What is On-Site (Mobile) Balancing Service? How is it Done?

On-site (mobile) balancing service is the process of balancing large and difficult-to-move machines or parts in their own operating environment, without disassembly. This service provides a significant advantage, especially for heavy equipment like generators, fans, pumps, and motors. The disassembly, transport, and reassembly of such parts is a process that is both very costly and time-consuming. Thanks to on-site balancing services, production downtime caused by these operations is minimized and operational efficiency is maintained.

During the on-site balancing process, the machine's vibration levels are first measured using high-precision sensors. The expert team at MBS Balance uses this data to calculate the amount and angle of the unbalance. Based on these calculated figures, weight is either added or removed (for example, by drilling) at the appropriate point on the part. After the correction is completed, the machine is run again, and the vibration levels are re-checked. This cycle is repeated until the vibrations are reduced to acceptable tolerance levels. The time to complete the process can vary depending on the part's initial unbalance condition and ease of access. This service not only ensures the continuous operation of facilities but also extends the life of machines and reduces the risk of failure.

The technical basis of on-site balancing is the influence coefficient method. First, in the reference run, the 1xrpm vibration amplitude and phase are measured with an accelerometer/vibration sensor and a photocell tachometer. Then, by adding a known trial weight, the influence coefficient of each plane is calculated from the change in the vibration vector, and the required correction weight and its angle are solved. By taking measurements for two bearings, single- or two-plane field balancing can be performed.

On-site balancing eliminates assembly-disassembly error and balances the part on its own bearings at the real operating speed, so it gives superior results especially on large fans, generators, and pumps. The success criterion is reaching an acceptable vibration level (mm/s RMS) per ISO 20816. The MBS Balance field team minimizes production downtime with portable balancing instruments and vibration analysis, evaluating the unbalance together with any alignment/looseness-related components.