Generator alignment: The Best tutorial for Engineers in 24

Generator Alignment procedures

In order to increase the efficiency of your generator, it is necessary to align the generators. This is done through the use of alignment procedures. generator alignment procedures can improve the performance of your generator and help to reduce the downtime. By understanding the procedures and using them correctly, you can increase the efficiency of your generator.There are many different Generator alignment procedures. The aim of this blog post is to help the students to understand the different Generator alignment procedures and to help them to use the procedures in a successful manner. By understanding the procedures, the students can create a better Generator alignment system.

Generator alignment procedures will be useful to the readers. Proper alignment of a machine can save a huge amount of money. Misalignment can cause serious problems in a mchine.

Engineers should leran the correct alignment technique.
 
We will discuss the following topics.
  1. Types of coupling
  2. Type of Misalignments,
  3. Symptoms of misalignments,
  4. Results of misalignments,
  5. Methods of alignment checks.
 

Types of coupling

Rigid coupling

Generator alignment procedures
Image credit:- http://www.ijirset.com/

In rigid coupling, axial or radial motion is not provided between the driven and driving shaft. A rigid coupling has two flanges mounted on each shaft. In rigid coupling, the alignment should be exact to prevent considerable wear of bearing and seals. The alignment process is simple and easy compared to flexible coupling.

Flexible coupling

Flexible coupling
Image credit:- VULCAN RATO-R Couplings

The flexible coupling transmits torque from the driving end of the shaft to the driven end with the acceptance of slight misalignment. Misalignment in flexible coupling is expressed in thousands of inches or microns as an order of magnitude.The flexible coupling is designed to accommodate slight misalignment between the shafts and absorption of vibration and shocks. Flexible couplings are expensive as compared to rigid couplings.

Sleeve or muff coupling

Sleeve or Muff coupling
Image credit:- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GipA7vim3Mw

Sleeve/Muff coupling is a rigid coupling with a simple design; in this type of coupling, a hollow cylinder is known as a female end, and a shaft end with a similar diameter is known as a male end. Coupling is fitted at the end of two shafts with t help of the gib head key. Power transmission between one shaft to another shaft takes place through a sleeve/ muff and a key.

Split muff coupling

Split Muff Coupling
Image credit:- https://grabcad.com/library/split-muff-coupling-1

Split muff or compression coupling is also known as Clamp coupling. This coupling is designed in two halves and divided parallel to the plane through the axis of the shaft. Two halves of the muffs are joined together with the help of bolts placed in the recesses.

The best advantage of this coupling is that the coupling can be assembled or disassembled without disturbing the shaft position. This type of coupling is suitable for medium to heavy-duty loads with medium speed.

Flange coupling

flange coupling
Image credit:- https://coalhandlingplants.com/flange-coupling/

Flange coupling has two separate flanges mounted and placed at both ends, held together with nuts and bolts. This coupling brings two end tubes together in a flushed seal manner. Flange couplings can transmit high torque, simple in design, easy to manufacture, and easy to assemble and disassemble.The inventor of flange coupling is Jerome Carden, who invented this coupling in the 16th century.

Gear coupling

Gear coupling
Image credit:- https://www.designworldonline.com/know-gear-couplings/

Gear couplings are used in mechanical transmission assemblies to connect driving and driven shafts with three-piece couplings.

 Gera coupling transmits the torque between two non-collinear shafts. The coupling has two flexible joints fixed at the end of each shaft and connected to a spindle shaft. Each joint of gear coupling has an internal/external gear pair with a 1:1 ratio. The outer diameter of the external gear and the tooth flank is designed to allow angular displacement between the two gears. Gears are equivalent to rotating splines with modified profiles. They are called gears because of the relatively large size of the teeth. Gear couplings are generally limited to angular misalignments of 4 to 5°.

Universal joint (Hooke’s joint)

Universal Coupling
Image credit:- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haqY7PXW8Vc

A universal joint is also known as a universal coupling that connects two rigid shafts with an inclined axis for transmitting the rotary motion. The inclination of the shafts will vary during the transmission of motion. Such couplings are popularly used for power transmission in rear-wheel drive vehicles.

