COURSE OVERVIEW:

Soft foot detection and correction is a specialized technical discipline that addresses one of the most common yet overlooked causes of machinery vibration and premature failure. Soft foot occurs when the feet of a machine do not sit flatly or evenly on the baseplate, creating internal stresses and frame distortion when the mounting bolts are tightened. This course provides the diagnostic skills necessary to identify and eliminate these mechanical stresses, ensuring a stable and stress-free foundation for rotating equipment.

The scope of this course includes the four distinct types of soft foot: parallel, angular, springing, and induced. Participants will learn how these conditions affect the machine's internal geometry, leading to misaligned bearings, reduced clearances, and distorted stator-rotor relationships in electric motors. The Coverage includes the systematic use of feeler gauges, dial indicators, and laser alignment tools to measure foot movement and the subsequent application of precision shimming techniques to neutralize the condition.

Furthermore, the training addresses the relationship between soft foot and other installation issues such as pipe strain and baseplate resonance. Attendees will explore best practices for preparing mounting surfaces and selecting high-quality shimming materials. By the end of this program, participants will be able to perform "pre-alignment" stabilization that is essential for achieving a precision shaft alignment, ultimately resulting in cooler running temperatures and significantly extended equipment life.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

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

1. Define the physical phenomenon of soft foot and its impact on reliability.
2. Differentiate between Parallel, Angular, Springing, and Induced soft foot.
3. Understand the relationship between soft foot and machinery vibration.
4. Perform a visual inspection of baseplates and mounting feet for defects.
5. Utilize feeler gauges to measure gaps and identify angularity.
6. Apply the "one-bolt-at-a-time" method using dial indicators.
7. Interpret laser alignment "soft foot" diagnostic screens.
8. Execute precision shimming to correct parallel gaps.
9. Create step-shims or tapered shims for angular soft foot correction.
10. Identify "Induced Soft Foot" caused by pipe strain or external loads.
11. Describe the effects of frame distortion on bearing and seal clearances.
12. Establish acceptable tolerances for foot movement during installation.
13. Implement a standardized soft foot correction workflow in the field.
14. Document soft foot findings as part of the machinery installation record.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

This course is ideal for Millwrights, Mechanical Technicians, Maintenance Engineers, and Field Service Personnel involved in the installation and commissioning of rotating machinery.

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.