Bearing Centerline - Rotor Centering Alignment
Maximize Machinery Reliability with Precision Laser Alignment
In power plants, refineries, and heavy‑industrial facilities, accurate shaft and casing alignment is critical to avoid vibration, bearing damage, seal wear, and premature equipment failure. Our laser alignment service uses advanced 3D metrology techniques to ensure gas turbines, compressors, and other rotating equipment are aligned to manufacturer tolerances, minimizing stress on bearings, couplings, and casings while maximizing uptime and efficiency.
What Is Laser Alignment?
Laser alignment is a high‑precision measurement technique that uses a mobile laser tracker and specialized metrology software to determine the exact 3D position of machine components relative to a defined reference line. In gas turbine applications, this reference line is typically defined by key bores and base points within the turbine and compressor casings.
The laser tracker measures distances and angles to multiple target points on casings, bearing housings, and other critical surfaces, building a complete model of the machine geometry. This model is then compared against the OEM alignment specifications to identify deviations and guide corrections. The process is non‑contact, highly repeatable, and capable of sub‑millimeter accuracy across large distances, making it ideal for complex multi‑casing machines.
Key Benefits
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High Accuracy & Repeatability: Achieve alignment within tight OEM tolerances, reducing vibration and extending bearing and seal life.
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Comprehensive 3D View: Capture the full geometry of casings and bearing housings, not just simple “hot” or “cold” alignment checks.
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Early Problem Detection: Identify misalignment, casing distortion, and foundation issues before they lead to costly failures.
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Reduced Downtime: Perform precise corrections during planned outages, minimizing rework and trial‑and‑error adjustments.
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Improved Safety: Minimize the risk of catastrophic failure, rotor rubs, and secondary damage to couplings and gearboxes.
How Our Alignment Service Works
Machine Preparation:
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Install machine casings as close as possible to running condition, with top halves bolted and no gaps on horizontal and vertical joints.
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Remove the rotor and bearing liners; keep only the bottom halves of the bearing housings in place.
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Install inner barrel and first‑stage nozzle support ring; remove shroud blocks from all turbine stages to expose casing shroud bores.
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Initial “As Found” Alignment Check:
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Perform the first set of laser measurements on the specified bores and reference points.
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Compare results against OEM alignment tolerances and generate an initial report detailing current positions and deviations.
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Alignment Correction:
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If casings are out of tolerance, support them with hydraulic jacks and stands according to machine instructions.
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Loosen flange‑to‑flange bolts and remove dowel pins at misaligned vertical flanges to allow radial movement.
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Adjust casing positions, then install new dowel pins in re‑drilled holes to lock the corrected alignment.
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Osborne Engineering provides measurement, correction advice, and supervision but does not supply lifting equipment, cranes, or manpower for casing movement.
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Bearing Housing Alignment:
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After casing adjustment and final bolting, take a new set of measurements to confirm the final position of casings and bearing housings.
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Compare bearing housing positions (BH1, BH2, BH3) to specification; if outside tolerance, calculate new shim and horizontal‑key thicknesses based on measurement results.
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Support the machining and installation of new shims and keys to bring bearing housings into alignment with the machine centerline.
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Optional Casings Ovality Measurement:
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At the customer’s request, perform geometric measurements of casing ovality by comparing vertical and horizontal diameters.
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Present results as the difference between vertical and horizontal diameters to assess casing distortion.
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Applications of Laser Alignment
Our laser alignment service is ideal for industries that rely on large rotating machinery, including:
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Power generation (gas turbines, steam turbines, generators)
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Oil & gas (compressors, pumps, turbines)
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Petrochemical and chemical processing
Why Choose Us?
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Specialized Expertise: Technicians experienced in gas turbine and compressor alignment, familiar with OEM tolerances and supporting instructions.
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Advanced Metrology: Use of high‑accuracy laser trackers and metrology software to deliver precise 3D alignment data.
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Comprehensive Reporting: Clear reports with “as found” and “as left” measurements, deviation analysis, and recommended corrections.
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Non‑Intrusive & Safe: Non‑contact measurements suitable for live or recently shut‑down equipment.
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Ongoing Support: Help design and maintain a sustainable alignment program tailored to your plant’s needs.
+ Ensure bearings are center lined and rotor running position is as per OEM guidelines
+Pumps
+Compressors
+ Turbines
+ Generators
+ Other rotating equipment