Vertical Pump Soleplate
Vertical Pump Soleplate
(OP)
We have an old soleplate that has corroded pretty bad and is out-of-level. Readings show about 0.020" per foot out of level. We don't have time to set a new soleplate or machine the existing one. Has anyone out there every shimmed under a vertical pump discharge head (wet pit pump) to correct for out-of-level baseplate? Any issues with this?





RE: Vertical Pump Soleplate
htt
RE: Vertical Pump Soleplate
Might be a self-leveling compound you can apply to the top of the soleplate, but not aware of anything commercially available for that appliction. Some epoxy might be suitable?
Typical tolerance is not more than 0.002" / linear foot. If it is a short, enclosed impeller then you can maybe get away with worse. Long, open or semi-open impeller, you need to be pretty level or risk impeller contacting liner.
RE: Vertical Pump Soleplate
RE: Vertical Pump Soleplate
ht
htt
RE: Vertical Pump Soleplate
My question is should we try to level the discharge head with shims (of course monitor vibes afterwards) or leave it out-of-level? Has anyone out there ever shimmed beneath a large vertical pump between the grouted-in baseplate and discharge head?
RE: Vertical Pump Soleplate
RE: Vertical Pump Soleplate
It doesn't sound good but if it's not creating a problem today or you have any data suggesting you are stressing the problem, you might be able not to do anything.
RE: Vertical Pump Soleplate
RE: Vertical Pump Soleplate
Not being level, the bottom of the pump (bowl assy) will be at a slight angle from vertical. It will want to hang straight down, so there will be some bending, and your wear rings are very likely to rub.
The concern with shims and natural frequency will cause some vibration at worst, but possibly no issues at all. I'd take that over an almost guaranteed wear ring rub on a fresh refurb.
Of course, neither is ideal, but if we only went with ideal, we wouldn't get a whole lot accomplished.
RE: Vertical Pump Soleplate
There are many "vertical" pumps installed throughout the world in sloping installations and provided the pump is properly supported so as the pump column is straight where is no problem with shaft deflections, or casing / impeller rubbing.
The original question was about shimming under discharge head to bring the pump back to vertical but without more information ie, drawing or photo there is really no definite answer although this is or could be normal practice in many installations.
So, lets see a photo / drawing / sketch and then maybe you will get a meaningful answer.
It is a capital mistake to theorise before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts. (Sherlock Holmes - A Scandal in Bohemia.)
RE: Vertical Pump Soleplate
If you place supports under the whole base of the head you should have no proplems.
RE: Vertical Pump Soleplate