ALIGNMENT OF SHAFT BY DIAL INDICATOR
*follow all safety rules and procedures
Step 2 : Learn about the machine you are aligning.
2. 1. Visually check coupling, pipe
hangers, base bolts, coupling spacing etc.
2. 2. Check for coupling & shaft run
out.
Step 3 : Know the characteristics of your tool. Perform a Sag Check
3. 1.
A
sag check is a test that determines the amount an indicator bracket will sag at
a given distance.
3. 2.
How
to perform a sag check:
Clamp the brackets on a sturdy piece of pipe the same distance they will be when placed on the equipment. Zero both indicators on top, and then rotate to the bottom. The difference between the top and bottom reading is the sag.
Clamp the brackets on a sturdy piece of pipe the same distance they will be when placed on the equipment. Zero both indicators on top, and then rotate to the bottom. The difference between the top and bottom reading is the sag.
3. 3.
Sag
will always have a negative value, so when allowing for sag on the vertical
move always start the dial indicator with a plus(+) reading. For example
if you have .002" sag; when you zero your indicators on top put the needle
on a +2 instead of zero to compensate for the sag.
Step 4 : Prepare the machine.
4.1. Remove all existing shims from under the feet
-if old shims are to be used, clean them thoroughly.
-always use minimum amount of shims.
4.2. Clean the base thoroughly.
-scrape and file away all rust, nicks, and burrs
4.3. Examine the base bolts and holes.
-re-tap if necessary
-replace bolts if necessary
Step 5 : Clean mounting surface, file off nicks and burrs.
5.1 Check indicators for sticking and loose
needle.
5.2 Aim indicator stem directly toward center line of shaft.
5.2 Aim indicator stem directly toward center line of shaft.
Step 6 : Measurement
6. 1.
Measure
distance between the two indicators.
6. 2.
Measure
distance between indicator and front feet.
6. 3.
Measure
distance between front and back feet.
Step 7 : Layout graph paper
7. 1.
Mark
indicator position
7. 2.
Mark
feet position.
7. 3.
Remember
to mark + and - signs (this eliminates confusion)
example:
graph layout
Step 8 : Preliminary Horizontal Move
The horizontal
move is the part of the alignment process that aligns the shaft's centerlines
from side to side. View the machine from the pump end, zero the
indicators on the left, and then rotate and read on the right. Make sure
that you always view the pump from the same direction in order for you to keep
the left and right directions correct. There is no sag compensation on the
horizontal move.
For Example:
the indicator on the pump reads -8
the indicator on the motor reads +10
the indicator on the motor reads +10
The shafts are collinear at 1/2 the Total Indicator Reading.
Using graph paper
to illustrate the position. Under the indicator position mark the point
that is 1/2 the indicator reading. (-4 for the pump and +5 for the
motor) Connect these points and extend the line
past the motors feet. This will show you how much you need to move the
motor for horizontal alignment.
These indicator readings mean that
you need to move the motor:
front foot .006" left
back foot .007" left
front foot .006" left
back foot .007" left
You
can avoid graphing the horizontal move by zeroing the indicators on the left
and rotate them to right. Now turn the indicator needles half way to zero
and begin to walk the motor into place by moving the farthest foot toward zero
and then the nearest foot. Slowly walk the motor into place by
alternating the moves until you obtain two zero indicator readings.
Now
begin the procedure for the vertical move. Be sure to check your
equipment for sag and soft foot.
Step 9 : Check for Soft Foot
Soft foot is a condition in which one of the feet does not
sit flat on the base. The foot or the base may have been warped.
When you tighten the bolt on the foot, the machinery will distort.
How to check for Soft Foot
1. Move indicators
to 12 o'clock position, depress indicators and then zero.
2. Loosen one base
bolt. If indicator moves away form zero, place the amount of shims that
will slide under that foot. Retighten bolt and make sure the dial indicator
needle does not move.
3. Repeat this
procedure for the remaining feet.
Step 10 : Perform Vertical Move
The vertical move
is the part of the alignment process that aligns the two shaft's centerlines
into their proper up and down position. Usually you will have to add or
remove shims in this step. The indicators are zeroed on the top and read
at the bottom. (start with a plus + reading if you need to compensate for
sag)
Example:
the indicator on the pump reads -12
the indicator on the motor reads +8
the indicator on the pump reads -12
the indicator on the motor reads +8
This means that
the shafts are one half the total indicator reading from being collinear at
these points.
Using a square grid graph paper to
illustrate the position. Under the indicator position mark the point that
is half the indicator reading. ( -6 for pump side indicator and +4 for
the motor side indicator) Connect these two points with a line and then
continue the line past the lines representing the feet on the motor. The
graph now shows that the front foot needs to have a .003" shim added and
the back foot needs to have a .001" shim added.
Now with your shims in place. Tighten all bolts and
take and check your readings. If the readings are within tolerance than
your equipment should be aligned.
Step 11 : Tighten all bolts and recheck indicator
readings.
Step 12 ; Remove alignment brackets.
The more you become familiar with
these steps the faster you will be able to align your machinery.
Compiled by : Jelantik