Simply stated, a machine train is when three or more machine components are coupled together, acting as one. Machine train alignment can sometimes be a complicated task. Some laser alignment tools can measure machine trains of up to several machines, simplifying the move options. Whether you have a machine train program or not, by using…
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The 4th video in VibrAlign’s Concepts of Shaft Alignment video series is entitled “Runout”. The video describes what runout is and depicts how to properly measure for runout to determine if coupling eccentricity and/or a bent shaft is the source of the runout. The video series was based on ideas for visualizing alignment created by…
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A recent Fixturlaser EVO class performed an alignment check on a 35HP, 1750 RPM electric motor and chill water pump set. The initial set of alignment results indicated horrible angular misalignment (14 to 16 times tolerance) and offset misalignment (6 to 8 times tolerance) in the vertical and horizontal planes. Before making corrections, pre-alignment checks…
Read MoreIn this situation, there is little or no room to mount the laser sensors to the motor and pump. What would you do? You could remove the entire coupling and do an “uncoupled alignment”. Or, be creative… Remove ½ the flexible coupling. Then mount…
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Pipe strain is a relatively common problem seen in pump installations. It is a cause of premature bearing and seal failure. Here is a link to an excellent article from Pumps and Systems magazine that discusses the detrimental effects of pump strain. http://www.pump-zone.com/topics/seals/how-do-plant-pipe-strain-problems-affect-my-pumping-systems You can easily measure the effects of pipe strain using dial indicators…
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After 34 years, aligning a few thousand machines, teaching millwright training for a technical college, and being an instructor for VibrAlign, I sometimes think that no alignment challenge can beat me! Then something comes along to really put me in my place! I was put in such a place while training at a large manufacturer…
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I frequently hear statements similar to these in training classes: We just straightedge it in, and align it when we have an outage. Don’t be so picky. It IS a flexible coupling. They won’t give me time to align it properly. My answers are something along these lines: I doubt they’ll let you go back…
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According to our resident alignment training “philosopher” Stan Riddle, “The fastest way to complete a precision shaft alignment is to take your time”. This doesn’t mean to take numerous breaks, what he is telling us is to stop and think! As Industrial Mechanics, usually in a production environment, we tend to try and complete a…
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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…
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In shaft alignment, the terms Spacer Shaft, Jack Shaft, and Spool-piece are often interchanged. They refer to a shaft which connects the driving machine to the driven machine. While the name is not so important, the type of configuration must be known, because the method of alignment can be different depending upon the type. They…
Read MoreA shaft alignment tolerance is simply that – an allowable, minimal amount of misalignment. There are many different tolerance tables for shaft alignment. At VibrAlign, we have a good alignment tolerance, based on many years of experience and engineering. Other alignment tools have their own tolerance tables. Many technical and trade organizations have their alignment…
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In my previous blog entry “Why do people struggle with alignment? Part 1”, we discussed the importance of not only micing, cleaning, and consolidating shims but also noting the total amount of shims under each foot of the movable machine. The motor-pump set we performed an alignment check on, had the following amount of shims…
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After a shaft alignment check, if it’s out of tolerance, some maintenance personnel will skip the pre-alignment checks and proceed directly to correcting the vertical and horizontal misalignment. Frustration begins to set in as the alignment results go back and forth and seem inconsistent. The laser shaft alignment instrument says to add 20 mils to the…
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VibrAlign, Inc. is committed to helping businesses use their resources more efficiently and effectively through the precise alignment of the shafts of rotating equipment. As leading innovators in alignment processes, VibrAlign has teamed with Fixturlaser to revolutionize dial indicator shaft alignment with the launch of a new app called Fixturlaser Dials. The Fixturlaser Dials App…
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VibrAlign released the free Laser-Dials App to aid laser system users who need/want to convert their laser shaft alignment system results to rim and face dial indicator readings. You can also use the App to convert dial indicator readings to laser readings. Most are interested in converting laser results to dials so that is what…
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