Vibracon Frequently Asked Questions: An SKF Group Company

An SKF Group Company
Vibracon®
Frequently Asked Questions
Version 2, April 2005, © Machine Support B.V. page 1 of 16 Vibracon® manual, chapter 5
www.machinesupport.com
5 Vibracon® Frequently Asked Questions
5.1 GENERAL QUESTIONS ............................................................................... 3

5.1.1 What is a Vibracon® chock? .................................................................................3
5.1.2 How long have Vibracon® chocks been in use? ...................................................3
5.1.3 Who is Machine Support ?....................................................................................3
5.1.4 What are the benefits of Vibracon® chocks? ........................................................4
5.1.5 What is more cost effective: Vibracon® chocks, steel chocks, ...............................
epoxy resin chocks or shims?...............................................................................5
5.1.6 Where can we use the chocks?............................................................................5
5.1.7 Do we need special skills or tools to use the chocks?..........................................7
5.1.8 How do we order Vibracon® chocks? ...................................................................7
5.2 TECHNICAL QUESTIONS ............................................................................ 8
5.2.1 Is it possible to chock a heavy machine on a Vibracon® chock? ..........................8
5.2.2 Can we align a machine with a Vibracon chock? .................................................8
5.2.3 How do we prevent the chock from rotating? .......................................................8
5.2.4 Are there any limits to the chock height?..............................................................8
5.2.5 What to do if we want to have elements with extended height? ...........................8
5.2.6 What to do if we want to have chocks which are lower then the
minimum height? ..................................................................................................8
5.2.7 Is it possible to enlarge the bolt holes of the Vibracon® chock? ...........................9
5.2.8 If we want to use fitting bolts, how should we do this? .........................................9
5.2.9 If we want to use dowel pins, how should we do this? .......................................10
5.3 MARINE APPLICATION QUESTIONS ........................................................... 11
5.3.1 Is the Vibracon® chock approved by classification societies?.............................11
5.3.2 What information does Machine Support need to make a calculation and a
sketch of the chocking arrangement?.................................................................11
5.3.3 Example of a Vibracon® chocking proposal ........................................................11
5.3.4 What bolt torque should we apply?.....................................................................16
5.1 General questions
5.1.1 What is a Vibracon® chock?

The Vibracon® chock is an universal adjustable steel chock. Universal refers to the fact that a
Vibracon® chock can be used instead of rigid steel chocks, shims or epoxy resin chocks.
Adjustable refers to the possibility of aligning and re-adjusting the chock at every re-
alignment event. The name of the chock ”Vibracon” suggests that the elements can absorb
vibrations like a vibration damper. We want to point out that the Vibracon® chock is
absolutely not a vibration damper (resilient mount).
5.1.2 How long have Vibracon® chocks been in use?

The design of the elements is based on products which are used to mount tool machines. In
1988 Machine Support designed the Original Vibracon® chocks. In 2003 Machine Support
designed the low profile Vibracon® configuration. Both chocks have patents pending.
Figure 5.1.2.1 Vibracon® Original
Figure 5.1.2.2 Vibracon® Low Profile
The Vibracon® Original and Vibracon® Low Profile chocks are approved by all major
shipbuilding classification societies and a large number of original equipment manufacturers.
5.1.3 Who is Machine Support?

