Should Soft Foot Be Corrected in Centrifugal Pumps?

In a previous blog I wrote in Jan of 2016 “Soft Foot Concerns in the Stationary Machine?” soft foot in the pump was causing repeatability issues during a precision shaft alignment.
https://acoem.us/other-topics/soft-foot-concerns-stationary-machine/
Soft foot can also distort the pump casing which can change clearances within the casing.
This can shorten the life of the bearings and seals, change clearances between the impeller and volute negatively affecting pump performance and cause vibration issues.
Therefore, the answer is yes! If you have feet on your centrifugal pump and bolts holding it to a base, soft foot should absolutely be checked for and corrected.
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Mac MacCormack
Mac has been a technical trainer since Feb 2014. He served an apprenticeship as an outside machinist, and is also a journeyman millwright. He has 45 years experience in industrial maintenance with certifications for industrial and mobile hydraulics, structural and pipe welding, PLC’s, ISO CAT1 vibration analysis and is a member of the Society of Maintenance and Reliability Professionals.