing concept used in
the generator.
With bending vibration calculations
it was possible for the generator manu-
facturer to reproduce the results of the
measurement and to simulate different
solutions for reducing the vibrations,
under special consideration of the bear-
ing elasticity. It was necessary to change
the bearing concept.
Fig. 1: The hydroelectric plant and the generator rotor with anged-on impeller. The installed displacement sensors,
the accelerometer and the laser trigger sensor can be seen.
Fig. 2: Frequency spectrum of
the vibration velocity measured
at the generator housing.
Fig. 3: Frequency spectrum of the
relative shaft vibrations measured
directly at the rotating shaft.
1. Rotational
frequency
2. Harmonic
3. Harmonic
Resonant excitations
(with hull)
4
Rated speed
of the re-
ciprocating
combustion
engine
1-cylinder motor
Value 1 Value 2
but
Rated output of the
generator system
Vibration amplitude
Reciprocat-
ing internal
combustion
engine
2) 3)
Vibration velocity Vibration acceleration
1)
1-cylinder
motor
Reciprocat-
ing internal
combustion
engine
2) 3)
Reciprocat-
ing internal
combustion
engine
2) 3) Value 1 Value 2
Value 1 Value 2
but
but
but
but
but
but
but
but
but
but
Condition Monitoring Principles
Acceptance criteria and permissible vibrations in generators in different applications
Dr. Edwin Becker, Ismaning
Once a suitable generator has been
selected, the running, vibration and op-
erating behavior should be checked after
startup. But which measurement loca-
tions and which acceptance criteria are
to be used for generators?
The answer to this question has to be:
There is no standard answer.
Permissible vibrations in large
power generators
ISO 8528-9 allows surprisingly high
vibration amplitudes for generators in
large power generation units and pro-
vides recommendations for suitable mea-
surement locations. Figure 1 shows mea-
surement locations on a generator unit.
In the adjacent photo the measurement
locations on the generator of a larger
gas motor combined heat and power
plant are marked. A special feature of
ISO 8528-9 is that both RMS and 0-P
vibration values are quantied based on
power and speed. Also, the high second-
ary vibrations affecting the generator
and especially the roller bearings are
taken into account.
Permissible vibrations in generators
in submarines and yachts
Generators in submarines and / or in
yachts on the other hand have to operate
with signicantly lower vibration val-
ues often so low that the manufacturer
and customer agree on individual mea-
surement locations and spectral vibration
values. PRFTECHNIK has integrated
functions in VIBXPERT

