ED Prevent

Mining Weekly.com

Vibration monitoring and laser shaft alignment technology is being supplied by machine condition monitoring systems company Engineering Dynamics (ED) to several mines around South Africa to prevent machine failure.

The company offers solutions to machine monitoring require-ments, including vibration, hand-held, online, protection and sensor systems as well as laser shaft alignment equipment.

ED MD Christo van der Walt says that the company identifies the need within mining and manufacturing organisations to limit damage to machines and prevent expensive down time and then supply the correct technology or service solution.

Laser Shaft Alignment

The company’s Easy-Laser range of laser shaft alignment equipment measures all types of rotating machines, regardless of size and shaft diameter, with a measurement distance of up to 20m.

The company’s entry-level laser shaft alignment system, Easy-Laser D450, is designed for users that only need alignment of horizontally installed machines. It is typically installed onto horizontal pumps, fans, motors and gearboxes.

In addition, the Easy-Laser D480 provides alignment to rotating equipment, such as horizontal, vertical-mounted and cardan-shaft-coupled machines. The imbedded EasyTurn programme allows alignment with as little as 40° rotation of the shaft. Coupled with further accessories, vibration measurement and digital pulley alignment are possible.

Further, the Easy-Laser D525 builds on the D480’s programmes and functions by including programmes for geometrical measurements, allowing for the measurement of straightness, flatness of machine foundations, parallelity and perpendicularity with the addition of acces- sories.

Van der Walt says that the Easy-Laser Extreme, the D550 Ex, is a measurement and laser alignment system for potentially explosive areas. The entire system is impact resistant and durable. The D550 has the same measurement functions as the D480.

Accessories to further extend the range of laser alignment applications include pulley alignment equipment applicable to belt drives; a vibration measurement probe to monitor vibration level and bearing condition value; and geometry measurement accessories.

Van der Walt says that all Easy-Laser systems’ measurement values are displayed live, allowing users to make adjustments to the machinery accordingly.

Various mines within South Africa have applied Engineering Dynamics’ technology to crucial areas, such as in mills.

“It is important to align the mill drivetrain properly. Mechanical components like bearings and gears are designed for normal operating loads and any additional external forces exerted on these components will reduce its life expectancy. Accurate laser shaft alignment will reduce the effect of some of these forces due to misalignment,” says Van der Walt.

Meanwhile, he says that the company has not seen a decline in the need for its products and services in the present economic climate and has forecast a growth of more than 10% for the year.

He adds that mining and manu- facturing companies have seen the benefits of using condition monitoring and laser shaft alignment on their machinery, even when production is low.