Machine Support is a dedicated engineering service organization, which has been in
operation for over 20 years. At present, the group consists of three companies with a wide
network of affiliated dealers and services. During many successful years of operation, the
company has developed a reputation of excellence in laser alignment services and mounting
solutions for an increasingly global market.
The comprehensive capabilities of the company include the highest proficiency in the
installation support of diesel engines, turbines and the alignment to generators, pumps,
compressors and shaft lines. Machine Support also specialises in geometric alignments,
such as measuring the line bore of diesel engines and measuring the straightness of stern
tubes onboard marine vessels.
The majority of our business is in the marine segment, however we also perform work in the
industrial segment, from which mainly pulp and paper.
Machine Support's marine engineering services include the research and development into
mounting products and advancement of machinery installation techniques. Furthermore,
Machine Support is experienced in the support of owners, builders and engineering activities
in obtaining classification society approvals or military qualification of the design for
satisfactory machinery mountings. "Support" in the company's name represents more than
just mounting of machinery.
Machine Support is ISO9001 and VCA certified.
Figure 5.1.3.1 Alignment and chocking of components are typical Machine Support activities.
5.1.4 What are the benefits of Vibracon® chocks?
In packaged units (like generator, compressor, turbine and pump sets) the benefits are:
• No parallel or angular soft foot problems, even when the skid is twisted;
• No machining of the base frame;
• No on site problems to arrange or install shims;
• Re-adjustable;
• In combination with laser alignment equipment, alignment time can be reduced by
50%;
• Existing chocking systems, steel chocks or epoxy resin with a height of only 20
mm, can be replaced by the Vibracon® Low Profile configuration (depending on
Vibracon® size).
On board ships for chocking propulsion units and auxiliary equipment:
• No curing time like epoxy resin chocks;

• No time consuming fitting of rigid steel chocks;
• Chocking can be carried out when the ship is still in the dry dock, the alignment
check and (if required) realignment has to be carried out after the ship has been
launched;
• No parallel or angular soft foot problems, even if the foundation is not machined;
• No machining of foundation, only locally (where the elements will be fitted)
machining if required.
5.1.5 What is more cost effective: Vibracon® chocks, steel chocks, epoxy resin
chocks or shims?
In most of the applications the Vibracon® chocks will be cheaper because of:
• Reduced chocking time

• Always a perfect fitting chock
• No soft foot problems
• Installation of the Vibracon® chocks doesn’t require special skills or tools
• Usually no machining of foundations or base frames is required
5.1.6 Where can we use the chocks?
Figure 5.1.6.1 Several components mounted on Vibracon® chocks.
Figure 5.1.6.2 Generator of genset mounted on Vibracon® chocks.
Figure 5.1.6.3 Detail of bracket with Vibracon® to create a fixed point (alternative for fitted bolts).
Figure 5.1.6.4 Overview of engine mounted on Vibracon® chocks on a concrete foundation.
In production plants the elements can be used under all kinds of rotating equipment, and
also in production lines which need accurate alignment.
When Vibracon® chocks will be mounted on a concrete foundation, the maximum allowable
surface pressure of the existing concrete has to be checked. In case the surface pressure
will be too high then it is possible to reduce the surface pressure, with the use of an
additional steel plate of sufficient surface and thickness, to an acceptable level.
5.1.7 Do we need special skills or tools to use the chocks?

Special skills or tools are not required to use Vibracon® chocks. Machine Support always
advises you to contact your local dealer or Machine Support for support during the first time
installation of the elements. Also, check the installation procedure (chapter 4).
The use of laser alignment equipment is recommended but not necessary.
5.1.8 How do we order Vibracon® chocks?

Vibracon® chocks are always on stock at Machine Support in the Netherlands. However it is
recommended to check the delivery time before ordering. Our local dealers of the elements
also have some elements on stock. A list of all the distributors is available on the website
from Machine Support: www.machinesupport.com.
5.2 Technical questions
5.2.1 Is it possible to chock a heavy machine on a Vibracon® chock?

Yes, the primary forces for this Vibracon® sizing consideration are:
Fweight due to gravity

Ftorque due to the fact that the machine wants to rotate
Fbolt due to the tightening torque of the foundation bolt
Fbolt is approximately 6 till 10 times Fweight and even 10 till 15 times Ftorque.
This means that Fbolt is the critical force on the normal element
If we consider for example the Vibracon® SM 30 chock, we can see that we are tightening a
M30 bolt against a M95 thread (internal thread size of a Vibracon® SM30). It is easy to
understand that the Vibracon® chock can’t be damaged by the machine forces unless the
element sizes are wrongly calculated or the foundation bolts are insufficiently tightened.
5.2.2 Can we align a machine with a Vibracon chock?

