One of the frequent questions that we are asked is “Where do I mount the sensors?” The answer is that you must mount them to the rotating elements of the driver and driven machine in a location that provides a solid footing for whatever mounting apparatus you need to use.
The sensors also must have a clear “line of sight” for the projected laser beams. What that means is that the options are limitless, as long as the rotational centerline of each machine is represented independently and the mounting brackets are not going to shift during the alignment process.
Again, the sensors must be able to “see” each other. There are many situations where creative placement is necessary. They can be mounted on the coupling hubs or shafts or a flywheel, even a brake disc. Look at the pictures below, these just a few of the numerous applications, from our training classes, of the equipment that you have to work on every day in the field.
If you ever encounter an interesting mounting problem give us a call and a picture, we would be glad to help.
1 Comment
On more than one occasion I have had technicians come back saying that the as-found alignment was perfect. I always tell them that it’s more likely that they did an informal calibration check of the equipment rather than a machinery alignment.
When we walk out to review what they did, it doesn’t take long for them to realize they placed the sensors incorrectly.
With the sensors on the coupling halves or the spacer, you would hope the alignment would read dead on.