Now for the good news: Alignment problems are easier to solve than the Y2K bug. Let’s see how.

There are three different alignment measurements we must make. They are parallel, angular, and axial.

Parallel misalignment is when the pump and motor shaft centerlines are not concentric to one another. Angular misalignment is when the shafts are not parallel to one another. The axial dimension is the distance between the coupler flanges.

Three methods

Which method do we use, and when? It all depends on how critical alignment is.

The main factor that determines the critical nature of alignment is shaft speed. (However, don’t forget about variable-speed applications; they may not only require more accuracy, but also a special coupler sleeve.) The greater the shaft speed, the more critical alignment becomes. Therefore, less accurate methods can be used at slower shaft speed.

A typical pump in an hvac application requires a four-pole motor (1,750 to 1,800 rpm, depending on slip). Alignment is important, but we can get away with the least accurate method. Therefore, the straight edge and taper gauge (or feeler gauge, or caliper) method would be appropriate (Figure 1).

The nice thing about this method is that it requires no special tools or training, just a keen eye. Hence, it is the least expensive method and relatively quickly done. Simply lay the straight edge across the coupler halves at the top, bottom, right, and left to measure parallel misalignment. Note how much we are off.

Caution: When holding the straight edge, hold from one side so you don’t “bridge the gap” across the coupler halves.

Next, insert the taper gauge (feeler gauge) between the coupler halves (or use a caliper on the outside of the coupler halves) to measure angular misalignment. Again, take note. We will return to how to correct for the misalignment.

More accuracy

To use a dial indicator, mount it on the coupler halves as shown in Figure 2. Mark the other side with a marker or chalk. Rotate the halves together, always matching the chalk mark. The swing of the gauge will give us twice the misalignment. Again, check top, bottom, right, and left. Check for both parallel and angular misalignment. You may find it easier to “rough in” using the taper gauge method before using the dial indicator.

Where even greater accuracy is required, we may opt for using a laser. Generally the laser is mounted on one shaft with a receiver or mirror prism mounted on the other. As the shaft is rotated 360 degrees, the laser accurately measures the deflection, just as the dial indicator did previously.

Usually this information is fed into a processor along with distances between the bolt hold-downs. A computer then performs calculations and determines where and how many shims to add, and which way and how much to move the motor.

The major disadvantage of this method is cost. However, depending on your need for accuracy and the number of centrifugal devices you align, this may be the best option for you.

If you find alignment very difficult or impossible, maybe it is physically impossible to align the pump to the driver. But how could this be?

Perhaps the motor has a “soft foot” that changes the alignment depending on the order in which the hold-down bolts are tightened. To check, tighten all four bolts, look for gaps under the motor feet, and see how it changes alignment.

Also, the bores through the coupler flanges may not be concentric or they may go through the coupler at a skewed angle. The shafts may be bent. Stress placed by the piping on the pump may have caused the pump to warp over time.

A support foot may pull the pump out of alignment if cap screws are tightened in the wrong order. The saddle may be sagging.

You ask, “Didn’t it go out the factory door OK?” Most manufacturers align the pump and motor before it is shipped. However, shipping can be rough on the pump. The odds are it is no longer in alignment when it arrives on the jobsite.

As you can see, misalignment may occur due to manufacturer errors, during shipping, at installation, and over a long period of time.

Recheck, please

Damaged equipment must be replaced.

If problems occur more often than normal, check alignment often. It is an easy, cost-effective part of your preventive maintenance program. There is a definite relationship between the amount of misalignment and time between failures.

Before aligning, the pump and motor base should be level on a pad and properly grouted. The pipe should be targeted so as not to place strain on the pump. When aligning, you will move the motor. The pump cannot be moved. It is held in place by the piping.

To correct for angular and parallel misalignment in the vertical plane, add or remove shims. To correct for angular and parallel misalignment in the horizontal plane, move the motor sideways. (See page 28.)

How close do you have to get? Check with the coupler manufacturer. Remember, the primary function of the coupler is to transmit energy from the driver to the “driven.” The secondary function is to take up minor misalignment. Exactly how much is determined by the manufacturer.

Every time you change alignment with a shim, retighten bolts and recheck alignment. Use thicker, fewer shims vs. many thin ones to avoid sponginess. Once you align in one direction, check to see if it has affected alignment in the other.

Separate coupler halves to manufacturer specifications to allow for shaft growth and for the motor to find its electrical center. Recheck alignment after reaching operating temperature.

What order do we use to align? I recommend a four-step procedure. Take care of corrections requiring shims first, then angular before parallel. Hence, angular in the vertical plane, parallel in the vertical, angular in the horizontal plane, and finally parallel in the horizontal.

Just remember, be patient. It takes time to master this skill.