to visualize
Fig. 1: Typical measurement locations in power generation units (left from ISO 8528-9, right from acceptance measurements by PRFTECHNIK Service)
Fig. 2: Informative vibration limits for power generation units (from ISO 8528-9)
Fig. 3: Depiction of the VIBXPERT results as structure-borne
velocity level (third-octave level in dB re 5 x 10
-8
m/s).
5
v (mm/s) a (m/s)
m
Condition Monitoring Principles
Acceptance criteria and permissible vibrations in generators in different applications
Dr. Edwin Becker, Ismaning
Fig. 6: Overall vibration values of generators on
wind turbine (left velocity, right acceleration)
the curves for the permissible
structure-borne velocity level
with an arbitrary reference
value. Figure 3 shows such a
diagram which however was
measured with a calibrator for
reasons of condentiality.
Permissible vibrations of
generators in general
If there are no individual
vibration threshold values, the
vibration behavior is to be eval-
uated according to IEC 34-14
or ISO 10816-3 (see Fig. 4).
Permissible shaft vibrations in large
generators larger than 50 MW.
In Telediagnose No. 13 we discussed
threshold values for shaft vibrations in
turbo sets of large power plants. These
vibration thresholds are also to be used
for large generators. Figure 5 differ-
entiates between vibration thresholds
for 50 Hz and for generators in 60 Hz
voltage networks.
Current developments
In the national and international stan-
dards systems, new application- related
standards are created on a regular basis
and vibration thresholds are revised
accordingly. This also applies to genera-
tors. PRFTECHNIK actively contributes
to several VDI, DIN- and ISO task forces.
An example for such a new standard
for generators on wind turbines: VDI
3834 describes the permissible vibra-
tion thresholds for generators on wind
turbines both as assessment velocity and
as assessment acceleration (Fig. 6). It is
noteworthy that this directive species
different frequency ranges and that in
addition to the vibration velocity also
the acceleration is used for evaluation.
Currently, conversion of VDI 3834 to
ISO 10816-21 is in progress.
Glossary of terms
Did you know?
Electric rotor asymmetries occur as a result
of breaks in rotor cage rods, usually near the
coil ends or due to production defects.
A shorted coil is indicated by electrical im-
pulses that occur both between the stator
terminals and between the star points and
the earth.
Eccentricities usually occur as a result of
shaft deformation or inexact centering of the
shaft in the bearing.
Static eccentricities mean that the smallest
distance between the impeller and the stator
remains at the same location in the stator due
to an elliptical rotary eld.
In the case of dynamic eccentricity the
smallest distance between the stator and
rotor rotates in circumferential direction.
This can affect the magnetic attraction force,
distort the rotor and increase eccentricity.
Polarity the number of poles results in
different rated speeds. A 2-pole generator
rotates at 3000 rpm, a 36-pole generator
rotates at 20 rpm (in relation to 50 Hz). This
results in the pole passing frequency. It can be
specied, but not the sidebands.
Slot frequency If the number of slots is
optimal, the number of critical harmonics is
minimized and noises / vibrations are reduced.
The rotor slot frequency is calculated from the
number of rotor slots x rotational frequency
and the stator slot frequency is calculated
from the number of slots in the stator x rota-
tional frequency.
Slip frequency: Synchronous generators
operate directly online. Asynchronous gen-
erators operate in supersynchronous mode
and are subject to slippage. Therefore, the
slippage and also the slip frequency can be
derived from the difference in speed.
Alternating torques are caused for example
by winding elds and by asymmetries in the
stator and shaft. In the case of stator asym-
metry, an alternating torque occurs with
double line frequency; in the case of shaft
asymmetry, the alternating torque occurs
with double slip frequency.
Reactive power occurs due to reactance,
causing a phase shift in AC circuits. All types
of inductors and capacitors produce the
effect of reactance. Due to the nearness of
the conductors in very long cables, they also
act as capacitors and can result in electro-
mechanical secondary vibrations.
Harmonics play a role only in generators
with a converter. The self-commutated im-
pulse converters normally used today with
a clock frequency in the kHz range have low
harmonic levels.
Fig. 5: Shaft vibration parameters of large
turbo generators left for 50 Hz, right for
60 Hz line frequency.
Fig. 4: The RMS value of the vibration
velocity as evaluation criterion for the
machine condition
6
Vibration severity prior
to blocking of the bear-
ings at constant speed
Machine stop
at see, visual
inspection of the
generator
Maximum vibration
after blocking of the
bearing
82 rpm 50 % Load double rotational frequency =
wobble/displacement of the shaft (v = 78 mm/s)
82 rpm No load rotational frequency = imbalance
ISO alarm threshold
Vibration severity after
blocking of the bearings
at variable speed
Condition Monitoring Experience
Disturbing vibrations in the ship generator
Florian Buder, Montreal
A shipowner reported increased
vibrations on a freighter to the gen-
erator manufacturer. PRFTECHNIK was
contracted by the electrical machinery
supplier as an independent diagnostic
service provider to search for the causes
during passage from Italy to Gibraltar.
Before the ship left the port of Ca-
gliari the alignment between the gearbox
and the generator was checked with
the laseroptical alignment system
OPTALIGN smart. It turned out that
the misalignment values were within
tolerance; nevertheless, the unit was
realigned. Afterwards, the Condition
Monitoring System (CMS) VIBNODE

