We'd like to track vertical thermal growth on a 2200 HP motor driving a Primary air fan. I've used a few different laser shaft alignment set ups to track thermal growth previously. I just mounted one head on a reference point and the other head on the hot component, and pumped in dimensions of the "feet" at the heads. I seem to recall some kits even have a "dial indicator" mode.

The plant has a rotalign Pro. The literature describes using special brackets to measure 2D straightness of machine ways, etc. The alignment specialist believes their kit can not be used to track relative motion of fixed points, which is how I'd check thermal growth differences between the motor and fan bearing housings.

Anybody have experience using the basic Rotalign pro to track thermal growth?

Thanks,

Dan T

Dan,

Basic kit no, I don't believe you can.
You can if they have purchased the software modules.
I don't think you can set it up with just the transmitter and receiver without the software, such as straighteness.
However, I haven't tried it. Just in my mind don't think it will be possible.

Dave

2200 HP! An across the coupling method isn't adequate on large turbo machinery. You need to monitor each bearing point. Now if you're planning on that approach via laser, then OK. I've done it but it's more difficult and expensive; especially over the Acculign system or optics.

Then again; a simple system with mirrors and laser can be done in the right environment. I've done this method as well with good results.

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

I think this is what you need:

http://www.pruftechnik.com/index.php?id=672&tx_bgmprodb...327&cHash=99107b4e87

I hope it helps you

http://www.pruftechnik.com/fileadmin/user_upload/COM/Ma...cementmonitoring.pdf

Link to service flyer. The across the coupling method is not adequate except for small rigid machines.

Fixed locations monitoring all bearings provide thermal growth. One can also monitor piping, base, supports, etc...

Our refining facility has used the M3 bracketry system in conjunction with the Rotalign Ultra from Ludeca for cold to hot and hot to cold thermal offsets on our major sleeve bearing machinery.
There is a fairly involved setup procedure, but the concept seems to work satisfactory for us.
Ludeca informed me that this procedure is pretty much how the concept works for their permalign systems, with the exception that no live trending graphics history can be recorded.
If anyone else has had experience or opinions on this system type please respond.
I believe Vibralign also has a similir bracketry system called 02LR.