Balancing with the

App. Note # 6 ST-101

The ST-101 can be used for in-place balancing of machinery. Although not as easy to use as full featured
balancing systems using spectrum analyzers, the methods used will work well on many types of machines.

The so-called 3 ring method is used for single plane balancing. This method requires placing trial weights at
three locations on the rotor, and making three test runs. On machines that can be started and stopped
without problem, and where the rotor is accessible, the method is extremely fast and easy to use.

Preliminary Steps

1. Verify that imbalance is the cause of high vibration levels. On a machine with bearings on both sides of
the rotor, readings taken in the vertical and/or horizontal directions should have equal high levels on both the
LOW and MID bargraphs. On a machine with an overhung rotor, vertical and/or axial measurements on the
bearing adjacent to the rotor should have equal high levels on both the LOW and MID bargraphs. If this is
not the case, imbalance is probably not the primary cause of the high vibration levels.

2. Examine the machine for causes of imbalance. This might include dirt buildup on an exhaust fan, or
improperly replaced bolts of unequal lengths in a coupling. Correct any problems found before proceeding.

Balance Procedure

Materials Required for Balancing

1. ST-101 and magnetic mount accelerometer

2. Polar plot paper similar to that shown on

the following pages
(download from the web site)

3. Compass for drawing circles

4. Trial weights

5. Scale for weighing trial weights

Trial Weights
A trial weight of suitable size must be selected for the machine being balanced. Suitable trial weights include
binder clips for small or high speed machines, and c-clamps for large, low speed machines. Clay can be
used if there is a lip in the rotor to keep it in place. If the unit being balanced has a balance ring, which is a
disk on the shaft with tapped holes for weights, set screws can be used for trial weights. If greater weight is
needed, a hex head bolt can be used as a trial weight.

The size of the trial weight will depend on the rotation rate of the machine, the weight of the rotor, and the
radius at which the weight will be located. As a starting point, the following table is suggested. Based on
the speed and rotor weight, the trial weight, in terms of inch-ounces will be given. Divide this result by the
radius where the weight will be located to determine the weight in ounces needed.

ST-101
6-1
Spintelligent Labs
App Note #6
REVOLUTIONARY SCIENCE
RPM Trial Weight x
For example, suppose the rotor weight (RW) of an imbalanced fan
Radius (in -oz)
is 250 pounds, and the rotation speed is 1800 RPM. From the
900 0.070 x RW (lbs) table, it is calculated that 4.25 in-oz of effect is needed from the
1200 0.039 x RW (lbs) trial weight. If the weights are to be positioned on the inner edge
1800 0.017 x RW (lbs) of the fan blades as shown, the radius on this fan rotor is 12
3600 0.0044 x RW (lbs)
inches, so the weight needed will be 4.25 in-oz/12 in = 0.35 oz.

1 Binder Clip Trial Wght The weight needs to be large enough to make a change in
vibration levels but not so large as to cause damage to the
machine being tested. The effect of the weight is proportional to
7 2
the radius at which the weight is located and the square of the
speed. It is best to start with a light weight and increase the
weight as needed to have a measurable effect.

If a binder clip or c-clamp is used for a trial weight, position them

3
carefully so that centrifugal force will force the weight to stay in
6
position. Clipped to the inside edge of a fan blade is an ideal
choice. Use caution when running the machine with trial weights
installed.
5 4

Procedure
This procedure is much more difficult to describe than to perform. Where trial weights can be easily attached to the rotor, it
is very simple to make the measurements and calculations.

1. Using this method, the machine will be run three times with a trial weight installed at 3 positions spaced approximately
equally around the rotor. Determine where the weight can be attached. Each position must be at the same radius on the
rotor.

2. Vibration levels will be read from the 4 digit display on the ST-101. Units should be selected to minimize effects from
other than rotation rate vibration.
ST-101 Balance Worksheet
direct drive machine: displacement Test Location:
Coupled End
Trial Wght: large binder clip
Vert.
belt drive machine: velocity 0
SCAL
E

8
30
0
33

Select the appropriate speed and units on the ST-101.

6

3. Make the initial run with no trial weight installed, and measure the
0

60
30

4
vibration level. For example, the vibration level might read 4.2 mils. On
polar paper, plot a circle with a radius of 4.2, centered at the origin.
2
Select the scale so this circle is about half the scale of the plot.
270

90

4. Mark the rotor locations, by numbering each blade for example, and
install the trial weight at location #1.

Caution: Be certain the trial weight will not come loose

when the machine is run. Start with a small trial weight,
240

120

and increase it if no effect in vibration level is observed.

