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Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Use Precision Laser Alignment

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Perth, WA, Australia, 2018-Sep-18 — /EPR Network/ — A laser alignment system eliminates all the guesswork and unknowns associated with traditional measurement systems like dial gauges, straight edge methods and co-ordinate measurement machines (CMMs).

But their advantages stretch way beyond just the quality of the results that they deliver. Here are 10 of the top reasons why your operation should switch to precision laser alignment.

  1. PINPOINT ACCURACY. Unlike other systems, a laser tool can measure down to 0.001mm, even over long distances. The laser beam is always 100% straight and what’s more, laser systems automatically calculate for shims and adjustments values, so the results are always accurate. Unlike older technologies where accuracy may also be compromised because of reading errors, sticky dial hands and low resolutions, laser tools have extremely high resolutions for pinpoint accuracy.
  2. QUICK AND EASY SET UP AND FASTER RESULTS. The equipment is lightweight and easy to learn as well as use which means much shorter set-up times, preparation and measurements. It can also measure three axis directions in a fraction of a second, which results in further time-savings.
  3. MORE RELIABLE. Because lasers eliminate the possibility of human error and inconsistency, they’re more reliable and precise than any other method. Repeatability is another significant benefit and regardless of who is using the equipment and taking the measurements, the laser equipment will always deliver the same consistent results.
  4. ELIMINATES HARDWARE SAG. When a dial gauge is used, there is always a risk of some of the fixtures sagging which can compromise the accuracy of the displayed value. With a laser tool however, there is nothing to worry about with regards to fixtures dropping or sagging.
  5. SAVE BOTH MONEY AND TIME
    Faster set-up and operation coupled with the absolute precision of the results mean a laser tool can easily pay for itself in a matter of months.
  6. SOFT FOOT – HARD RESULTS. Machine frame distortion and soft foot issues can be problematic but unlike a dial gauge which only tells half the story, a laser alignment tool provides a true representation of what’s going at the feet of the rotating machinery as well as what’s happening with the movement between the axes of the shafts being aligned.
  7. VERSATILE. A quality laser alignment system does more than just measure alignment. These versatile tools enable optimum equipment set-up and operation, measuring base flatness, twist, squareness, bearing condition, spindle direction and straightness amongst others.
  8. ABILITY TO MEASURE WITH A SMALL SHAFT ROTATION. Measuring with a traditional dial gauge can require a rotation anywhere between 1800 and 3600. However, a laser alignment tool can take a complete measurement with a much smaller shaft rotation, sometimes as little as 400 which is advantageous especially when machine parts prohibit a full rotation.
  9. ENHANCED DATA MANAGEMENT. Advanced software solutions bring data management to a new level. PDF reports can be generated directly from the instrument, results can be examined in real time and the information can be integrated with an existing software system for record-keeping and reference purposes.
  10. REDUCED ENERGY CONSUMPTION. Half of all machine failures are caused by alignment errors, so it is critical that errors are identified and removed as early as possible – or better still, are prevented from happening in the first place. When machinery is well-aligned and running smoothly, it will consume less energy than a poorly-aligned one which is another compelling reason for choosing fast, accurate and reliable laser alignment technology.

Given that laser alignment tools are simple to learn, easy to use, highly accurate and deliver a wide range of benefits, there’s no need to continue using complicated dial gauges and other older technologies which may be compromising the efficiency of your rotating machinery as well as compromising your bottom-line.

Nexxis has worked with many customers across a diverse range of industries to develop customised solutions for their particular alignment requirements. Deciding to go for laser technology is a major step towards more efficient, cost-effective and productive machinery, but it’s critical that the tool – or combination of tools and accessories – that you choose are right for your unique needs in terms of cost, functionality and relevance to the application.
For expert, practical advice on a tailored solution, please contact Nexxis at nexxis.com.au to see their extensive range of quality technical equipment including world-class laser alignment products from Easy Laser and Rotalign.

Via EPR Network
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Industrial, Industrial Equipment, Industrial Services, Industrial Supplies

Corrosion Management For Storage Facilities Using NDT

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Perth, Western Australia, 2018-Jun-13 — /EPR INDUSTRIAL NEWS/ — Corrosion is widely accepted as one of the primary causes of degradation and failures in storage tanks.

Many industries including agriculture, general chemical, oil & gas store and energy use above-ground, below-ground, vertical, cylindrical and horizontal tanks to store product with the energy industry in particular exposed to the possibility of corrosion-related issues in their storage facilities. Millions of litres of oil, petrochemicals, liquid gas and other materials are stored in tanks and any failures could have catastrophic results.

Environmental conditions including weather and ground conditions can cause corrosion, but the bulk of the risk emanates from the contents of the storage facilities themselves. Harsh chemicals, contaminants and other corrosive materials which are kept in storage tanks can cause internal corrosion of the metal tanks, pipelines and platforms both on-site and further downstream, with the likelihood of degradation escalating when they’re subjected to constant or regular exposure to corrosive substances.

