Page 1
Machine Alignment
For Maintenance Personnel in
Drinking Water and Wastewater
Facilities
Page 2
In-Line is On-Line
• Multiplied by misalignment:
–Vibration
–Wear
–Energy Usage
• Proper Alignment Increases Reliability
Page 3
Geometry of Alignment
• Parallel, – Side to Side
• Elevation, – Up & Down
• Axial – Face to Face Angle
Page 4
Geometry of Alignment
Page 5
Parallel Misalignment
Page 6
Angular Misalignment
Angular Offset, Horizontal or Vertical
Page 8
Special Circumstances
of Alignment
• Installation anomalies
• Thermal Growth
• Soft Foot
Page 9
Installation anomalies
–Foundation Level and Plumb?
–Anchor bolts solid?
–Grout
Page 10
Common Base Design,
Up To 500HP
Page 11
Common Base Design,
Up To 500HP
Page 12
Common Base Design
Between 500HP & 1000HP
It is more common to see machines
attached directly to the flanges of I-
Beams mounted cross-frame,
Rather than using plate
Page 14
Soft Foot Problems
• Interferes with repeatability of
positioning during the alignment
process
• Flexing of motor or gearbox changes
internal clearances
– Bearing wear
– Seal wear
Page 17
Special Circumstances
of Alignment
• Simple Driver & Machine
– Motor and pump
Page 18
Special Circumstances
of Alignment
• Offset Mounting Alignment
– Universal joint drive shafts(Cardan
shafts)
Page 19
Special Circumstances
of Alignment
• Equipment Trains
– Motor, gearbox, driven shaft
Page 20
Special Circumstances
of Alignment
• Deciding which equipment to move.
– Default is the motor
– Anything with piping is complicated to
move
Page 21
Special Circumstances
of Alignment
•Fans:
–Long shafts
–Where is the weight?
Page 22
Special Circumstances
of Alignment
Page 23
Special Circumstances
of Alignment
Page 24
Alignment Equipment
• Mechanical
– Dial Indicators
Page 26
Alignment Equipment
• Mechanical – Feeler Gauges
– Straight Edge
Page 27
Alignment Equipment
• Laser Alignment
Page 28
Methods of Alignment
• Face & Rim
Page 29
Methods of Alignment
Reverse
Dial
Indicator
Page 30
The Wrap-Up
• Good Foundation
• Plumb & Level
• Geometry
– Angular & Parallel
– Thermal Adjustment
• Soft Foot
• Special Circumstances
• Equipment & Method