 Alignment Coupling
Alignment coupling is about making powerful connections.
Coupling Alignment Connectors
When two shafts join for the purpose of transmitting power, they come together by way of a coupling. Couplings connect motors to pumps, to gearboxes, to fans, to compressors, to turbines, and a host of or machines that require power by means of a rotating shaft.
For a coupling to be in alignment, its two shafts must rotate on the same centerline. In this condition the coupling enables a smooth and efficient transmission of power from the powered-shaft to the shaft being powered.
What happens when couplings misalign
A misaligned machine generates harmful forces across the point of power transmission. Higher than normal vibration is the result - and it can bring about all of the following.
The three most typical couplings that require alignment
In a rigid coupling, the two rigid shaft-faces bolt directly together to form the connection. When very precise alignment is called for, rigid couplings are most often the choice.
- Flexible or flexi-couplings
Flexible couplings reduce the shock-impact of rotating shafts at startup. But it's a mistake to believe that these couplings do not require precision alignment; they do. While their inherent flexibility accommodates slight misalignment better, flexible couplings are in no way immune to the harmful vibrations of misalignment. The coupling and shafts still need to be correctly aligned along the shafts' rotational centerline to avoid the vibration-induced problems that cause breakdowns.
A spacer-shaft coupling, as its name implies, has a spacer shaft in the coupling, often with a flexible membrane at each end. In effect, this arrangement introduces an extra pivot point into the coupling. As such, this coupling type requires careful attention during alignment.
Performing coupling alignments in the field
Conventional methods of coupling alignment, such as the rim and face method, rely on machined faces and rims for precision. An error in flatness or concentricity makes accuracy difficult. But couplings and shafts can be expertly aligned in the field every time through use of a state-of-the-art ››laser shaft alignment system, such as the ››Fixturlaser GO or ››Fixturlaser XA systems available from VibrAlign, the North American distributor for the USA for all Fixturlaser systems.
Fixturlaser GO Laser Shaft Alignment System
Rugged, compact and ideal for use by maintenance technicians, the Fixturlaser GO system does fast and precise alignment checks for horizontal and vertically mounted plant machinery. Its easy-to-comprehend graphic interface and line laser with large CCD detector surfaces enable highly accurate measurements. The system comes with software for horizontal and ››vertical shaft alignment, Softfoot compensation, and pre-defined target values for thermal expansion. A memory manager organizes results in files and folders.
Fixturlaser XA Laser Shaft Alignment System
With its 3D color animations and express results, the Fixturlaser XA system gives its user a jump-start on alignment. It depicts the entire alignment process step-by-step, using figures and arrows to show the measurement results and any corrections needed for alignment. Fixturlaser XA's wireless function allows freedom of movement when couplings are measured in one place and alignment adjustments are made in another. In its express mode it registers three measurement points automatically for faster measurement and alignment. An optional spacer-shaft coupling program facilitates perfect alignment of shafts and spacer couplings. Fixturlaser XA requires no alignment expertise to use correctly.
Further Information regarding coupling alignment
VibrAlign engineers and technicians provide onsite alignment services for virtually every industry and are trained and experienced in all types of coupling connections. For further information on coupling alignment, or to request a system or product brochure or onsite alignment of coupled plant machinery, please ››contact VibrAlign at 800-394-3279 or info@vibralign.com.
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