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www.marinelink.com 41cision alignments.Today, there are many types of laser alignment systems. PRÜFTECHNIK, a manufacturer for some of the most advanced German-engineered laser alignment systems on the market, is sold locally in the southeast by Ludeca, headquartered in Miami. Some of the most notable units include the Rotalign Ultra IS, and Levalign Expert. The Ro- talign Ultra IS is an all-in-one high end alignment system that can be used for geometric applications. It can measure hundreds of positions and allows for one-step machine corrections in verti-cal and horizontal directions. The Lev- align Expert is a self-leveling, spinning laser that measures ß atness, straight- ness, parallelism, and perpendicularity. Both systems are utilized by AME, who works closely with Ludeca to keep up to date on training and the latest align-ment applications and software updates. Relationships such as this provide for a plethora of opportunities to solve some of the world?s most challenging mis- alignment issues, particularly in the marine market. Most recently, AME was commis- sioned by one of the world?s largest marine solutions, transportation and logistics company to conduct shaft alignments for newly installed genera-tors on its three 750 Class Articulated Tug Barges (ATB). When the genera- tors were installed, AME Þ eld service engineers were tasked with aligning the generator shafts to the PTO of the main reduction gears. First, rough alignments were done with a digital protractor be-ing used to keep the same transversal level with the engine. Axial alignment was attained and set according to the coupling manufacturer?s speci Þ cations and radial and angular alignment was set using the Rotalign Ultra. Thermal growth offset was applied to allow for thermal growth of the two units. Alumi- num forms were then built for the pour- ing of Chockfast Epoxy Orange, which is a resin chocking system that has an excellent reputation for setting installa-tions and maintaining alignments, par- ticularly for marine applications. Once poured into the forms, it was left to cure for a period of 18-24 hours. AME Þ eld service engineers then conducted their Þ nal laser alignment checked, before torqueing the hold down bolts on the unit as required. ?The sensor technology of the Ro-talign Ultra allowed for this particular alignment to be attained with a simul-taneous horizontal and vertical move using the jacking bolts,? said Daus Studenberg, Applications Engineer, Ludeca, Inc. ?Most systems would have required that this move be broken down into two steps to achieve align-ment, which would have utilized more man hours and end up costing the client more money.? Once the alignments were completed, vibration analysis was conducted on each of the units to conÞ rm proper in- stallation and alignment. Recommen-dations were then made for periodic alignment checks to maintain optimum performance, efÞ ciency, and preventing premature wear of components. ?We use vibration analysis as a diag- nostic tool to solve mechanical issues. Misalignment is the cause of those is-sues a signiÞ cant amount of the time,? commented Merhige. ?Formal educa-tion, hands on training, and Þ eld expe- rience, coupled with access to the most state-of-the-art alignment systems can prove to be extremely beneÞ cial for maintenance budgets, often, with an immediate and noticeable ROI. Bottom line, an investment in alignment pays dividends when it comes to mechanical health.?MR #8 (34-41).indd 41MR #8 (34-41).indd 418/4/2014 11:23:02 AM8/4/2014 11:23:02 AM