5. Run the machine and record the vibration level. The level may 210
15
0

increase or decrease depending on where the heavy side of the rotor is Machine: exhaust fan 180 ST-101 Settings

located. If no change in vibration level is observed, a larger weight Date: 12/17/99 Speed: 1800 rpm
may be needed to make a change in vibration levels. Op. Cond: high speed Units: disp - mils

Application Note 6-2

6. Plot a circle with the radius equal to the vibration level
measured. The circle will be centered at the intersection of 0 ST-101 Balance Worksheet
Coupled End
Test Location: Trial Wght: large binder clip
degrees and the initial circle plotted. In the example shown, Vert. 0 SCA
LE

the vibration level was 5 mils. See point 1. 8

0 30
33

7. Move the same trial weight about 1/3 of the way around 6
the rotor. In the example shown, the fan has 7 blades.
Moving the weight over 2 blades will be satisfactory. See 1
1

0
30

60
4
the illustration on the previous page.

2
8. Run the machine and record the vibration level. Plot a
circle of this radius with the origin at the intersection of the
angle of the trial weight and the orignal circle. See point 3. In

270

90
this example, the trial weight, located on blade 3, is at 103
degrees, and the vibration level was 3 mils.

9. Move the trial weight to the last 1/3 of the rotor and repeat

240
the process. In the example, the weight was installed on

120
blade 6. Run the machine again, and record the vibration
level. Plot a circle of this radius centered on the original
circle, at the angle of the trial weight (257 degrees in this 21
0 150

example). In the example, a vibration level of 5.4 mils was

Machine: exhaust fan 180 ST-101 Settings
measured. See point 6. 1800 rpm
Date: 12/17/99 Speed:

Op. Cond: high speed Units: disp - mils

ST-101 Balance Worksheet ST-101 Balance Worksheet

Coupled End Coupled End
Test Location: Trial Wght: large binder clip Test Location: Trial Wght: large binder clip
Vert. 0 SCA
LE
Vert. 0 SCA
LE

8 8
30 0 30
330 33

6 6

11
11
300

300
60

60
4 4

2 2
270

270
90

90

33 6
6 33
240

240
120

120

210 0 21
15 0 150

Machine: exhaust fan 180 ST-101 Settings Machine: exhaust fan 180 ST-101 Settings

Date: 12/17/99 Speed: 1800 rpm Date: 12/17/99 Speed: 1800 rpm
Op. Cond: high speed Units: disp - mils Op. Cond: high speed Units: disp - mils

6-3
Spintelligent Labs
REVOLUTIONARY SCIENCE
10. The three circles for the runs with the test weights will intersect at
ST-101 Balance Worksheet
one point or a small area. Plot a line from the origin to this point or
Test Location: Coupled End Vert. Trial Wght: large binder clip
center of the area. This line shows the angle where the permanent 0
SCA
LE

8
weight is to be installed to balance the machine. The amount of 33
0 30

weight needed, if it is at the same radius as the trial weights, is equal

6
to:
1
1

60
30
4
radius of initial circle
* trial weight
2
length of line

270

90
In the example shown,
6
6 33

4.2
* trial weight
1.4

24

0
12
0
21 0
0 15

Machine: exhaust fan 180 ST-101 Settings

Date: 12/17/99 Speed: 1800 rpm

Op. Cond: high speed Units: disp - mils

The Permanent Weight

The above calculation determines the weight needed at the same radius as the trial weight. If the permanent weight will be
located at a different radius, the weight needed must be calculated for the new radius.

(trial weight) (radius of trial weight)

weight =
(radius of permanent weight)

In the example, the trial weight was located on the inside edge of the fan blades, at a radius of 12 inches. Suppose the
permanent weight will be welded to the outside edge of the rotor, at a radius of 16 inches, and suppose the calculated weight
needed was 1 ounce.

(1 oz) x 12”
weight = = 0.75 oz at a radius of 16”
16”

Permanent weight may be welded, or nuts and bolts can be used. If the machine has a balance wheel, weights will be
installed there. Whatever permanent weights are used, they must be securely installed so they will not come loose when the
machine is operated. If threaded fasteners are used, they should be lightly staked, or lockwired to prevent loosening. If
welding or bolting weights, be sure to take the weight of weld material or bolt into account.

Spintelligent Labs is dedicated to bringing the

power of machinery condition analysis to plant
Spintelligent Labs
mechanics, millwrights, maintenance technicians 8040 NE Day Road, Building 6, Suite C
and machinery operators in a simple-to-use, cost Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
effective way. The ST-101 is manufactured by 206-855-9284
DLI Engineering. Other hand-held and on-line 815-331-3861 FAX
systems based on the same principles are
available from Spintelligent Labs. www.spintelligentlabs.com