Best Practices for Prealignment and Final Alignment of Centrifugal Pumps During Construction Stage

Question:

Hello, Is it acceptable to have the prealignment out of tolerance for a centrifugal pump during the construction stage, with the assurance from the contractor that they will adjust the readings within tolerance during the final alignment? What are the recommended practices for both prealignment and final alignment of centrifugal pumps?

Top Replies

Hello Vikramdeeps, I advise against accepting the equipment in this scenario. For instance, if you are unable to remove 3 mm from the base structure of a motor connected to a pump due to various reasons such as piping or cement obstacles, what would you do? In such cases, it is best not to accept the equipment, or only do so under very specific circumstances. Each situation should be evaluated individually, rather than making a general decision. It is important to ensure that any issues can be easily fixed during the final alignment process. Thank you.

While it may not seem like a big deal initially, it's actually quite crucial to ensure prealignment is within tolerance, even during the construction stage of a centrifugal pump. This can save both time and resources in the long run. Poor prealignment can cause adverse effects such as increased vibration, reduced efficiency, and, in extreme cases, can lead to pump failure. So it's generally recommended to adhere to the tolerances set by the Pump Manufacturer or the alignment equipment company in both prealignment and final alignment. Although the final alignment is vital, performing a good prealignment can make the final alignment a lot easier.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: FAQs:

Answer: 1. Is it acceptable to have the prealignment out of tolerance for a centrifugal pump during the construction stage? - It is generally not recommended to have the prealignment out of tolerance, as it can lead to issues during operation. It's best to aim for accurate prealignment to ensure smoother final alignment.

FAQ: 2. Should I rely on the contractor to adjust the readings within tolerance during the final alignment?

Answer: - While contractors can assist with final alignment, it's crucial to monitor the prealignment closely to minimize the margin of error and ensure that adjustments during final alignment are minimal.

FAQ: 3. What are the recommended practices for prealignment of centrifugal pumps?

Answer: - Recommended practices for prealignment include using precision tools, following manufacturer guidelines, checking for soft foot, and ensuring proper baseplate installation to achieve accurate initial alignment.

FAQ: 4. What are the best practices for final alignment of centrifugal pumps?

Answer: - Best practices for final alignment involve using laser alignment tools, adjusting shims as needed, checking for thermal growth, verifying alignment in multiple planes, and conducting a final runout check to ensure optimal pump performance.

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