Have you seen the latest in low cost alignment systems brought to you by a major pump manufacturer?

Danny,

If we are to believe all that is stated in another posting, then this method should be fine. It certainly is less expensive compared to dial indicators and plotting tools or the fancy laser systems! We only need a tag (must be strainght), a wedge, and nickel to check the vibrations when we are finished with the alignment (or should we now say misalignment). If these are the only "tools" left on the island (thinking Lost TV show), then why not use them?

Walt

To improve accuracy, replace the tag with a water level.

Where did you get the picture, Danny?

This is not unlike many turbine generators with rigid couplings are still aligned, too big to rotate shafts (there are alternatives.).

Parallels, micrometers and their use on large un-rotatable (it's a word) machines is effect if care is taken when measuring.

Adjustable parallels can be used between air gaps and mic-ed as well as inside micrometers utilized where applicable. The use of gage blocks and parallels used to be common and thier accuracy within all run-out tolerances. A skilled tech can measure to ~0.001" with feeler gages.

There is no one shoe that fits all feet! It's the skilled and knowledgable tech that does alignment; not the computer or laser or indicator.

As Danny points out the describe method is limited to a type of condition and isn't inclusive of various methods.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Sam Pickens,

Who is this pump manufacturer?Iwish to contact the manufacturer/visit their website to learn more details.
Simon Peter

Walt,

It doesn't say anything about the edge having to be straight.

Josh,

I scanned the tag that I picked up after it fell off the pump.

Sam,

I performed many alignments with a piece of keystock and a feeler gauge. I really don't know how successful I was since it was assembly of drive packages that I never saw installed.

Simon Peter,

The manufacturer is Paco Pumps. Remember that the information they supply on this tag is not incorrect, just old and oversimplified.

It's kinda neat to have gone behind some of the old GE tech reps and check their work. 30 yrs ago they'd use parallels and mics and feeler gages and be very slow and methodical. Their method and calculations are/were the same we use today - their results were really good as you didn't have to deal with SAG (gravity). Shoot in the machine's shim pack optically or with electronic levels so that mass vs stiffness wasn't an issue and they perform excellent alignment. I've checked behind them and shot optically and would be shocked at their accuracy.

What I saw as a major problem was: information wasn't generally shared back then as their knowledge was job security. So some reps fudged as much as they could get away with and say, "it's under warranty" and pass it off.

Generally I use indicators as they are quick, simple and accurate. Other times the laser is more convenient and saves you from fabricating a bracket setup. Most always indicators are better on long spacer coupling alignment and cooling towers - I've done three this week.

Alignment using the straight edge is used in this O&M manual page 12:

http://www.paco-pumps.com/Catalog/ViewProdDoc.asp?State...es%20C%20IOM%20C1d.1

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Josh,