No, the chocks are only meant for chocking! For aligning the machine, hydraulic tools or jack
bolts are recommended. When the weight of the machine is compressing the element it will
lock itself automatically due to friction in the thread.
5.2.3 How do we prevent the chock from rotating?

The Vibracon® chock will lock itself (due to friction in the thread) after the foundation bolts are
tightened. It is not necessary to lock the chock in any other way.
5.2.4 Are there any limits to the chock height?

Yes, there are limits to the standard chocks. Please check in the table on the Vibracon
brochure the minimum and maximum height of each type of chock. When designing a
chocking arrangement, please have a look on the nominal height of the chock.
5.2.5 What to do if we want to have elements with extended height?

In this case, it is possible to use an additional bottom ring with an extended height (contact
Machine Support or your local dealer). The maximum height of the chock should not exceed
the diameter of the chock.
5.2.6 What to do if we want to have chocks which are lower than the
minimum height?
It is allowed to reduce the Vibracon® Original to a minimum reduced height which is
mentioned in chapter 6 figure 6.4.2 Reducing the height can be done on a lathe by
machining the centre and bottom part of the chock. Keep in mind that the adjustment
capabilities also will be reduced. At the minimum reduced height, you will only have 1 mm
adjustment capability left!
5.2.7 Is it possible to enlarge the bolt holes of the Vibracon® chock?
To do so you always need approval from Machine Support and the classification society. It is
allowed to enlarge the bolt hole of the elements in accordance with the following table:
Original Low Profile Bolt Enlarged bolt

Type Type hole (mm)
SM12 M16 17
SM16 SM16LP M20 21
SM20 SM20LP M24 25
SM24 SM24LP M30 31
SM30 SM30LP M36 37
SM36 SM36LP M42 43
SM42 SM42LP M48 49
SM48 M56 57
SM56 M64 65
SM64 M72 73
Figure 5.2.7 Table for enlarged bolt holes
Please contact your local dealer or Machine Support to calculate the bolt torque and
recommended clamped length.
5.2.8 If we want to use fitting bolts, how should we do this?

In general, it is not necessary to ream through the Vibracon® chock. Reaming only the foot of
the machine and the foundation usually will do. In some situations (for example in cases
®
where no side and collision stoppers are installed) we also advise to ream the Vibracon
chocks. Please contact your local dealer or Machine Support for additional information on
this matter.
Figure 5.2.8 General arrangement for a fitted bolt
5.2.9 If we want to use dowel pins, how should we do this?
After the alignment and the securing of the foundation bolts, weld down a block of steel
(which is just 1 mm lower than the chocks) near at least one of Vibracon® chocks or between
two chocks. Drill a hole through the foot of the machine into this block. Now the dowel pin
can be installed.
Figure 5.2.9 Alternatives for a dowel pin application
5.3 Marine application questions
5.3.1 Is the Vibracon® chock approved by classification societies?

Yes, the chock is approved by all major shipbuilding classification societies. However, it is
always necessary to submit a calculation and a sketch of the chocking arrangement for
approval for each application. This is mainly necessary for propulsion units and for some
societies, also for auxiliary equipment. Contact your local dealer or Machine Support for
assistance.
5.3.2 What information does Machine Support need to make a calculation and
a sketch of the chocking arrangement?
For the production of a, free of charge, Vibracon® chocking proposal it is necessary to fill in a
datasheet, which you can download from our website: www.machinesupport.com.
The following data is requested: General • Yard or owner name

• Ship name or new building number
• Classification society
• Type of object
• Make / type
Machine • Mass
• Power
• Revolutions
• Foundation width between bolts
• Number of elements
• Diameter of the existing bolt holes
Additional information when it concerns a gearbox:

• Reduction rate
• Average distance between bolt holes
• Difference in height between output shaft
and foundation
• Propulsion efficiency
Drawing • Foundation plan

• Chock height
• Thickness of machine foot
• Thickness of foundation
• Plan for fitted bolts
• Plan for steel end chocks
5.3.3 Example of a Vibracon® chocking proposal
Based on the completed datasheets, Machine Support B.V. can prepare a chocking proposal
for your project. At the following pages, you will find an example of such a proposal.
Machine Support B.V., The Netherlands
Phone : +31 (0)180 483828
Fax : +31 (0)180 483829
Website : www.machinesupport.com
E-mail : info@machinesupport.com
Shipyard / Customer : Wärtsilä Nederland B.V.