Controlling and combating corrosion is not only an operational imperative but it’s actually a matter of national security.

Non-destructive testing (NDT) plays a significant role in maintaining the safety and security of assets and infrastructure and NDT technologies together with the development of durable new coatings and other advanced engineering procedures have enabled industries to protect storage facilities against corrosion. For example, metallic and organic coatings and insulation are being applied to tanks and along bond lines as added layers of protection and new non-corrodible materials such as fibreglass are increasingly being used to help minimise the likelihood of corrosion. Engineers are also building secondary containment systems around storage facilities as added protection, plus they are making use of advanced techniques like cathodic protection to further mitigate the risks of corrosion.

Major strides have been made in corrosion-management and whereas engineers used to react to corrosion-related problems, nowadays their approach is a far more preventative one.

Some examples of NDT technologies which play a key role in corrosion-management are:

  • Ultrasonic thickness testing which is used to map wall thickness and identify areas of corrosion that may be hidden or difficult to detect, such as in pipework and areas under insulation;
  • Eddy current testing to assess the condition of tanks and which can identify potential weaknesses;
  • Acoustic emissions testing to monitor the condition of both metallic and fibreglass tanks;
  • Thermal testing to isolate areas of potential weakness; and
  • Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) for testing the integrity of the floor of a container.

Effective inspection of storage facilities through the use of advanced NDT techniques and instruments will identify any areas of degradation or repairs that are required BEFORE any failure occurs. However, accurate and repeatable data is a key element of an effective corrosion-management programme and therefore it is imperative to choose NDT equipment and/or an inspection service provider that delivers the required high performance standards.

Nexxis’s range of NDT equipment and services will provide you with all the highly accurate and comprehensive data that you’ll need to assess the condition of your storage facilities and make informed asset management decisions. Have a look at our extensive range of high quality NDT equipment for sale, lease or purchase on our website, nexxis.com.au or get in touch on 08 9418 4952 and speak to one of our highly experienced technical team. We’re in the business of developing solutions that meet your operation’s individual and changing NDT equipment needs, so talk to us first about your corrosion-management requirements.

Via EPR Network
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Calibration & Testing, Engineering, Industrial, Industrial Engineering, Industrial Equipment, Industrial Services, Machinery, Machinery & Tools, Maintenance, Measurement, Motors, Pumps

The Effects Of Misaligned Equipment

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Perth, Western Australia, Jun-27-2017 —  /EPR INDUSTRIAL NEWS/  — Nexxis are one of Australia’s leading suppliers of specialist remote visual inspection (RVI) technology and non destructive testing (NDT) equipment and they have all the answers to your equipment misalignment problems.

Industrial operations are losing huge sums of money because the centrelines of the shafts of their rotating equipment (such as pumps and motors) aren’t running on the same axis and are therefore misaligned – with some industry sources going as far as saying that shaft misalignment is to blame for up to 50% of all machine breakdowns.

And when you consider that a survey by a leading rotating equipment service company found that less than 10% of machines that were evaluated were aligned within acceptable tolerances, misalignment is clearly a widespread problem.

Here are some of the costly and damaging effects of equipment that is poorly aligned or misaligned.

Excessive vibration
Misalignment is one of the leading causes of vibration problems – and as the reliability of the machine corresponds directly with the level of vibration, excessive radial and axial vibrations will impact negatively on performance. All rotating equipment will produce a certain level of noise, but when the shafts are misaligned and the equipment vibrates excessively, noise levels will also escalate correspondingly.

Premature failure of seals and bearings
Accelerated failure of seals and other parts is costly – and even the slightest misalignment can result in excessive force and stress being put onto the bearings and seals. Replacement parts are expensive, plus there’s also the risk of damage and contamination of other components from the leaking fluid from the stressed seals and bearings.

Increased energy costs
Misalignment correlates directly to higher power consumption as the machines are less efficient and therefore draw greater amounts of energy.

Excessive heat
In the same way that variations in temperature can cause misalignment, misalignment can cause machines to overheat which results in lubrication issues as well as safety risks.

Broken shafts
Misalignment can cause the shafts to break or crack – and this can lead to unplanned downtime and production problems as well as costly equipment repair.

Higher operating costs, loss of production and increased maintenance costs
Misaligned machinery generally has a shorter service lifespan and this premature failure of capital equipment adversely affects outputs as well as negatively impacting the operation’s balance sheet. Higher maintenance costs, costly downtime, unexpected capital costs for equipment replacement, increased inventory for spare parts and even the potential for catastrophic machinery failures are all consequences of misalignment-induced mechanical failures.

Inferior quality outputs
Misaligned machinery can also result in inferior or defective products which can impact on profitability.

Implementing a careful and thorough preventative maintenance programme will go a long way towards minimising the risk – and the associated costs – of misaligned machinery. To find out how a customised solution can ensure that your operation runs at optimum efficiency, you should contact Nexxis on 08 9418 4952 or via their website, nexxis.com.au.

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