Type of Misalignment

The shaft is the main object. Shaft alignment occurs when a machine couples with another machine.

The shaft is the main object of a machine. Shaft alignment occurs when a machine couples with another machine.

During the alignment, we align the centreline of the two shafts in a straight line. On all axes both the shafts should be parallel to each.

Any misalignment can lead to a catastrophic failure in a machine.
The misalignment will lead to the following abnormalities.
shaft alignment 300x215 1

Parallel Misalignment

Parallelism between two components 1
Parallel Misalignment

 Angular Misalignment

Angular
Parallel Misalignment

Results of Misalignment.

Misalignment can cause the sudden failure of a machine. In the light of experience i have observed the following major failures in a machine.

  1. Crankshaft bearing failure
  2. Break down of major components.
  3. Fatal to human beings.
  4. Increase in downtime causing loss of production.
  5. On board aship a breakdown due to the alignment can cause a huge loss to the shipping company.
  6. A breakdown in Diesel generator can cause the complete black out in industry and on ships.

Primary Symptoms of Misalignment

Befroe the catastrophic failure, machine will give the misalignment indications . It is necessary for the engineers to know the indications of misalignment by the machine. Listed below are the major initial symptoms.

  1. Vibration will be with heavy amplitude.
  2. Temperature of the body will be high.
  3. There will be frequent loosening of foundation and other bolts.
  4. Repeated breakage of bolts
  5. Oil / grease leakage from seals.
  6. Coupling failure will be very high.
  7. Bearings will get overheat.
  8. Frequent failure of bearings
  9. Overheating of components
  10. Unbalanced loads on machine
High percentage of machine damages is due to misalignment.
 
Pay attention to correct the alignment for the following benefits.
 
1) To reduce the budgets.
 
2) To prevent the sudden failures.
 
3) To cut the downtime.

Reason of Misalignment

There are several reasons for the machine needs alignment. Significant causes of misalignment are as below.

  1. A machine will need the re-alignment if there has been the removal of the machine for. After the repairs it is necessary to carry out the re-alignment.
  2. during the periodic checks, if the vibration level is more than the specified value.
  3. Due to the relative movement of the components due to the expansion(Thermal).
  4. If there is stress on the machine due to the system pipelines and cables of the Motor or Alternator.
  5. Reason of deformation in the foundation or the base frame of the engine or Alternator or pump.
  6. Wrong calculations of readings will also need the re-alignment.
  7. Inaccurate machining of the coupling bores will also need the re-alignment.

The operator should have the basic knowledge of type of alignment and procedures.

Methods of Alignment –

For the correct alignment, the proper procedure is an essential factor.
With the advancement of technologies, all the traditional methods of alignment. Are no more in practice. But for the rough alignment check, we still use the conventional procedures.
We are listing below the alignment procedures in use by Engineers and operators.
1) Visual inspection;- This procedure is a rough alignment procedure. The alignment with this procedure is not accurate. To carry out the alignment with this method, engineers should have a good experience.
2) Dial Indicator;- this is one of the best traditional alignment procedures. It was popular in Industries and onboard ships before the laser beam entrance.
3) Laser beam alignment procedures;- This is the best and accurate method. No chance of any error with this method. Very simple to use and predict the results without any manual calculations.

Laser Beam Shaft alignment

Laserbeam Shaft measuring tool
  1. Laser beam shaft alignment method is one of the latest best alignment methods. With this method we can get the accurate measurements. This method is very popular these days. There is reduction in breakdowns and better spares inventory control. advantages of this method are under.
  • Laser beams have no effect of vision, gravity or bracket sag
  • All the laser shaft tools have software to calculate accurate values. For the correction of alignment in both planes.
  • Carry out the measurement and correction of all other shaft alignment issues.
  • Always check the corecctness of soft foots.
  • Always maintain the records for the alignment readings.