was installed as a data logger in order
to constantly monitor the operating and
vibration behavior upon departure of
the ship. The results from the frequency
analyses were astonishing. As the gen-
erator load increased, excitations oc-
curred in the double rotational frequency
spectrum with vibration velocities of up
to 50 mm/s, which is absolutely imper-
missible. Since proper alignment had
already been carried out in the harbor,
an alignment error was ruled out im-
mediately. The crew was advised to
disconnect the generator and to seek the
cause in the generator itself. They found
a loose bearing outer race on the B side.
It was tightened, with the result that the
vibrations decreased (see Fig. 2). But
now the vibrations in the single rota-
tional frequency spectrum dominated.
And the envelope spectrums also showed
very distinct rotational excitations, which
indicated a cracked bearing, excessive
bearing play or a worn out bearing seat.
It was necessary to replace the generator,
which was requested while the ship was
still at sea, in order to make the neces-
sary preparations in the next port.
In addition, the bearing cap was re-
moved at the next op-
portunity and a worn out
bearing seat was found.
Fig. 1: Views of measurement task on the freighter
Fig. 2: Results of the VIBNODE

CMS in data logger operation and comparison of the frequency

spectrums without load and with generator load
7
Vibration-based condition monitor-
ing is very user-friendly with modern
measurement hardware and database-
powered analysis software. In general,
there are two types: ofine and online
condition monitoring. Both methods are
signal-based and allow recording and
diagnosis of generator conditions for sub-
sequent monitoring of tendencies.
First, of course, the priority of the
generators must be decided based on
availability-oriented maintenance, in
order to select the correct procedure and
the suitable condition monitoring tools.
Priority A generators should be equipped
with online condition monitoring sys-
tems. For priority B and C generators it is
sufcient to use regular ofine condition
monitoring.
The results of FMEA* or FMECA**
analyses should be taken into account
especially in the event of errors or failures
in the generators themselves. So-called
single-bearing generators and genera-
tor sets with different base frames have
a higher potential for damage than gen-
erators with a compact design. The type
of bearings in the generator itself and
the coupling types used can also result
in premature failure. The risk gure can
be reduced with higher precision dur-
ing balancing and alignment. With both
methods, knowledge of the condition
monitoring process is useful, as shown
by the following example for a drive sys-
tem in a long-distance passenger train.
Condition Monitoring Technology
FMEA-based condition monitoring in traction generators
Johann Lsl, Ismaning
The rst step is to create an Ishikawa
diagram for description of the machine
structure. This is followed by the fault
tree analysis, as shown in the table on
page 8. Critical components are identi-
ed by means of the risk gure, based on
the following formula:
Risk priority number =
occurrence / probability A
x signicance / severity of damage B
x discovery / detectability E
For risk numbers below 125, no mea-
sures are necessary from 125 to 250
there is an increased residual risk and ad-
ditional maintenance measures are nec-
essary. Risk numbers above 250 indicate
an unacceptable residual risk, requiring
engineering modications.
The following example shows how
FMEA can be used for generators in
a railway application to identify and eval-
uate causes of damage to the generator.
In this example it is also possible to quan-
tify a 40 % risk reduction by introduc-
ing vibration-based condition monitoring
(see following page).
PRFTECHNIK uses such FMEA-based
analysis methods not only in the Service
& Diagnostic Center, but has also inte-
grated the analysis tools in the analysis
software OMNITREND

