Roots Blower Help Line: Standard Vibration Test for Blower Packages

R&M preforms a vibration test for standard blower packages

This is a video of a full load vibration test of an R&M Equipment Company standard fully assembled blower package. We are using a Howden Roots 616 RAM blower and a 125HP drive motor operating at a system pressure of 10 PSIG. This test allows us to verify that all of the equipment is aligned properly, leveled and that the supporting structure is sufficiently designed to operate this equipment in a continuous application.

High vibration levels can lead to blower damage. It is important to have a well built package and properly install the package to maintain low vibration levels. It is also recommended to monitor vibration levels on a regular basis. Should you have a sudden or drastic increase in vibration, please contact us with questions as this indicates a problem.

This is one test we preform here at R&M, we can also preform mechanical run testing, noise level testing. We can also preform testing on site.

For a full speed & load vibration test, the procedure is as follows:

  • The design load will be created by a butterfly valve regulated to create the appropriate pressure drop.
  • The vibration levels for the blowers and motors will be measured on three planes horizontal, vertical, and axial under full load. The base will be measured in the vertical plane.
  • The blower recorded levels must meet the Roots vibration criteria for rotary lobe blowers. Vibration levels less than 0.45 is considered very good. Levels of 0.45 thru 0.62 are considered good. Levels of 0.62 thru 1.0 are considered satisfactory. Levels greater than 1.0 need review by the factory. If any measurements exceed the limits, adjustments will be made as necessary and the equipment will be re-tested until the specifications are met.
  • The NEMA criterion for vibration of un-loaded motors is 0.15in/sec. There are no criteria in NEMA for the vibration levels of loaded motors.
  • The base levels must meet the R&M standard level of 0.60″/sec.
  • Data recorded on the test form: T001

 

Howden Roots Blower: Blower Package Manufacture

From start to finish, R&M Equipment’s blower package manufacturing process

R&M Equipment Company recently made a unique duplex Howden Roots blower package. We documented the process to show our customers each step in the blower package manufacture process. We can work with any constraints you may have and come up with a good solution.

Blower Package from Start to Finish

Engineering

R&M Equipment can quickly provide CAD drawings of pressure or vacuum blower package designs up to 1000 Hp. We will work with closely with the customer to comply with all system requirements.

Fabrication

Once the drawing meets the customer’s approval, the blueprints are fabricated in our shop. Our certified welders can handle any welding spec our customer may have.

Blower Packages

We offer both standard and custom packages. Pictured is a custom bent plate, elevated table base. We also make a non elevated design, both options are either made out of a bent plate or structural steel. When designing we always consider minimizing vibration on all base styles.

Painting

R&M Equipment takes great pride in offering a quality product. Priming and painting can be matched to your specs, such as sandblasting, custom colors, or epoxy paints.

Assembly

This is a custom duplex design for a customer. In the assembly we mounted two 36 URAI Howden Roots blowers to the package. Once everything is in place, the V-Belt alignment takes place.

Enclosure

R&M also offers sound enclosures from ArtUSA Industries custom made for your blower package. The free standing enclosure features galvanized steel with 2″ absorption material, ventialtion hoods and removable access panels.

 

Blower_Package_Start_to_Finish-