Pumps alignment 1

[sowhatso]

KSB pumps were installed and will be realigned , the pumps are Multitec Horizontal Booster pumps , at the O&M manual it was indicated that : "The radial and axial deviation between th two coupling halves must not to exceed 0.1mm".

From your experience of pumps alignment can you tell me what are the best tools that you recommend for aligning the pumps and what is the accuracy needed for the tools ??

Does it need to be lazer alignment tools ??

any inputs about the KSB pumps alignment are highly appreciated ..

Thanks

 

[pmover]

sowhatso,

tools - dial indicator with 0.001-inch scale capabilities, a straight edge of length equal to or greater than the coupling, and a skilled mechanic.

yes, laser alignment tools can be used, but i do not know the expense (compared with the dial indicator).

these two websites may be beneficial:

http://www.gouldspumps.com/pom_0015.html

and

http://www.reliabilitydirect.com/alignmentproducts/Dial Indicator Procedure.htm

Good luck!
-pmover

 

[bk19702]

Laser alignment would be best if you have availability to the tools. The only problem with dial indicators is the skilled mechanic is not always readily available. Ultimately, laser alignment and if possible dial indicator verification to follow.

 

[pumpking]

Painfull at the time to arrange perhaps if you dont have the equipment or technicians, but laser alignment is the best method and is proved to give long term extension to bearing life reducing long term maintenance costs and time.

There are laser alingment companies and/or pump repairers specialising in laser alignment of rotating equipment, and would suggest you try some of these local to you.

Ash Fenn

http://www.cdrpumps.co.uk

 

[Artisi]

The use of dial indicator and a straight edge have been in use since not longer after the Ark was built and really take some beating as far accuracy are concerned. Sure you need a skilled operator to use it correctly but this also applies to laser alignment which is only another piece of equipment and useless in the wrong hands.

Besides the initial alignment you also need to check once all pipe loads are in place, after the pump comes up to operating temperature as well as a week or two after start-up.

It is worth the effort to put time into correct alignment as it will ensure long life of bearings, seals,coupling life and less vibration of the pump and pipework.

 

[crazytexacan]

GREETINGS: I vote for the dial indicator(S)... ALSO be sure the pump base is grouted in place, the piping does not pull the pump out of allignment, and recheck after a day or two... I have been known to use TWO(2) dial indicators, one behind, the other to check for shaft paraellness ?, or 180, or 90 degreeses apart...Sometimes a driver can be very out, and the greater the size the less room for error. Remember skilled people are fewer all the time, bases can be warped, and thermal action.....

 

[sowhatso]

Thanks alot for all your inputs.

 

[bingopin]

In an absolute sense, I struggle to believe that lasers are "better" than dial indicators. In a practical sense, lasers get the nod. Both will do the job very well. I believe that using dial indicators require a higher skill level. Lasers remove the issue of measuring and accounting for bracket sag, which can be considerable. Two indicators mounted to the commonly used chain clamp can easily sag 8 to 10 mils over a typical coupling span of 8".

 

[Tmoose]

Any mention of some compensation when aligning the machinery cold?
What type/style of coupling?

IMO Any alignment using the coupling features ( OD or face) must first establish the runout of those features. I've been hurt badly assuming any feature runs "true."
The bypassing of coupling hub runout is one big advantage of both reverse indicator (once indicator or bracket sag is measured and compensated for) and laser methods.

 

[mayt4u]

Your talking 0.004" deviation, big enough to drive a truck through. Dials will work quite fine. Most people that have the alignment package will know how to use them. They will also give you a report. If this is a one of, lasers run about $20k to buy, dials < $1k.

 

[Artisi]

Tmoose-- excellent point re checking coupling run-out prior to starting the coupling alignment- as you say all to many times the problems of getting that very accurate alignment stems from an out-of-true coupling half.

 

[rmw]

Wow, this thread is kind of like the slide rule thread in another forum. When I learned how to align with dial indicators I still carried a slide rule in my pocket. Nothing wrong with laser but it is overkill for this application. Use the two indicator method recommended above.

rmw

 

[Artisi]

rmw - did you use the slide rule as the straight edge?