Total Alignment Can Reduce Maintenance And Increase Reliability

Abstract

There are several acceptable alignment methods presently available. Despite their diversity, one common thread of agreement is noted. That is, maximum machine life and optimum runs will not be attained unless the machines’ shafts are essentially collinear at service conditions. The method covered in this paper is the DynAlign Bars (Dodd Bars). These bars are manufactured and marketed under a license granted by Chevron Research Company, U.S. Patent No. 3,783,522. The bars provide a direct method for attaining accurate shaft alignment at equilibrium (normal running) conditions and for continuous tracking to ensure that alignment is maintained during actual operation. The bars make it possible to measure and compensate for the thermal “growth” that occurs in equipment from the cold state to normal operating conditions.