LESSON

5
LECTURE

REVERSE ALIGNMENT METHOD

WITH THERMAL GROWTH
ALLOWANCES
SUB-OBJECTIVE

At the end of this lesson the trainee will be able to know and understand the
Reverse Alignment Method with Thermal Growth Allowances.

1.0

INTRODUCTION
In our discussions so far, we considered ideal conditions only that is dial
indicator will read zero after final adjustments. The centerline of machine A
and machine B are in the same straight line. But in actual practice both the
machines cannot be kept on the same straight line since there is heat growth
between ambient conditions and normal operating temperatures. Hence
when two machines are aligned these heat grows are to be considered.
Heat growths can be estimated by any of the following methods:

2.0

1.

Using Essinger Bar

2.

Using Optical Alignment

3.

Calculate thermal expansion or contraction using heat transfer

formulas.

4.

Usually manufacturers figures for heat growth will be given with each
equipment. These figures may be estimated during the initial
installation

DETAIL STEPS OF PROCEDURE

Almost all alignment steps are the same as for the previous alignment
procedure accept few additional step, that for desired reading, remove the
shims after zero alignment reading or initially align the machine offset
according to manufacture heat growth figure given.

ADVANCED COURSE
LESSON 5 PAGE 1

MECHANICAL MAINTENANCE
MACHINE ALIGNMENT

3.0

USING ANALYTICAL METHOD (FOLLOW FIG. 5 -1)

Fig. 5 -1. Alignment Specifications a Worksheet.

EXAMPLE: (FOLLOW FIG. 5 -2)

MECHANICAL MAINTENANCE
MACHINE ALIGNMENT

ADVANCED COURSE
LESSON 5 PAGE 2

Fig. 5 -2.

VERTICAL MOVEMENT

ADVANCED COURSE
LESSON 5 PAGE 3

MECHANICAL MAINTENANCE
MACHINE ALIGNMENT

= 34 - 23 = + 11

= 16.5 + 23 = + 39.5

= 33 + 23 = +56
At near foot of Machine B Add 0.0395 inch shims.
At far foot of Machine B Add 0.056 inch shims.
At PLUS MOVE MACHINE B UP or LEFT.
At MINUS MOVE MACHINE B DOWN or RIGHT.

HORIZONTAL MOVEMENT

= -6 - 16
MECHANICAL MAINTENANCE
MACHINE ALIGNMENT

-22
ADVANCED COURSE
LESSON 5 PAGE 4

- 33 + 16 = - 17

= - 66 + 15 = -50
At near foot of Machine B move right 0.017 inch.
At far foot of Machine B move right 0.050 inch.

4.0

USING GRAPHICAL METHOD (FLLOW FIG. 5 -3 TO 5 -7)

For the purpose of discussion, we will assume the following figures.
Foundation centers have been measured and dial indicator readings have
been taken as follows

Fig. 5 -3. Manufacturers figures for Heat Growth.

Fig. 5 -4. Dial Indicator Reading.

ADVANCED COURSE
LESSON 5 PAGE 5

MECHANICAL MAINTENANCE
MACHINE ALIGNMENT

Fig. 5-5.

Fig.5 -6.

MECHANICAL MAINTENANCE
MACHINE ALIGNMENT

ADVANCED COURSE
LESSON 5 PAGE 6

1.

Layout horizontal field measurements per these dimensions on your

graph paper. Assume machine A is fixed, plot the hot running line
across the page. This line then represents the center line of the
shafts at maximum operating temperatures.

2.

From the manufacturers heat growth figures plot the cold target for
shaft A. As this is the cold position for shaft A, it will be below the hot
running line.
Count off and mark heat growth for outboard feet of .020. Count off
and mark heat growth for inboard feet of .010. Project a line through
these two points and mark COLD TARGET SHAFT A.

3.

Using the same procedure for shaft B - again below the line.
Count off and mark heat growth for outboard feet of .008. Count off
and mark heat growth for inboard feet of .005. Establish the two
points on the graph and draw a line which we will mark COLD
TARGET SHAFT B.

4.

From dial indicator readings, we can see that shaft B coupling is out
of alignment by +.020 at the bottom or + .010 mutual misalignment.
This indicates shaft B at coupling lies below shaft A.

5.

Repeating the exercise for coupling A we find a total misalignment

figure of -.010 or actual -.005.
Mark this point on your graph.

6.

Connect these two points to establish the actual centerline of shaft

B.

7.

Reading from the graph we can see that the actual position of shaft
B is .006 below cold target shaft B at inboard foot of machine B
and .001 below at outboard foot.

8.

We must therefore apply, shims of .006 to the inboard feet on

machine B and .001 to the outboard feet.

9.

From this graph we can also accurately calculate the reading we

should record at the couplings which will confirm when rechecking
vertical alignment that our adjustment for hot alignment have been
carried out correctly.
The final indicator reading from A to B should be +.004 and from B to
A should be + .010.

10.

For completion of our exercise we must also undertake horizontal

alignment.
Lay-off equipment dimensions as for vertical alignment on another
sheet of graph paper, as we did with vertical alignment and establish
shaft A as the HOT RUNNING ENGINE.

ADVANCED COURSE
LESSON 5 PAGE 7

MECHANICAL MAINTENANCE
MACHINE ALIGNMENT

11.

Add an equal amount to each side reading to zero the right side
reading in Figure is :
B TO A

LEFT
- 0.016
+ (-0.006)
- 0.022
12.

A TO B
RIGHT
+ 0.006
- 0.006
0

LEFT
+ 0.018
+ (- 0.002)
+ 0.016

RIGHT
+ 0.002
+ (-0.002)
0

Plot the two points given by the adjusted readings, by extending the
hot running line we find adjustment required at the inboard feet of
machine B is 0.006 towards right side and zero at out board feet.
Tighten all fixing bolts after the movement.

Fig. 5 -7.

MECHANICAL MAINTENANCE
MACHINE ALIGNMENT

ADVANCED COURSE
LESSON 5 PAGE 8

Fig. 5 -8.

ADVANCED COURSE
LESSON 5 PAGE 9

MECHANICAL MAINTENANCE
MACHINE ALIGNMENT