Introduction; Shaft Alignment Overview - SKF TKSA 11 Mode D'emploi

1. Introduction

1.1 Shaft alignment overview

Shaft misalignment is one of the most signiicant and most preventable contributors to
premature machine failure. When a machine is placed in service with less than optimal
shaft alignment, the following conditions are likely:
• Poor machine performance
• Increased power consumption
• Increased noise and vibration
• Premature bearing wear
• Accelerated deterioration of gaskets, packing, and mechanical seals
• Higher coupling wear rates
• Increased unplanned downtime
Proper alignment is achieved when the centrelines of each shaft are co-linear when the
machine is under load and at normal operating temperatures. This is often referred to
as shaft-to-shaft alignment. If the shafts of a machine train are not co-linear, when the
machine is in operation, they are misaligned.
In essence, the objective is to have a straight line through the centres of all of the shafts of
the machines.
The SKF Shaft Alignment Tool TKSA 11 is a wireless shaft alignment tool that allows an
easy and accurate method for aligning the shafts of a driving machine (eg electric motor)
and a driven machine (eg. pump).
6 SKF TKSA 11