aligning pumps
aligning pumps
(OP)
Hi All, we have a very old mather & platt 6 stage centifugal pump ( from 1946 )that runs at 3000 rpm, the medium is aviation fuel and the pump is driven by an electric motor the other side of a blast wall. Inbetween the pump and motor is a jackshaft supported either side of the wall by a pedestal containing a roller bearing. The pump has been out for refurb. and is now going back in, the jackshaft has been out and had new bearings, now do i line the motor coupling to jackshaft coupling then jackshaft to pump, or leave jackshaft out and line the pump and motor then add jackshaft? . . . . any advice would be welcome, ...... Harry





RE: aligning pumps
Johnny Pellin
RE: aligning pumps
RE: aligning pumps
Some pictures might help but what I would is put the pump back complete with jack shaft and without completely tightening the pump down I would put a clock at motor and pump end and then turn them be hand if that's possible.
I would them move the pump so that the readings on both clocks was as close to zero as possible.
“Do not worry about your problems with mathematics, I assure you mine are far greater.” Albert Einstein
RE: aligning pumps
Although many couplings are designed to allow for a large amount of misalignment, the equipment attached to the couplings are not. I would not use the alignment tolerances (allowed misalignment) associated with the couplings.
Alignment tolerances are generally related to operating speed and the type of coupling (short, spacer, etc.).
Sites like www.ludeca.com or www.vibralign.com have plenty of relevant information.
RE: aligning pumps
I have a nasty feeling I've seen this pump house, but maybe it was a similar one. Pity you didn't just replace the motor and pump and knock the wall down....
I would try and line up the pump and motor first by laser level / dial gauges the fit the shaft.
If that is not possible start with the item most fixed (probably the pump and work away from there.
Will be some iterative adjustments as the connections get added.
Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.
RE: aligning pumps
RE: aligning pumps
Otherwise you could easily run out of adjustment room on either the pump, motor or the pedastal bearing.
Fix the two big things which don't move level in all axes then connect the shaft.
Better still knock the wall down and fit a modern motor and pump able to stand zone 1 on a single skid....
Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.