Reduce Rotating Machinery Breakdowns by Using SKF Shaft Alignment Tools

23 August 2022

To conduct key processes optimally, industries often turn to a wide array of machines. One type of machine that they often utilise is rotating machines.

Rotating machines have components that can use kinetic energy in moving fluids, gases, and other materials and vice versa. Some popular rotating machines industries often utilise include pumps, compressors, generators, blowers, gearboxes, turbines, and engines. All these rotating machines require regular upkeep to make them function optimally.

Of course, just like other machine types, these rotating machines can still break down due to prolonged usage. They can likewise become faulty if they have not been maintained effectively. Failure to align their shafts can also lead to total machine failure.

The Primary Benefits of Shaft Alignment

Rotating machines utilise shafts to transmit power from one component to another. These components are likewise used to generate power for machines that absorb power. Aligning these components within a tolerated margin is vital to make sure that they can work effectively. Their alignment can likewise minimise the breakdowns among machines and reduce premature wear and damage that often affect their systems.

There are more benefits associated with proper shaft alignment. For one, industrial plants can expect their rotating machines to work all the time. And with fully functional machines, they do not have to worry about their operations getting delayed. Another great thing about proper shaft alignment is they minimise the upkeep requirements. The lifespan of bearings, seals, and other system components can be extended through shaft alignment, alleviating the expenses often associated with maintenance, servicing, and even replacement.

Shaft alignment can also minimise leakage, overheating risk, lubricant consumption, vibration, noise level, and serious breakdowns.

Shaft Alignment with Laser Technology

Before, the alignment of shafts can only be done manually through dial gauges. One drawback of these tools is they require a lot of experience and complicated calculations before they can be utilised fully. Likewise, accuracy with manual shaft alignment can be messy, especially if their fixtures suddenly drop.

Laser technology, alternatively, provides better shaft alignment as it can provide an accurate measurement. It can also compensate for thermal growth automatically, provide a good alignment, and save plenty of resources. And no matter who takes the measurements, laser technology will always give the same results, which cannot be done by manual shaft alignment.

Maximising SKF Shaft Alignment Tools

In carrying out modern shaft alignment, industries would normally turn to SKF shaft alignment tools. SKF has developed a wide range of shaft alignment tools that industries can use during their alignment activities. The SKF TKSA 11, for instance, is a tool that can use smartphones and tablets to guide a user during the shaft alignment procedure. It features inductive proximity sensors that can align shafts without any issues.

The TKSA 31, alternatively, features an ergonomic display unit with a touch screen and a built-in machine library to make its functionality and data storage simpler. Laser detectors are likewise fitted with this tool to lessen the need for pre-alignments, while an embedded soft foot tool is present to generate TKSA 31’s foundation.

Many more models of SKF Shaft Alignment Tools can be used for shaft alignment. To know more about them, you can contact us at Fluid Sealing.

Optimized by: Netwizard SEO