Shaft Alignment – Rim and Face Method

Is the correct alignment of rotating equipment a critical reliability factor in your plant? Would improved or refreshed skills in rim and face shaft alignment methods help with maintenance team confidence and performance?

Who should attend?

Plant mechanics, millwrights and maintenance engineers are responsible for the health and reliability of rotating equipment. In this course, participants will learn how to accurately align direct coupled machine shafts.

This 2-day course begins with the fundamental principles behind shaft to shaft alignment and concludes with students conducting a series of alignment exercises using conventional alignment tools. Two methods will be covered: straight edge alignment, and rim and face alignment. The course is taught hands-on with standard alignment tools, demonstration models, and simulation software.

Learn How To:

  • Explain the costly effects of misalignment
  • Identify the symptoms of misaligned rotating equipment
  • Diagnose and solve soft foot and eccentric runout problems
  • Set up dial indicators for rim and face alignment work
  • Take accurate alignment readings and measurements
  • Use simple graphing and formulas to analyze the readings taken
  • Make changed to vertical shims taking thermal growth offsets into account
  • Complete successful horizontal moves and confirm final alignment

WHY ALIGN?

Objective: List consequences from failure to align

Activity: Identify machine components that have failed due to misalignment

Make a notable contribution to coupling, bearing and seal life! Minimize vibration and energy consumption!

ALIGNMENT THEORY

Objective: Describe the common types of shaft misalignment

Activity: Identify parallel offset and angularity

Use simple alignment math and graphs! Take thermal offset into account!

PREPARING FOR ALIGNMENT

Objective: List steps to prepare for a shaft re-alignment

Activity: Use feeler gauges and dial indicators to test for irregular machine status

Review recent maintenance records for valuable clues and begin safe lockout procedures

MEASURING SOFT FOOT

Objective: Detect and correct soft foot conditions

Activity: Use magnetic base with dial indicator

Learn when and when not to correct foot

DETECTING RUNOUT

Objective: Detect shaft and coupling runout conditions

Activity: Use magnetic base with dial indicator

Can you proceed with alignment when there is shaft/coupling runout

STRAIGHT EDGE TECHNIQUES

Objective:Use basic tools to achieve rough alignment

Activity: Complete a hands-on rough alignment using straight edge techniques

Put feeler gauges, vernier callipers and straight edges to good use to achieve initial roughed-in shimming and horizontal alignment

RIM AND FACE INSTRUMENTS

Objective:Setup brackets and dials for rim and face alignment

Activity: Use the instruments on hand at your plant to take measurements

Setup brackets and indicators, correct for bar sag

RIM AND FACE DIAL TECHNIQUES

Objective:Demonstrate correct rim and face alignment routines

Activity: Complete two computer simulated and two hands-on alignment jobs

Take and record accurate measurements and make vertical and horizontal moves

HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL MOVES

Objective:Shim and make horizontal moves

Activity:Use shims and dials for both horizontal and vertical moves

Do you shim for vertical moves first, or make horizontal moves first?

ALIGNMENT TASK - DATA SHEET

Objective:Record and track data on a job aid

Activity:Calculate and plot offsets for bang-on verification

A supply of these 11" x 17" sheets will help with accurate jobs

LAMINATED POCKET CARD

Keep hints and pointers handy