pump alignment

[etheric999]

hello i would like to know the right way to align centrifigul pumps, i was told that i would need a dial to do this, but wouldnt it also work using levels, is there any literature on how to align pumps, thank you.

[txhvac]

A dial indicator w/ a chain clamp holder is good way, a laser alignment tool is a better way. A level/ straight edge, you'd probably want a set of feeler gauges if you want to try it that way, to make shimming a little easier, probably more time consuming. Always adjust your driver (motor) to your driven (impeller). I don't know of any literature, that dosen't mean there isn't any. Hope this helps.

[sabre11134]

http://www.reliabilitydirectstore.com/articles.asp?id=125
http://www.reliabilitydirectstore.com/Alignment-Training-s/87.htm
http://www.reliabilitydirectstore.com/Dial-Indicator-Shaft-Alignment-s/62.htm

this should get you started, Good luck.

[whec720]

These guys make a good alignment tool. If using the dial indicators, use the fast math work sheets.....big time saver.

http://www.petersontools.com/

[chiller rob]

alignment is no joke... there is alot to it...

the easiest method is using a dial indicator with the rim and face method... lost art since the laser came on the scene

levels and straight edges dont cut it...

with some of the methods and tools presented there is bar sag that needs to be calculated and for some one who has not done aligment before this can get deep real quick...

aligment = two shafts that are co linear at operating speed and temperature...

remember there is always soft foot that needs to be corrected before moves are made to reach target alignment... also need to calculate for thermal growth... and make sure you dont start off and end up bolt bound... use a rubber hammer to make angular moves instead of prying...

best advise is to practice on small equipment... for the larger equipment your investment will be well spent to have a alignment shop with a laser do that for you... then they can look at vibration, frequency resonance and other factors to provide operation that will be long lasting... on the conclusion of the service you will have a report that verifies... and they will warrenty their work...

this will give you an opertunity to talk to the tech and pick up a couple of pointers...

aligment is for a clinical mind... if you dont have the focus and over move on the shims it can cost you a lot of time...

i dont mean to scare you away from this important part of plant maintance but you are getting into a serious field and i am sure others would agree... dont wag it...

good luck

[blewbyu2]

Seems like I'm the lucky one who gets to "redo" alignments gone wrong, typically after the couplers are trashed or the bearings are burnt dry. I'll agree that it is pretty hairy to do it correctly, it took me two days to get a 50 ton open drive done. They usually send the plumbers to install and align with no more than a level and a tape measure, hard to get that .001 tolerance with those tools. Came across a new installation of a pump a couple of months ago that I actually had to lift one leg of the drive 1/4" before I could even start shimming. With the right tools and a little experience it becomes a little easier but some of the alighnments can be extremely challenging.

[stickerhead]

We use a Rotolign Pro laser alignment tool. A little pricey at $25K but it does all the trig for you. There are some cheaper versions at around $10K but the laser is the only way to go. I have machinist that work for me that rather use the Rotolign that dials. Lazy mans tool! I love it!

[william antley]

I have done several dozen pump/motor alignments, the largest being a trio of 50hp end suction pumps, and all I ever use is a very straight edge and some feeler gauges. Of all the pumps/motor alignments I have done, not a single one has ever been a problem from anything I have done, they all ran exactly as they were designed to run. If you couldn't hear them running or had your hand on them to feel what vibration was present, you wouldn't know they were running.
I learned from a gentleman who took care of pumps for some 50 years and he was an acknowledged master of pumps.
While I would like to use a dial gauge or a laser alignment system, very straight edges and feeler gauges are what I have to work with.
I get bothered by folks who say that the only way to do a specific job properly is by using the absolute most expensive piece of equipment out there when in many cases, it just ain't so.
Sorry if I ruffled feathers but, like I said, I get bothered.

[Gib's Son]

I have always used dial indicators to align motors with ..whatever. I suppose the new laser ones work great but hey...at least I don't have to worry about batteries or bad LED's. Once you got a few dozen under your belt they almost always go lickety-split.

[Snoring Beagle]

We have used piece of stainless 90 degree angle l_ shaped strapped to the larger shaft and extended down the smaller shaft for depth then rotating 360 * and using using feeler gauges and done quite well. Had to when we found out the fella doing it with a dial never noticed that the dial wouldn't zero.

It was about Field Expediency.

[poppop]

Personally I use a dial indicator. You can find the proper procedure in Audel's Millwrights and Mechanics Guide ( a very handy reference). Straightedges and feeler gauges can be used but the choice of tool should depend on the type of coupling between the pump and motor. Each type of coupling will allow a different value of allowable misalignment. You will need to check with the pump or coupling manufacturer.

[bustawrench1]

These guys make a good alignment tool. If using the dial indicators, use the fast math work sheets.....big time saver.

http://www.petersontools.com/

The machinist I use has one of those set ups, what a NICE tool! It's definitely on my wish list.