Pump-Motor Shaft Alignment Procedure.

 Pump-Motor Shaft Alignment Procedure.

Pump and motor shaft alignment ensures the rotational axes of the pump and motor are perfectly aligned, preventing excessive wear and vibration. The process involves measuring misalignment using tools like dial indicators or laser alignment systems, then making adjustments to the pump or motor base to achieve alignment. This usually involves adding or removing shims, adjusting jackscrews, or using other methods to move the pump or motor into the correct position.

A. Detailed Steps:

1. Prepare the Equipment:
Ensure the pump and motor are properly supported and the coupling is accessible. Clean the coupling faces and remove any debris.

2. Check for Soft Foot:
Identify and correct any unevenness in the pump or motor base, also known as soft foot, using shims or other methods.

3. Measure Misalignment:
Use a chosen alignment method (e.g., dial indicators, laser alignment) to measure the initial misalignment.

4. Make Adjustments:
Adjust the position of the pump or motor by shimming, moving the motor, or using jackscrews.

5. Re-measure and Verify:
After adjustments, re-measure the alignment to ensure it is within acceptable tolerances.

6. Secure the Coupling:
Once the alignment is verified, securely tighten the coupling bolts.

7. Final Check:
Perform a final check to confirm that the alignment has been achieved.

8. Maintenance:
Regularly monitor the machinery for signs of misalignment, such as increased vibration or noise.

B. Methods of Measurement:

1. Dial Indicators:
Dial indicators are used to measure radial and axial movement of the shafts, requiring mounting on the pump and motor shafts.

2. Laser Alignment:
Laser alignment systems use lasers and sensors to precisely measure alignment, providing guidance on how to relocate and position the motor.

3. Straight Edge Alignment:
This method involves placing a straight edge across the coupling faces to check for parallelism.

4. Rim-Face Dial Indicator Alignment:
This method involves using dial indicators mounted on the coupling faces to measure alignment.

C. Important Considerations:

1. Thermal Expansion:
Alignment should be verified after the machinery has operated under normal conditions, as thermal expansion can cause components to misalign.

2. Coupling Type:
Rigid couplings require more precise alignment than flexible couplings.

3. Sequence of Adjustments:
When using laser alignment, the order of adjustments (vertical, horizontal, and angular alignment) is important to avoid re-work.

4. Soft Foot:
Correcting soft foot is a crucial step in the alignment process to ensure proper support of the pump and motor.