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Turbines operate within tight tolerances and deviations from these can cause major problems in operating performance and cause stress on a variety of load points. This is the case whether it's a gas, steam or hydro turbine. Turbines need planned maintenance Critical to continued optimal performance are regular maintenance checks and realignment if required. Turbine alignment services should be planned as part of a planned downtime maintenance schedule but can still take time to perform so it's important to find a company that can finish the job in the allotted time period. Ideally turbines require regular alignment checks and realigning to ensure maximum efficiency and performance. To all companies this is of course an upfront cost, but is money well spent. Not spending on maintenance is a small price to pay compared with corrective action once a turbine has failed. Laser Turbine Alignment Traditional turbine alignment services involve oil-filled cans, tight wires, optics, feeler gauges and sound micrometers. They also come with additional complications of long measurements. These methods are sensitive to vibration and require other work in the area to stop in order to correct turbine misalignment. These are adequate but don't provide accuracy and they also require a long time to set up and undertake the work. With an increasing demand for power, requirement for the shortest outages and more a competitive power market, turbine misalignment is something to be avoided. An easier, quicker and more accurate alignment method was essential. Modern turbine alignment services utilize lasers for increased accuracy. The benefits of Laser Turbine Alignment The turbine laser alignment equipment today can significantly reduce the amount of time required for all turbine types to be realigned during maintenance. Estimates out this as high as 50% or even more. As well as the time savings, there is an increase in accuracy through using a precise laser system that is not subject to close by vibration effects the same as older methods. The accuracy also means that machinery parts are more accurately positioned post turbine alignment services, which results in reduced stress on supporting turbine infrastructure. As a result, the efficiency of turbines overall increases both through decreased downtime and improved alignment using laser alignment systems. The main benefits of such as system can be seen as: Reduction in the amount of time to perform alignment servicing Results can be displayed an analyzed instantly and are stored electronically for future reference Eliminates human error by using automated calculations Reduced sensitivity to close vibration Nearby equipment does not have to be shut down because of vibration Choosing a Laser Turbine Alignment service provider As with any other company you look to engage for your business, choosing the service provider to undertake your turbine maintenance should be a careful well thought out process. The qualities of an excellent service provider are: Established company profile A proven track record in your industry Fully qualified and certified personnel Up to the minute/state of the art equipment Make the right choice of company to perform your Turbine alignment services and make your machinery work better and harder for you, for longer. Schaeffer Precision Alignment Inc have been providing turbine alignment and Dimensional inspection services since 1989 and have an extensive countrywide portfolio of very satisfied customers. More information can be found on this company at schaefferprecision.com
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