Vertical Alignment commonly refers to either: -
- The alignment of rotating shafts in horizontally mounted machines, with alignment corrections made in the vertical plane via the process of shimming beneath the machines feet to reduce either angular or offset misalignment.
- The alignment of rotating shafts in vertically mounted machines.
- The alignment of machines and structures which require precision geometrical vertical positioning due to their high-performance application.
Vertical Alignment - Vertically Mounted Machines
Vertical machines are normally mounted with bolts on a flange instead of feet, which make the calculation of the correction values for shaft alignment different from horizontal machines. The bolts may differ in numbers and are situated on a circle around the flange.
Measurement and Alignment of vertically mounted machines should be accomplished using a Laser Shaft Alignment system to ensure precision alignment of shafts, coupling and machines
Vertical Alignment - Geometric Measurement and Alignment of Machines and Structures
Objects which require high-precision alignment and positioning such as Machine Tables, Machine Guides, Rollers etc should be aligned using a laser based measurement system to ensure a high level of accuracy can be achieved for installation.
Industrial Applications for Vertical Alignment
- Pumps
- Motors
- Generators
- Fans
- Gearboxes
- Turbines
- Refiners
- Debarking drums
- Digesters
- Filters
- High and low pressure feeders
- Vacuum pumps
- Conveyers
- Chipper drives
- Chemical recovery
- Aerator drives
Vertical Alignment Systems
The Fixturlaser XA is a powerful system for precision laser alignment of shafts in vertically mounted machines. Features including: colour LCD touch screen, onscreen animations, Bluetooth data transfer, large detector areas, line laser technology and live onscreen measurements - combine to offer the most sophisticated and user-friendly vertical alignment system currently available.
The Fixturlaser GO systems puts precision alignment of vertically mounted machine shafts in the reach of most maintenance and engineering budgets, enabling technicians to quickly, easily and precisely conduct alignment checks and corrections.
The Fixturlaser GEO system provides precision geometrical alignment of machines, structures and plant items. The GEO system offers laser alignment across one or two axes.
Why Precision Vertical Alignment is Necessary
Misaligned machines result in vibrations and premature wear of bearings, seals and couplings. Machines with rotating shafts are designed to run under optimal conditions. Misalignment will lead to harmful forces, deteriorating the machines' performance.
How is Vertical Misalignment recognised?
- Premature bearing, seal and coupling failure
- Excessive radial and axial vibrations
- High casing temperature at the bearings, or nearby them, or high oil temperature
- High coupling temperature
- Oil leakage at the bearing seals
- Loose or broken foundation bolts and/or coupling bolts
Benefits of Precision Vertical Alignment:
- Reduced vibration levels
- Increased meantime between failures
- Reduced maintenance costs
- Reduced energy consumption
- Increased production quantity and quality
Misaligned machines contribute to huge costs in repair and production loss every year. By introducing preventive maintenance, including regular alignment control, you minimise the number of unplanned stops due to machine breakdowns.
