
9
IOM 490 SXT 6”X6”_0223
4.
Check initial alignment. If the pump and motor were removed from the base plate proceed with step
5 first, then the pump and motor should be reinstalled onto the base plate using American-Marsh’s
Factory Preliminary Alignment Procedure, and then continue with the following. As described above,
pumps are given a preliminary alignment at the factory. This preliminary alignment is done in a way
that ensures that, if the installer duplicates the factory conditions, there will be sufficient clearance
between the motor hold down bolts and motor foot holes to move the motor into final alignment. If
the pump and motor were properly reinstalled to the base plate or if they were not removed from
the base plate and there has been no transit damage, and also if the above steps were done properly,
the pump and driver should be within 0.015 in (0.38 mm) FIM (Full Indicator Movement) parallel, and
0.0025 in/in (0.0025 mm/mm) FIM angular. If this is not the case first check to see if the driver
mounting fasteners are centered in the driver feet holes. If not, recenter the fasteners and perform
a preliminary alignment to the above tolerances by shimming under the motor for vertical alignment,
and by moving the pump for horizontal alignment.
5.
Grout the base plate.
A non-shrinking grout should be used. Make sure that the grout fills the
area under the base plate. After the grout has cured, check for voids, and repair them. Jackscrews,
shims, and wedges should be removed from under the base plate at this time. If they were to be
left in place, they could rust, swell, and cause distortion in the base plate.
6.
Run piping to the suction and discharge of the pump. There should be no piping loads transmitted
to the pump after connection is made. Recheck the alignment to verify that there are no significant
loads.
7.
Perform final alignment. Check for soft foot under the driver. An indicator placed on the coupling,
reading in the vertical direction, should not indicate more than 0.002 in (0.05 mm) movement when
any driver fastener is loosened. Align the driver first in the vertical direction by shimming underneath
its feet. When satisfactory alignment is obtained the number of shims in the pack should be
minimized. It is recommended that no more than five shims be used under any foot. Final horizontal
alignment is made by moving the driver. Maximum pump reliability is obtained by having near
perfect alignment. American-Marsh recommends no more than 0.002 in (0.05mm) parallel, and
0.0005 in/in (0.0005 mm/mm) angular misalignment.
8.
Operate the pump for at least an hour or until it reaches final operating temperature. Shut the pump
down and recheck alignment while the pump is hot. Piping thermal expansion may change the
alignment. Realign pump as necessary.
EXISTING GROUTED BASE PLATES
When a pump is being installed on an existing grouted base plate, the procedure is somewhat different from the
previous section “New Grouted Base Plates.”
1.
Mount the pump on the existing base plate.
2.
Level the pump by putting a level on the discharge flange. If not level, add or delete shims between
the foot piece and the bearing housing.
3.
Check initial alignment. (Step 4 above)
4.
Run piping to the suction and discharge flanges of the pump. (Step 6 above) Perform final
alignment. (Step 7 above)
5.
Recheck alignment after pump is hot. (Step 8 above)
All piping must be independently supported, accurately aligned, and preferably connected to the pump by a
short length of flexible piping. The pump should not have to support the weight of the pipe or compensate for
misalignment. It should be possible to install suction and discharge bolts through mating flanges without
pulling or prying either of the flanges. All piping must be tight. Pumps may air-bind if air is allowed to leak
into the piping. If the pump flange(s) have tapped holes, select flange fasteners with thread engagement at
least equal to the fastener diameter but that do not bottom out in the tapped holes before the joint is tight.