Laser Alignment

Misalignment between the driver and driven machines is a common source of machine problems.

Mechanical drives and couplings can become misaligned over time due to; different thermal growth of components; external loads on the body or housing of the machines, mainly from attached pipes; moving foundations; and incorrect alignment procedure.

Misaligned drives and couplings will exhibit high levels of vibration and operating temperature which can lead to further mechanical problems.

Laser alignment uses advanced infrared laser technologies to align drives and couplings . This reduces friction and vibration under normal operation. Significant savings result from reduced power consumption and labour, and increased machinery Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF).

Here is a typical example of the energy savings:

•   Minimum 1 ~ 2% amperage decrease follows a laser alignment on an average machine.
•   If we assume a typical 30kW 415 Volt 3-phase electric induction motor
•   Energy Saving (kW) = 3.23kW-hour
•   We assume the unit is operating for approximately 50% of the time in a year (4380 hours)
•   1 year = 3.23 x 4380 = 14,147 kW-hour
•   Assuming an average energy cost of $0.14kW-hour, the annual dollar savings would be:
•   14,147kW-hour x $0.14 = $1980 per year
•   20 machines = $39,611 per year
•   Typical cost to align 20 machines would be approximately $25,000 (subject to motor setup and condition)

This is a cost saving of at least $14,611 per annum in energy alone. A complete cost saving analysis would include the reduction in maintenance costs from failed couplings and bearings and the loss of availability of the machine.