Condition monitoring and fault diagnosis of a boiler feed pump unit

Abstract

Present work highlights an experimental investigation to monitor vibration condition of boiler feed pump (BFP) unit, which is a part of BFP train of a large utility thermal power plant. BFP is supported by 2 bearings. Tri-axial measurements were made at bearing supports for 12 months. Displacement and velocity were measured along horizontal, vertical and axial directions. Based on signature analysis, causes for excessive vibrations were diagnosed. Remedial measures were applied to ensure safer and fault free operation of BFP unit.