Case Study on Vibration Analysis of Crude Oil Transfer Pumps

This case study describes Condition-based Monitoring of rotating equipment using the vibration analysis techniques. Vibration data collection on one unit of Crude Oil Transfer Pump (COTP) in a plant showed that it was vibrating at undesirable amplitudes. It is suspected that the intense vibrations are coming from the pump, a three-stage centrifugal pump driven by gas engine. Data analysis showed that the vibration amplitudes for the radial directions increases as the points approach the pump outboard. The highest vibration was recorded at Pump Outboard Vertical (POV) which exceeded the fault limit for the equipment. The equipment was shutdown and remedial action was taken. Vibration amplitudes recorded from analysis after completion of remedial action showed much reduction and within the acceptable limits