COURSE OVERVIEW:

Shaft alignment best practices for rotating equipment is a foundational course focused on the precision setup of coupled machinery to ensure optimal mechanical performance. Misalignment is the leading cause of premature failure in bearings, seals, and couplings, often resulting in high vibration and excessive energy consumption. This course moves beyond basic "straight-edge" methods to teach the high-precision techniques required in modern industrial facilities, emphasizing that alignment is not just a task, but a critical reliability process.

The scope of this course covers the entire alignment workflow, from initial pre-alignment checks of the foundation and baseplate to the final documentation of "as-left" conditions. Participants will learn how to identify and correct "soft foot" conditions, manage pipe strain, and use both dial indicators and laser alignment systems with confidence. The Coverage includes the mathematical foundations of alignment, ensuring that technicians understand the "why" behind the moves they make to the machine's feet.

Furthermore, the course addresses the real-world challenges of aligning equipment in the field, such as "bolt-bound" and "base-bound" conditions, and the critical importance of accounting for thermal growth. Attendees will explore the various types of couplings and how their specific designs influence alignment tolerances. By the end of this program, participants will be able to perform precision alignments that meet or exceed industry standards, leading to quieter, cooler, and more reliable rotating assets.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

1. Explain the economic and reliability benefits of precision shaft alignment.
2. Define offset (parallel) and angular misalignment in two planes.
3. Conduct a comprehensive pre-alignment inspection of the machinery base.
4. Detect and correct all four types of "soft foot" using systematic methods.
5. Identify and mitigate the effects of pipe strain on pump alignment.
6. Apply the "Rim and Face" method using dial indicators for simple trains.
7. Execute the "Reverse Indicator" method for high-speed or long-span shafts.
8. Operate modern laser alignment systems and interpret their digital displays.
9. Calculate and apply shimming and horizontal adjustments accurately.
10. Account for thermal expansion and "cold offsets" in hot-running equipment.
11. Select the correct alignment tolerances based on machine speed (RPM).
12. Use specialized alignment techniques for vertical and overhung machinery.
13. Document alignment results clearly for reliability and quality control.
14. Troubleshoot "bolt-bound" situations using creative engineering solutions.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

This course is ideal for Millwrights, Mechanical Technicians, Maintenance Supervisors, and Reliability Engineers who are responsible for the installation and maintenance of pumps, motors, and fans.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximise the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.