Shipname / Project : M.V. " Baldomero Lopez " C-factor
Classification society : American Bureau of Shipping 5000
Object : Piston engine
Make / type : Wärtsilä 18TM410
Selection of Vibracon SM element

Machine
Mass (if engine with water +oil) : 145000 (kg)
Power : 9700 (kW)
Revolutions : 550 (rpm)
Foundation width (bolt distance) : 20990 (mm)
Number of elements : 24 (-)
Bolthole diameter : 48 (mm)
Correction / Safety factor : 2 (-)

Minimum required Vibracon SM element : 42 (-)
Advised Vibracon SM element : 42 (-)
Element load (maximum) : 59,88 (kN)
Element load (minimum) : 58,54 (kN)
Machine load : 119,75 (kN)
Calculation of holding down bolts' torque

Foundation stud bolt :
Foundation bolts : 22 * M42 (L = 555 mm) (-)
Material : 42 CrMo 4 (-)
E-modul : 207000 (N/mm²)
Yield strength : 750 (N/mm²)
Elongation foundation bolt : 0,92 (mm)
Tension per bolt : 488,1 (kN)
Tensile stress : 479,5 (N/mm²)
Disposable yield strength : 64 (%)
Equivalent stress : 625,0 (N/mm²)
Disposable yield strength < 90 % : 83 (%)
Tightening torque : 4100 (Nm)
MS REF. NUMBER : E-02-1313-01a-RV
Fitted stud bolt :

Fitted bolts : 2 * M42 (L = 555 mm) (-)
Material : 42 CrMo 4 (-)
E-modul : 207000 (N/mm²)
Yield strength : 750 (N/mm²)
Elongation of fitted bolt : 0,76 (mm)
Tension per bolt : 488,1 (kN)
Tensile stress : 479,5 (N/mm²)
Disposable yield strength : 64 (%)
Equivalent stress : 625,0 (N/mm²)
Disposable yield strength < 90% : 83 (%)
MS-F-331 BLAD 1/1 REV.00 D.D. 01.08.2001
Figure 5.3.3.1 Example of Vibracon® calculation report
Figure 5.3.3.2 Example of Vibracon® calculation top view
Phone : +31 (0)180 483828
Fax : +31 (0)180 483829
sketch
M42 x 4,5 Rootdiameter 36,48 mm
95
10
Ø48
265
BED PLATE
Ø36
330
555
410
35
VIBRACON
50
TOP PLATE
10
70
60
SPHERICAL WASHER SW42
FOUNDATION STUD BOLT APPROVAL

MS REF. NUMBER : E-02-1313-01-RV
Bolt material : 42CrMo4

2
Yield strength : 750 (N/mm )
Size of foundatiion bolt : 18 * M42 L = 555 (mm)
Stretch : 0.92 (mm)
Shipname / Project : M.V. "Baldomero Lopez"
Classification society : American Bureau of Shipping
Calculations are valid for bolts with usual thread, material grade 8.8., yield strength > 630 N/mm 2, oil lubricated thread courses and
nut mating surfaces without slide additives
Figure 5.3.3.3 Example of Vibracon® calculation cross section of foundation bolt
Phone : +31 (0)180 483828
Fax : +31 (0)180 483829
sketch
M42 x 4,5 Rootdiameter 36,48 mm
95
10
Ø48
190
265
BED PLATE
555
Ø36
410
35
VIBRACON
145
5
50
TOP PLATE
60
60
SPHERICAL WASHER SW42
FITTED BOLT APPROVAL

