Aligning machines correctly using the real coupling target values can help lower the operating costs of rotating machines. Target values recommended by manufacturers do not always reflect the real machine centerline movements due to thermal growth, pipe strain and dynamic factors.
Ludeca's Rotalign Ultra Live Trend, a short-term continuous-monitoring application, can help accurately determine the relative positional changes between coupled machines during run-up or shut-down. It utilizes a 5-axis sensor to monitor continuously, in real time and simultaneously both the vertical and horizontal parallel and angular displacement of rotating machinery -- from cold to hot condition or vice versa. By applying these measured values, the machines can be precisely aligned to reflect normal operating conditions.
Potential benefits include lower energy costs through reduced power consumption; increased mechanical life of bearings, seals, shafts and couplings; reduced bearing and coupling temperatures; avoiding breaking or cracking of shafts; reduced vibration and increase of meantime between failures.