How is the coupling of a pump aligned?
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Recently, a new batch of centrifugal pumps has arrived at the company and needs to be installed; coupling alignment is required. I would like to learn how to align couplings, so I’m asking those who know more to share some information with me.
Open the coupling guard and touch the area around the coupling gap with your hand to check whether it is flat. Then loosen the bolts that connect the pump head section, the motor section, and the base. Gently tap the coupling with a copper rod or something else to align it. Then tighten the bolts that connect the pump head and motor section to the base. I don’t have any relevant information, so I’ll share my own experience in aligning couplings.
The type of coupling determines the required alignment precision; for small pumps, a straight edge is used to ensure levelness.
It’s mainly experience; I hope the next 2 pictures can help you
Thank you. Is there no special tool? I searched on Baidu – aren’t there things like dial indicators?
Special tools also depend on whether the on-site conditions are suitable
A dial indicator can be used to check the coaxiality of the coupling as well as the parallelism of its cross-section; by using the dial indicator, it is possible to measure the axial and radial deviations of the coupling
Common alignment tools include the first type, which consists of a straight edge and feeler gauges (very simple and suitable for applications with low requirements); the second type uses a dial indicator along with an indicator stand (single-indicator, dual-indicator, or triple-indicator methods); the third type makes use of laser alignment devices such as those from SKF. The latter two are used in applications that require precision.
Small pumps generally have rigid connections, making it difficult to use a dial indicator; measuring them can be done directly with a straight edge and feeler gauge.