Advantages of Laser beam shaft alignment -*

This method has many advantages over other alignment methods. We are listing below a few—benefits of this method.
1) Detection of a problem in the machine for the proactive maintenance schedule
2) To control the spares consumption.
3) Increase the machine life cycle due to a reduction in machine vibrations.
4) Reduced unplanned maintenance.
5) It is possible to achieve the alignment measurement up to 0.00254 mm without error.
6) Increase energy efficiency.
7) Laser shaft alignment technology meets the ISO 9001 need.

Comparison between Laser beam alignment and traditional alignment technology

Sr.No.Laser beam alignment TechnologyTraditional alignment technology
1Faster and easier to useIt takes time to adjustments and is complicated to use.
2Auto compensation of Thermal growth. Indicates the accurate alignmentComplicated calculations with the need of an experienced person for the calculations
3Setting up is done in friction of time with reliable resultsResults are not reliable due to the saggy and disturbed movement during the rotation of the shaft
4Record or measured reading is by instrumentsThe complicated manual calculation is not reliable
5Laser beam results will not change person to personMeasurement readings will change person to person.

Tools/Istruments of *a

Traditional alignment tools

  1. Dial Test gauge
  2. Thickness gauges
  3. Micrometers P
  4. Thermometer

Laser Beam Alignment tools

  1. We are listing below the important tools for the laser beam.
    1. Measuring instrument
    2. Display instrument.
    3. Shaft fittings with securing arrangements ( Chains)
    4. Chain tightening rod
    5. Extension rod
    6. Adapters for power supply
    7. Micro USB cables
    8. Measuring tape

Points to observe for Alignment

In carrying out the Alignment, we have to observe few points for accurate Alignment. We are listing below few critical points.
  1. Maintain the same reference points throughout the procedure.
  2. For the perfect correction of alignement, never change the referal points.

Basics of the alignment

We must understand the basics of alignment. While carrying out the alignment, there are two objects. These objects are the base of the alignment procedure.

  1. Movable Component: – is the Component that will be move during the alignment process. Generally, the Alternator is the movable Component. Since the Prime mover is not easy to move. Prime mover connects with all the Air, Fuel, and Lube Oil, Water, and Exhaust system.
  2. Fixed Component: – Prime Mover will be the Fixed Component. Shaft becomes the reference point, and prime mover remains a fixed Component

Pre-Alignment checks

  1. We have to carry out few activities before the final alignment. These activities fall in to the category of pre-alignment.
    1. Rough alignment
    2. Shaft run out
    3. Soft foot check and (r)
    4. Measure the distance between shaft ends
    5. Check and relieve the piping strains
    6. Tightening o foundation bolts

Coupling Arrangements

A coupling is a device to connect two shafts together at their ends to transmitting drive.
The design of the coupling supports the torque transmission. Coupling reduces the torsional vibrations.
The design of coupling depends upon the alternator design and type of rotor support.

Alter designs are of the following two types.

  1. Double bearing (T)
  2. Single bearing (T)

Double bearing Alternator

Double bearing Alternator alignment
Generator alignment procedures
 
This type of Alternator, rotor support is on both the drive and free end.
Alternators with high vibration levels use two bearing types support.
Transmission of drive between engine and Alternator is through flexible or rigid coupling.

Single bearing Design Alternator

Single Bearing Alternator min 300x127 1
In this type of design single bearing supports the shaft at non-drive end. Coupling of the engine and alternator shaft is through flexible disc. This type of arrangement is rigid but has axial flexibity.

Single bearing Alternator Alignment –

Carry out the following procedure for the alignment of a single bearing alternator.

  1. Tighten the coupling bolts in sequence with proper specified torque.
  2. Roughly check the Rotor and Stator of the Alternator air gap. Ensure the rotor pole is not fouling with the stator winding. To carry out this procedure, use the pass the light from one end and look from the opposite end.
  3. Put the Web deflection dial gauge at the no.1 web of the crankshaft. Rotate the engine and bring the Crankpin of the no.1 web to as close to BDC. The gauge should not touch or foul with the connecting rod.
  4. Set the needle to zero.
  5. Turn the engine in a clockwise direction to the starboard side.
  6. Register the reading
  7. Again turn the crankshaft to the TDC position of the cylinder.
  8. Register the readings
  9. Rotate the crankshaft to Portside and register the reading
  10. Rotate the crankshaft to 20 deg before the BDC of the Crankpin of the cylinder.
  11. Register the reading.
  12. Carry out the calculations as per the following

Generator alignment procedures

Alignment 2
Alignment readings
Double bearing

 

Alignment readings prediction

 
1. Plus reading difference between top and bottom indicates the Alternator is. high at the rear end. Lower the Alternator to correct the alignment.
 