and VIBGUARD

Viewer.
Evaluation criteria for FMEA
Occurrence / probability A
This analyzes the frequency with which
errors can occur in the component /
assembly and how high the risk is that
the error will occur in the analyzed
object. The values have the following
meanings:
1 not likely to occur
2 3 occurs very rarely
4 6 occurs rarely
7 8 occurs frequently
9 10 can occur very frequently
Signicance / severity of damage B
This analysis determines the effects
and the inuences on other components
and the entire system. The values have
the following meanings:
1 very small error
no effect on the system
2 3 small error
slight effect on the system
4 6 medium error
medium effect on the system
7 8 serious error
large effect on the system
9 10 very serious error
very large effect on the system
Discovery / detectability E
This analysis indicates the detectability
of the error and at which point in time
the error is discovered. Modern condition
monitoring methods make it possible to
improve detectability. The values have
the following meanings:
1 very easily detectable
2 3 easily detectable
4 6 detectable
7 8 poorly detectable
9 10 hardly detectable
* FMEA: Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
** FMECA: Failure Mode and Effects and
Criticality Analysis
Fig. 1: View of generator drive with sensors
mounted in the terminal box.
8
Grounding system
Consumer
Display panel
Cables
Measuring and
control technology
Sensors
Power converter
Rails
Lubrication
Clamping rings
Axle shaft
Car wheels
Roller bearings
Car body
Ring gear
Pinion shaft
Hollow shaft
Gearbox housing
Flexible gear support
Roller bearings
Lubrication
Flexible coupling
Sliding sleeve
Universal joints
Cardan shaft tube
Generator housing
Rotor
Lubrication
Stator with winding
Fan
Roller bearings
Power supply
Controller Chassis
Car
Gearbox Coupling Generator
Generator drive
Cause / effect diagram (Ishikawa diagram) for a traction generator
Fig. 3: Fault tree analysis for the generator branch of the Ishikawa diagram.
Risk number =
occurrence x signicance
x detectability
Fig. 2: Ishikawa diagram of the traction generator
in the passenger train car shown in the photo.
Risk numbers
greater than 125
mean increased
residual risk
Risk numbers
greater than 250
mean unacceptable
residual risk
Possible errors
determined through
brainstorming
Corresponds
to a 40 %
risk reduction
with CM
Reduced
risk gures
with CM
High
risk gures
without CM
Generator fault
tree analysis
9
Fig. 2: Rotational vibrations, measured in the generator during operation with
constant partial load, however with different idle power
Fig. 1: B-bearing of the generator
(top) and time curve of the
rotational vibrations for diverse
load runs with deactivated vibration
shut-off (right).
A turbo set in a chemical factory could
not be brought up to the rated load as
a result of excessive vibrations. In the
past, it was used for many years with
no problems. Visual inspections of the
synchronous generator, the planetary
gear set and the turbine showed no
signs of damage. PRFTECHNIK was
contacted to nd the cause in an on-site
measurement task.
The customer mentioned that other
vibration specialists had already mea-
sured vibrations in the turbine system. In
such cases, we at PRFTECHNIK choose
other methods for problem analysis.
Condition Monitoring Application
Generator operates only with partial load why?
Marcel Kenzler, Ismaning
In the same conversation it was sug-
gested to install online measurement
hardware on a rental price basis for tem-
porary telediagnosis service (TTS). This
is used to simultaneously measure differ-
ent frequency-specic characteristic band
values at characteristic measurement
locations in order to monitor the vibra-
tion behavior of the turbo set in different
operating states. The order then came
two days later. The measurement hard-
ware was installed at the site a few days
later so that the measurements could be
automatically sent to the specialists in
the monitoring center. The rst results
already showed life in the rotational
amplitudes at 50 Hz, and that imper-
missible vibrations existed both in the
generator and in the gearbox. The layout
of the accelerometers on the B side of the
generator and results from the horizon-
tal measurement location are shown in
Figure 1. It shows the vibration velocities
for the load test runs, in which automatic
shut-off was deactivated. From these
time curves of the vibration velocity it
was easy to determine how the excessive
increases in vibrations came about after
adding the load. Furthermore, the differ-
ent gearbox and generator measurement
locations detected strongly directional
vibrations, which are not shown here.
With this vibration pattern, the suspected
gearbox damage was ruled out. After
these tests it was therefore decided to
operate the generator set only at partial
load and to leave the installed TTS on the
generator set in order to search for other
irregularities.
After only a few days there were signif-
icant differences in the rotational vibra-
tions, despite operation with a constant
partial load throughout the day. There
are time periods in which the vibrations
were at a high level, and then usually at
night conditions in which the vibrations
were constantly at a low level.
Was the generator in fact
