The accurate alignment of a pump is critical for pump performance. Yet nearly half of all damage to rotating equipment comes from misalignment.
This usually occurs during installation, but the effects of a misaligned pump occur throughout the pump’s now-shorter lifespan. Issues like:
As energy and cost efficiency are crucial when selecting a pump, you have to avoid any issue that increases equipment downtime. Severe pump misalignment can seriously affect your plant’s efficiency.
Misalignment is when the shaft position deviates from the axis rotation when the equipment is running. There are three types of misalignments that can occur: Axial, radial, and angular.
If you need to align your pump correctly, you need to consider which tool or methods will be best for your needs. There are 3 common tools, each with their own pros and cons.
1. Straight Edge
This method relies on visual inspection, which we all know can be faulty. To use straight edge as a method, place a straight edge on the pump and motor coupling, then check to see if the components are aligned.
Pros:
Cons:
2. Dial Indicator
This method uses the relative measurement of the centrelines of the two opposing shafts. Two indicator readings across the coupling are taken and these readings are used to mathematically or graphically determine the required adjustments and shimming for each foot of the driver or moveable unit.
Pros:
Cons:
3. Laser Alignment
Laser-guided tools consist of two units, each capable of emitting a precise laser beam and detecting a laser beam from the other, plus a hand-held control device. These lasers are used to determine relative shaft positions which are displayed on the handheld device for real-time coupling and feet values during the alignment process.
Pros:
Cons:
Starting from the most accurate alignment methods (laser) to the least (straight edge), we recommend laser alignment for its accuracy and efficiency. Lasers also accommodate longer spans than reverse dial indicators. While cost is a disadvantage, the higher upfront cost can be easily justified by reduced maintenance, longer equipment life and shorter downtime.
Is your pump noisy or faulty? Give us a call on 1-800-367-4180 (toll-free). As your pump supplier in Ontario, we’re here to help you choose, install, maintain, and monitor a variety of equipment. And to answer questions about things you’ve previously tried gone wrong.
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