 Pump Alignment
In the flow of things, an aligned pump is an efficient pump.
The importance of Pump Alignment
When the correctly balanced and coupled shafts of a pump and its drive unit rotate in collinearity, or on a common axis, vibration stays at a minimum and the forces across the coupling are within tolerance. But from the moment any degree of deviation is introduced, the two shafts rotate on different axes, their centerline is misaligned and operational efficiency is compromised.
From one root problem, a host of others
Of course some vibration is normal in any pump and its drive unit and the coupling connecting them. But when misalignment causes too much vibration, that can lead to higher motor speed, greater power consumption, hotter operating temperatures, premature bearing and seal failure - the list goes on. Higher maintenance costs are the first expense. Shortened lifespans for the drive unit and pump come next and at much greater expense. While other problems can increase vibration, ››shaft misalignment remains the leading cause across industries.
With pump motor alignment comes multiple benefits
- Reduced vibration levels
- Lower rate of repairs
- Reduced parts consumption and storage costs
- Less energy consumption
- Increased production quantity
- Higher production quality
- Improved plant safety
Today's standard for pump shaft alignment is a laser system
No conventional alignment method offers the ease, speed of measurement and alignment accuracy that today's modern ››laser alignment systems deliver. The combination of capability and unerring laser technology make these ››alignment tools the only ones to have to meet the higher tolerances today's manufacturing processes demand.
In Fixturlaser systems, sophistication meets ease-of-use
Unlike many complex laser shaft alignment systems whose sophistication is not easy to master, those from Fixturlaser require minimum ››training. As such, a Fixturlaser system is often the perfect choice for technicians who perform pump alignment on a periodic basis as well as alignment professionals who perform alignments frequently. From opening the case lid to remove the unit, a user with a modicum of training can complete alignment measurements in fewer than five minutes.
The Fixturlaser XA system was designed for pump coupling alignment in the field
For precision alignment of pumps and drives, everything about the ››Fixturlaser XA system is user friendly.
- Backlit color LCD screen for clear viewing in even direct sunlight
- Touch screen display for simple, intuitive navigation
- On-screen animations and icons guide user through alignment
- Pre-mounted fixtures - lasers attach quickly to the shafts or coupling
- Digital CCD laser technology, 30mm laser detectors and line-laser technology virtually eliminate need to rough align
- USB ports for transfer of data to PC
- Express Mode registers three measurement points automatically when shafts are turned
Standard applications and capabilities:
- Horizontal shaft alignment software and fixtures
- ››Vertical shaft alignment software and fixtures
- Softchec™ softfoot measurement app for compensation
- Feet Lock Function for base or bolt-bound alternative adjustments
- Target Values compensates for targets given by pump or drive makers
Pump alignment for offset drives and cardan shafts
The risks associated with misaligned shafts are nearly identical for cardan shafts, including breakage. Fixturlaser makes the solution simple. Combine the Fixturlaser XA with the Fixturlaser OffsetXA expansion kit align any offset mounted machine as precisely, quickly and easily as any other shaft. In this upgraded configuration, the Fixturlaser XA system provides:
- Express setup without using the display unit
- Inclinometers show exact position of lasers
- Display guides user through express result and alignment using illustrations as a guide
Conventional alignment methods, such as straight edges, spanner bars, tape measures, and machinist levels cannot provide the needed level of accuracy.
Pump laser alignment services
At Fixturlaser's North American distributor for the USA, VibrAlign provides a range of on-site condition monitoring services, including pump alignment. VibrAlign engineers and technicians have extensive training and experience in alignment of horizontally and vertically mounted pumps and drives in a variety of industrial applications.
For further information regarding pump alignment
VibrAlign can assist a company on pump alignment as well as all other motor-alignment applications. For further information on laser alignment systems, to request a product brochure, or to schedule onsite alignment of plant machinery please ››contact VibrAlign at 800-394-3279 or info@vibralign.com.
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