MS REF. NUMBER : E-02-1313-01-RV
Bolt material : 42CrMo4

2
Yield strength : 750 (N/mm )
Size of fitted bolt : 4 * M42 L = 555 (mm)
Stretch : 0.76 (mm)
Shipname / Project : M.V. "Baldomero Lopez"
Classification society : American Bureau of Shipping
Calculations are valid for bolts with usual thread, material grade 8.8., yield strength > 630 N/mm 2, oil lubricated thread courses and
nut mating surfaces without slide additives
Figure 5.3.3.4 Example of Vibracon® calculation cross section of fitted bolt
5.3.4 What bolt torque should we apply?
Machine Support has developed bolt torque calculation software in close cooperation with
original equipment manufacturers and classification societies. The philosophy of the
calculating software is to reach a minimum bolt elongation (stretch) of 0.20 mm in the bolted
connection. The bolts are to be tightened within the elastic range of the bolt material, in
general Machine Support advices a maximum bolt tension related to 75% of the yield
strength of the bolt material.
The values stated in our Vibracon® brochure are based on the above mentioned calculations
rules. The mentioned values are valid for bolts with course thread, material grade 8.8, yield
strength > 630 N/mm², oil lubricated thread courses and nut mating surfaces without slide
additives.
As a service to our customers, Machine Support offers you a chocking proposal, with the
advised tightening torque included, for your application free of charge!

Vibracon Frequently Asked Questions: An SKF Group Company

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Vibracon Frequently Asked Questions: An SKF Group Company

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Vibracon Frequently Asked Questions: An SKF Group Company

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

An SKF Group Company

5.1 GENERAL QUESTIONS ............................................................................... 3

5.1.1 What is a Vibracon® chock?

5.1.2 How long have Vibracon® chocks been in use?

Figure 5.1.2.1 Vibracon® Original

Figure 5.1.2.2 Vibracon® Low Profile

5.1.3 Who is Machine Support?

Machine Support is ISO9001 and VCA certified.

5.1.4 What are the benefits of Vibracon® chocks?

• No curing time like epoxy resin chocks;

• Reduced chocking time

5.1.6 Where can we use the chocks?

Figure 5.1.6.1 Several components mounted on Vibracon® chocks.

5.1.7 Do we need special skills or tools to use the chocks?

5.1.8 How do we order Vibracon® chocks?

5.2.1 Is it possible to chock a heavy machine on a Vibracon® chock?

Fweight due to gravity

5.2.2 Can we align a machine with a Vibracon chock?

5.2.3 How do we prevent the chock from rotating?

5.2.4 Are there any limits to the chock height?

5.2.5 What to do if we want to have elements with extended height?

Original Low Profile Bolt Enlarged bolt

Figure 5.2.7 Table for enlarged bolt holes

5.2.8 If we want to use fitting bolts, how should we do this?

Figure 5.2.8 General arrangement for a fitted bolt

Figure 5.2.9 Alternatives for a dowel pin application

5.3.1 Is the Vibracon® chock approved by classification societies?

The following data is requested: General • Yard or owner name

Additional information when it concerns a gearbox:

Drawing • Foundation plan

5.3.3 Example of a Vibracon® chocking proposal

Shipyard / Customer : Wärtsilä Nederland B.V.

Selection of Vibracon SM element

Correction / Safety factor : 2 (-)

Calculation of holding down bolts' torque

Fitted stud bolt :

Figure 5.3.3.1 Example of Vibracon® calculation report

SPHERICAL WASHER SW42

FOUNDATION STUD BOLT APPROVAL

Bolt material : 42CrMo4

Figure 5.3.3.3 Example of Vibracon® calculation cross section of foundation bolt

SPHERICAL WASHER SW42

FITTED BOLT APPROVAL

Bolt material : 42CrMo4

Figure 5.3.3.4 Example of Vibracon® calculation cross section of fitted bolt

You might also like