operated at a higher load?
The control station was contacted. No,
the generator load was constant. In the
subsequent parameter analysis it was
determined, however, that the vibra-
tions always decreased during operation
with more reactive power. Keeping the
reactive power at a constant low level
reduced the vibrations. Very unusual, yet
an important indicator to denitely rule
out the planetary gear set as the cause
of the load-dependent 50 Hz disturbing
vibrations. And it led to the conclusion
that there was an electrical problem in
the generator. A specialized company
was contacted to conduct a thorough
inspection of the generator in order to
search for irregularities. A rather well-
hidden defect was identied and cor-
rected. Afterwards, the generator system
could again be operated at full load with
no problems.
10
Condition monitoring systems need
professional support. More and better
training are the decisive factors for the
future of condition monitoring personnel.
This necessity was already recognized in
2003 by Germanische Lloyd (GL) for
the wind industry and the procedure for
certication of the monitoring center was
introduced in the form of directives for
condition monitoring systems. Through
its accreditation in accordance with DIN/
EN ISO/IEC 17024, GL then also had
the opportunity to conduct independent
third-party
1
certications.
Anyone who wishes to become
certied as a vibration expert should
do so through third-party certication
associations.
Why certication?
In the machine service sector it has
recently become obvious that customers
prefer service providers with certied
personnel.
A circumstance that has long been
standard practice in industrial nonde-
structive testing (NDT). In NDT, only
personnel are approved who can conduct
an acoustic emissions test, eddy current
test, leak test, magnetic particle test,
penetrant test, radiographic test, ultra-
sonic test and visual inspection and who
work in accordance with regulations,
are tested regularly and can operate the
required measuring devices.
The classification society DNV
(Det Norse Veritas) required last year
that vibration measurements can no
longer be conducted in the offshore in-
dustry without ISO-CAT certication and
that the personnel have to be identied
by their ID numbers. The proof of third-
party certication is increasingly being
required also at the international level by
reneries and major power generation
plants.
Condition Monitoring Training
Documentation of vibration competence with ISO certicate
Sascha Hein, Ismaning
Emphasis on practice
The purpose of the one-week seminars
is not only to provide extensive informa-
tion. The focus is always on practice, in
order to ensure that the participants will
actually be able to apply what they have
learned later in the eld.
The interactive PC animations and
simulations have proven very effective
for learning.
Seminar content, dates and other
information can be found in the yer
shown here and on the PRFTECHNIK
website.
ISO 18436-2
The ISO 18436 standard series pro-
vides clear information on certication
of personnel in condition monitoring;
it should be mentioned, however, that
some parts of ISO 18436 are still being
written or revised.
ISO 18436-2 is relevant with respect
to certication of vibration experts. The
standard denes the professional quali-
cations that are necessary, the training
content to be provided and how the tests
are to be conducted. After being adopted,
this standard will also be published in
Germany as a DIN ISO standard.
Seminars in 3 stages
For several years now, PRFTECHNIK,
in cooperation with the MOBIUS
Institute, has offered certied vibration
seminars in three categories:
Cat. I for vibration technicians
Cat. II for vibration analysts
Cat. III for vibration specialists
PRFTECHNIK vibration semi-
nars comply with the standards of the
MOBIUS Institute, which is ofcially
accredited by JAS-ANZ with standard-
ized seminar content and testing require-
ments. Ofcially accredited in this case
means worldwide recognition.
The certication can be submitted
to employers, colleagues or customers
as proof of being able to use vibration
analysis to evaluate the condition of
a machine or system and to diagnose
machine problems.
1
There are three certication stages. Product manufacturers or
employers can offer rst-party certications. Training centers
implement second-party certications. Third-party certications
may be carried out only by independent certication associa-
tions accredited in accordance with ISO 17024 and therefore
are the most important at the international level.
The internationally recognized certicate for vibration experts
11
A monitoring camera in a new ferry
simply fell down from its wall mount.
After the camera was re-mounted, in-
creased vibrations were detected in the
wall between the machine room and the
electrical room. The rst assumption was
that the gearbox must be responsible.
Structure-borne sound and orbit analyses
Alignment application
Alignment errors on generator of an express ferry
Dr. Edwin Becker, Ismaning
Better balancing of generators reduces
the excitation potential for rotational
disturbing vibrations and for natural
vibrations.
Field balancing of generators has
become very easy with measurement
hardware from PRFTECHNIK. For ex-
ample, VIBXPERT