2. Plus reading difference between top and bottom indicates the Alternator is. lower at the rear end. Raise the Alternator to correct the alignment.
 
3. Side reading difference will state the shafting of Alternator. from one side to another side.
 
4. After carrying out the alignment, take one more set of readings.
 
5. Enter the final readings in records of maintenance.
 
6. Check the alternator air gap, and the air gap should be uniform all over the circumference.
 
7. Check the distance at both ends of the bearings. Carry out the change by shifting the stator on either side.

Double Bearing rigid coupling Alignment –

Doubleshell bearing rigid coupling

Step-1 

Step
  1. Place the Alternator on the adjusting screws at the base frame. Maintain a distance of approximately 60 mm.
  2. Adjust the distance from the base frame to the rotor center till. the spigot on the alternator flange fits into the flywheel recess.
  3. Tighten the coupling bolts between at the specified torque.
  4. Adjust the axial position of the rotor in the alternator housing and. center it as per the dimensions punched on the casing.
  5. Mount the dial gauge on the drive end bearing housing and. check the concentricity of the rotor within the tolerance of +/- 0.15mm.

Step 2 

  1. Make the front bearing accessible.
  2. Loosen the adjusting screws at the front feet and. allow the front end of the alternator housing to rest on the rotor shaft.
  3. Raise the front end of the Alternator by adjusting screws to. provide the uniform clearance 0f 0.14 mm on each side of the axle. This clearance will center the shaft in the bearing till it has a clearance of 0.28 mm.
  4. Place the dial gauges on all the Alternator feet to know the. distance between the alternator feet and the base frame at all corners.
  5. Raise the back end of the Alternator till the achievement of -0.13 mm reding at the top and bottom of the last crank web.
  6. Check the alignment at the sides also and keep it equal.
  7. Check the clearance between front end bearing the shaft by top and bottom out leg.
  8. Carry out step 2 again if the front shaft is touching the bearing.

Step 3

After accomplishing alignment, raise the front bearing by. the change screws till the outlog on the last crank web is 0.00 to +/- 0.01 mm.

Step-4

(Generator alignment procedures)

  1. Carry out the change of the chokes below the alternator feet and. above and on top until surface contact establishes.
  2. Tighten the bolts at the feet of the Alternator to the specified torque.
  3. Carry out the final auto log on the lat crank web and maintain the dimension of 0.00 to +/- 0.02mm.

Laser Beam Generator alignment procedures

Necessary Checks before the Generator alignment procedures

  1. Isolate the system from external power source.
  2. Check the mounting surfaces
  3. Clean the rust and dust.
  4. Movable component soft foot check;- To avoid the false readings, check the soft foot check. Rectify the soft foot if any soft foot persists.

Alignment Steps (Generator alignment procedures)

    1. Attach Brackets;- Attach the brackets to the driven and drive shafts.
    2. Install Laser;- Install the Laser to the stationary and the movable ends.

      Alignment Check;-

    3. Enter the following inputs.
    • The dimension of the equipment
    • The location points of the Laser and receiver.
    1. Turn both the equipment 360 degrees.
    2. Note the reading and follow the steps for the correction of machine position.
    3. Re-check the alignment after the initial alignment
    4. Repeat the process till we get the correct alignment.

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Blog Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed our blog about the Generator alignment procedures. In this blog, we discussed what the Generator alignment procedures are and how to do them. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us by visiting http://sh057.global.temp.domains/~arinedie/contact-us/. Thank you for reading, we are always excited when one of our posts is able to provide useful information on a topic like this!

Good Luck!!

You may love to read our amazing post on : Diesel Engine Maintenance: The Best Overhauling Tips in 24

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