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What Is Done in Dynamic Balancing? How This Process Improves the Performance of Your Building’s Equipment

Pumps are among the most essential and fragile devices in a property. They are vital to the furnace and boiler functions and water pressure and supply — to name only a few operations.

Over time, though, pumps can become unbalanced, noisy, and fragile. Dynamic balancing is a technique to recalibrate the machine, ensuring the equipment can last its predicted lifespan. Property owners should familiarize themselves with what is done in dynamic balancing to avoid costly repairs and equipment replacements in the future.

What Is Done in Dynamic Balancing?

Understanding the Process

Most tenants can enter an apartment building and not concern themselves with its mechanics; property owners do not have the same luxury, and they understand that every piece of equipment has limitations and takes wear and tear. It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure the equipment’s upkeep.

As rotational and hydraulic devices, pumps experience tremendous wear from typical operations. The cycling of gears and buildup of pressure strain components and cause extensive vibrations. The vibrations can loosen connections and throw various elements out of sync, resulting in dynamic unbalancing and requiring rebalancing.

Dynamic balance is the process of measuring the imbalance within each rotating component of a pump. The measurement informs a qualified technician of the amount of vibration so they can pinpoint a resolution for the problem. The process is precise and usually involves diagnostic tools and dynamic balancing calculators.

Comparing Static and Dynamic Balancing

Dynamic balancing requires sensitive sensors and precision calculations to achieve the most stable and vibration-free machinery. Because pumps use rotational motion, some amount of vibration will always exist, but the goal is to minimize it as much as possible.

Static balancing is another method of rebalancing equipment that uses low-friction bearings and focuses on finding the true axis of various rotating parts. The process involves allowing components to settle, with the heaviest edge falling to the bottom of the axis. Technicians remove material until each piece rotates on its true axis, providing a stationary horizontal axis.

The crucial difference in dynamic balancing is the dependence on motion. Static techniques require the machine to be still, while with dynamic measurements, the parts must move to allow for accurate calculations and precise adjustments.

Recognizing the Causes of Imbalance

A pump can become unbalanced from regular use, or because of a manufacturing or machining error. In older buildings, pumps may succumb to typical wear and tear, especially if there is a lack of regular maintenance or upkeep.

A building’s pumps transfer water and other fluids to other machines or locations. It is common for mineral deposits or other debris to build up and cause displacement of parts, resulting in impeller damage and imbalance.

Also, depending on the environment, fluids, and pressure, a system can experience thermal distortion or material flex or compression due to pressure or temperature increases. The distortion affects the rotation and vibration of the parts and the health and longevity of the pump.

Learning the Consequences of Imbalance

Without what is done in dynamic balancing, pumps or other equipment can become a safety hazard to a building, its staff, and tenants. Not only can the consequences of imbalance potentially lead to premature machine or bearing failure, but the excessive vibrations can also cause structural damage near the machine.

Before a piece of equipment like a pump becomes dangerous, it will present warning signs — the most apparent of which is noise. When bearings and various components are not in sync, they cause excessive vibration, resulting in harsh metallic or rubbing noises. Also, the parts might collide, causing friction and internal damage.

The first sign of unusual noise or strange vibrations is good reason to call a pump specialist for a consultation. Contact Antler Pumps to schedule an inspection and assess the need for dynamic balancing.

Adding and Removing Balance and Weight

Rebalancing existing equipment is about adding and removing balance weight. Often, what is done in dynamic balancing involves a technician using adhesive or balance putty. They may also apply various techniques such as welding, milling, grinding, drilling, or eccentric turning.

Eccentric turning, or the offset machining method, focuses on offsetting the component’s heaviest position to achieve balance. A technician can re-establish true balance and reduce vibration by adding and subtracting weight.

With the proper tools, such as precision calculators and sensors, a professional can get the device’s vibration to as close to zero as possible. Rotational engines or machines will always have some vibration, but running with as little of it as possible is the key to equipment’s longevity, along with routine maintenance.

How Does Dynamic Balancing Improve Performance of Equipment?

Understanding the Many Benefits of Dynamic Balancing

Dynamic balancing brings a machine back to operational balance, meaning it functions as designed. When a pump operates as intended, its parts work in tandem, smoothly, and without complications.

Smooth operations are not the only benefits of rebalancing a system; there are other potential benefits, including:

• – Less vibration: Imbalance is the leading cause of excessive vibration in equipment. Balancing restores the intended design and function, reducing the problem.
• – Reduced noise: Vibration is the primary cause of excessive equipment noise. Balancing reduces vibration and therefore operating volume.
• – Less structural stress: The surrounding area and components absorb equipment vibration, causing stress and damage. Balancing limits the need for absorption, prolonging the life of the structure and parts, like bearings.
• – Reduced operating cost: Imbalance reduces the lifespan of equipment, primarily because of vibration, meaning more need for repairs or equipment replacement. Dynamic balancing restores order and relieves stress, helping equipment last longer and reducing expenses.
• – Increased productivity: Exposure to excessive noise and vibration is exhausting and can increase staff fatigue, especially among those working near faulty equipment. Rebalancing the equipment quiets the noise and reduces the vibrations, helping keep staff alert and focused.

Who Should Perform Dynamic Balancing?

Contact Antler Pumps for All Your Equipment Balancing Needs

For what is done in dynamic balancing, a property owner requires experienced professionals. The process is precise and delicate. If your pumps or compressors are noisy or experiencing excessive vibrations, contact Antler Pumps at 212-534-2500 to schedule dynamic balancing services or routine maintenance.