is now sold by the

market leader for stationary balancing
stands under the name SmartBalancer.
Condition Monitoring Application
Field balancing of generators
Christian Pfaller, Ismaning
One challenge in many balancing
processes is to nd suitable locations for
mounting the balancing weights. The
gures show generators in which the
balancing weights were easy to mount,
because the design was already prepared
by the manufacturer for this task.
But this is not always the case. Our
balancing specialists still have too many
service calls in which eld balancing is
Fig. 1: Views of open generators on which balancing weights were easily attached and VIBXPERT

vibration analyzer (top right)

with balancing screen.
possible only by attaching additional
weights to the coupling. More generator
manufacturers should provide means
during the construction of the generator
for mounting additional weights in the
eld.
were used to measure rotational vibra-
tions, which despite highly exible cou-
plings indicated an alignment problem
between the gearbox and the generator.
To use an alignment system, the inter-
mediate wall rst had to be opened. The
laser alignment system OPTALIGN

Plus
then showed extreme angular misalign-
ment in the vertical axis and required
the generator to be lowered. The actual
cause of the alignment error then came
to light during readjustment: the base
frame of the generator was deformed,
which made it impossible to lower the
generator. The base frame had to be
modied accordingly.
Fig. 1: View of ferry
Fig. 2: Laser optical and displacement-based
alignment control
12
Dates
Corporate information
PRFTECHNIK
Condition Monitoring GmbH
85737 Ismaning
Phone: +49 89 99616-0
Fax: +49 89 99616-341
eMail: info@pruftechnik.com
PRFTECHNIK
Alignment Systems GmbH
85737 Ismaning
Phone: 089 99616-0
Fax: 089 99616-100
eMail: info@pruftechnik.com
www.pruftechnik.com
All trade fair, seminar and other dates of
the PRFTECHNIK group can be found on
our website at www.pruftechnik.com
Globally and in your area
PRFTECHNIK has 20 subsidiaries
and about 70 sales agencies around
the world.
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500 employees worldwide celebrate:
40 years of PRFTECHNIK how it all began
The marketing program of PRFTECH-
NIK, founded in 1972 by Dieter Busch,
was modest in the beginning, focusing
on Swedish bearing monitoring instru-
ments. But after only a few years the
successful distributing company grew
and established its own development
and production departments.
In 1984 came the international break-
through with the worlds rst laser opti-
cal shaft alignment system OPTALIGN

.
Other milestones and international dis-
tinctions followed, which consolidated
PRFTECHNIKs reputation as an inno-
vative high-tech company.
Today PRFTECHNIK has more than
500 employees, with 20 subsidiar-
1984: OPTALIGN

laser optical shaft

alignment system as a global innova-
tion.
ies and agencies in more
than 70 countries world-
wide. Measuring technol-
ogy from PRFTECHNIK is
used around the globe in the
maintenance departments
of virtually every industrial
sector from power plants
to dairies, chemical giants
and ofce buildings to en-
sure longer running times,
higher product quality and
better protection of the environment.
The family-operated company, mean-
while in the second generation under
the management of Dr. Sebastian Busch,
has positioned itself as a stable ma-
The beginnings
jor player in the industry. Neverthe-
less, it has remained mid-sized and
tradition-conscious with streamlined
structures that allow exible and efcient
operations.
Company Founder Dieter Busch Executive Director Dr. Sebastian Busch
From 1976: EDDYCHEK

eddy current
test instruments for non-destructive test-
ing of semi-nished products.
From 1982: EDDYTHERM

inductive
heating units for shrink tting of roller
bearings.
From 1993: VIBROTIP

with ve
measuring functions, data memory
and OMNITREND

PC software.