Our XT laser shaft alignment systems offer many great functions to simplify the job. Not only for pumps but for most rotating machinery actually! Here are some examples.
Alignment with live values
With real-time values you can follow the machine movement on screen, at the place where you adjust during alignment. This makes the alignment much easier.
Compensating for thermal expansion
Thermal expansion is mainly caused by the temperature difference in a machine when it is offline (cold) vs. online (hot). This can cause a machine that is perfectly aligned while not in operation to be misaligned out of tolerance when it's running. By adding data for thermal expansion to the system, the alignment targets in cold condition get compensated to achieve a perfect alignment during operation.
Use alignment tolerances
With automatic tolerance check you get visual feedback of when your machine is aligned at least as well as required. Use tolerances provided by the equipment manufacturer, or for example the built-in tables for ANSI/ASA standards.
Dynamic measurement prevents machine failure
Dynamic measurement is about finding unwanted movement. All excessive forces like thermal expansion or contraction, pipe strain (dynamic and static), additional heavy loads (e.g. silencers) will generate stress in the machine casing. This might cause the machines to move or change the designed geometry, which in turn cause misalignment, internally and externally. Leakages will appear, and a distorted casing might lead to internal contact between stationary and rotating components. Uncorrected, this will inevitably lead to machine failure. If you perform a dynamic measurement, all of this can be avoided.
When to measure
The dynamic measurement should be performed at SAT (Site Approval Test) before starting the operation, or every time the equipment has been removed for overhaul and placed back. This way you ensure a reliable machinery installation, and prevent possible costly downtime.
With the right methods and tools, shaft alignment becomes easier and more reliable – a small effort today will pay off in the long run!
