Reciprocating Machinery
A wide variety of vibration and failure problems occur in reciprocating machinery and piping systems.
To monitor the condition of reciprocating machinery and associated systems requires a different approach to similar measurements on rotating equipment, due to the higher levels of vibrations that reciprocating machinery generates compared to centrifugal machinery.
Most vibration and dynamic forces associated with reciprocating machinery cannot be avoided, as they are an inherent result of machine design and system configuration.
Excessive piping vibration typically occurs when a mechanical natural frequency (MNF) of the piping system or compressor or pump manifold is excited by pulsation or mechanical excitation sources.
Reciprocating compressors and pumps generate high pulsation levels at numerous harmonics. These pulsations produce shaking forces that frequently lead to vibration, fatigue, and failure problems in machinery and connected piping systems.
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Application scope
The field of application for vibration analysis on reciprocating machinery is broad. We make a clear distinction between vibration measurements performed on the following equipment types. |
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In addition to mechanical integrity risks, reciprocating equipment is frequently the source of vibration and noise issues affecting surrounding structures, equipment, and personnel in the vicinity of the machine.
Vibrations in reciprocating machinery are largely inherent to machine and system design. Problems arise when mechanical natural frequencies are excited by pulsation or mechanical sources.
High pulsation levels at multiple harmonics generate shaking forces that commonly lead to vibration, fatigue, and failure in machinery and piping systems.
- Reciprocating compressors
- Reciprocating pumps
- Reciprocating engines
Reciprocating equipment is also a common source of vibration and noise affecting surrounding areas and adjacent machinery.
Our Solution
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Why reciprocating machinery is different
In contrast to vibration monitoring on rotating equipment such as centrifugal pumps and compressors, where standard vibration measurements are often sufficient for diagnosis, reciprocating machinery typically requires a wider range of measurement approaches to achieve the same diagnostic confidence. The purpose of the survey determines the measurement technique and analysis method applied. |
Two dedicated services
AVT Reliability BV (formerly Van Geffen Reliability) provides two distinct service pathways for reciprocating equipment investigations.
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Service 01
Machinery Condition and Performance Monitoring
Focused on the condition and performance behaviour of the machine itself, using measurement methods selected to match the survey objective and operating context. |
Service 02
System Pulsation & Mechanical Analysis
Focused on the complete system, including pulsation behaviour and mechanical response of piping and manifolds, where resonance and excitation can drive excessive vibration. |
Our Solution
Unlike standard vibration monitoring on centrifugal machinery, reciprocating equipment often requires a broader set of measurement techniques to achieve confident diagnosis. The survey purpose determines the measurement approach.
Machinery Condition and Performance Monitoring
System Pulsation & Mechanical Analysis
Offering
Measuring, monitoring, and analysing vibrations on reciprocating machinery is a core service within AVT Reliability. We provide full-service outsourcing for both one-off investigations and long-term condition monitoring of critical reciprocating assets.
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Measurement & monitoring
One-off measurements and continuous monitoring tailored to reciprocating compressors, pumps, and engines.
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Systems & infrastructure
Development and delivery of asset-specific protection and monitoring systems designed for reciprocating machinery.
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Analysis & lifecycle support
Ongoing maintenance of measurement systems and expert analysis of vibration data to support reliable operation.
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Offering
We offer full-service outsourcing for vibration measurement and condition monitoring of critical reciprocating machinery, from one-off investigations to long-term monitoring programmes.
One-off and continuous vibration monitoring.
Asset-specific protection and monitoring systems.
Maintenance of systems and expert vibration data analysis.
Local service backed by global support
- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
- Clear detailed reporting with actionable insights
- Expert support and consultation
Local service backed by global support
- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
- Clear detailed reporting with actionable insights
- Expert support and consultation
