Field Balancing

Dirt, wear, crashes, construction changes and even overhauls can all have a negative effect on balance of a machine.

Balancing the rotor on-site in the machine itself is, in many cases, the better option reducing downtime, costs and the risk that comes with removing, transporting and remounting the rotor.

The aim of balancing is to reduce vibration levels at the rotational frequency of a rotating machine. This is achieved by improving the distribution of rotor mass, reducing eccentricity of the centre of gravity, and therefore lowering the resulting centrifugal forces.

Field balancing reduces vibration at rotational speed by correcting rotor mass distribution and minimising centrifugal forces.

Our Solution

Imbalance is corrected by adding or removing compensating masses at prescribed locations on the rotor to counteract the initial unbalance. Trial masses are applied on balancing planes defined by our engineers, such as wheel flanges, fan blades, predicted balancing holes, or slopes.

Using specialised calculation software, the effect of these trial masses is analysed to determine the required correction mass and its exact location.

High vibration levels are often caused by imbalance, generated by eccentricity of the rotor’s centre of gravity relative to its axis of rotation. If the rotating component is physically accessible, balancing on location is possible in most cases.

Rigid rotors

Machinery operating below its first critical speed. Typical examples include fans, pumps, and other low- to medium-speed machinery. These rotors experience minimal deflection, making balancing relatively straightforward.

Flexible rotors

Machinery operating above its first critical speed, such as steam or gas turbine generator sets, CNC machinery, and other high-speed equipment. Elastic rotor deflections make balancing more complex and require specialised expertise.

Our Solution

Field balancing corrects imbalance by adding or removing compensating masses at defined rotor locations to counteract centrifugal forces.

Trial masses are applied on selected balancing planes and analysed using calculation software to determine the correct mass and position.

Rigid rotors

Low- to medium-speed machinery operating below the first critical speed, where rotor deflection is minimal.

Flexible rotors

High-speed machinery operating above the first critical speed, requiring advanced balancing techniques due to elastic deflection.

Offering

Measurement and engineering services delivered by experienced, involved, and inspired engineers, supported by 24/7 service availability.

Pre-balance check

Pre-Balance check

The first step in the balancing procedure is a detailed visual inspection of the rotor for abnormalities such as contamination, wear, or damage. Prior to balancing, a tracking analysis using run-up and coast-down measurements is often performed to identify resonance-distant speed ranges suitable for field balancing.

Steady-state vibration measurements then provide insight into the mechanical condition of the asset, identifying potential influences on first-order vibration such as structural looseness, bent shafts, rotating looseness, misalignment, or bearing damage. Control runs are used to verify balancing effectiveness.

In-situ balancing

Balancing on site is one of the core strengths of our organisation. From high-speed gas turbine driven compressor sets on offshore platforms to large ID fans at power plants, we deliver fast and accurate balancing solutions backed by more than 20 years of practical experience.

Fan impellers
Generators
Turbines
Centrifuges
Pumps
Couplings
Roller drums
Electric motors
Breakers

Offering

Engineering-led field balancing services delivered by experienced specialists, with 24/7 availability.

Pre-balance check

Pre-Balance check

Visual inspection, run-up and coast-down tracking analysis, and steady-state vibration measurements are used to assess mechanical condition and define safe balancing speed ranges.

In-situ balancing

On-site balancing for a wide range of rotating equipment, delivered quickly and accurately by experienced field engineers.

Fan impellers
Generators
Turbines
Centrifuges
Pumps
Couplings
Roller drums
Electric motors
Breakers

Delivering

To guarantee accurate and repeatable balancing results, we use only high-quality measurement and balancing equipment. Balancing, vibration, and phase measurements are performed using 2- or 4-channel handheld instruments, or for more complex applications, multi-channel systems with 8, 24, or 32 channels.

When phase measurements are not possible or unavailable, a validated four-run method is applied. This technical capability, combined with our engineering expertise and strong customer service focus, ensures consistent and reliable outcomes.

Client outcomes

Increased asset availability
Extended service life
Reduced leakage and improved working environment
Lower risk of secondary damage
Reduced lubricant consumption
Reduced vibration levels
Lower noise levels
Reduced risk of serious breakdowns
Greater overall savings through fewer spare parts, lower energy use, and reduced unscheduled downtime

Delivering

We use high-quality balancing and vibration measurement equipment to deliver accurate and repeatable results, even for complex field balancing applications.

Multi-channel measurement systems and alternative methods such as four-run balancing are applied when phase measurements are unavailable.

Key benefits