SKF TKSA 51Shaft Alignment Tool

OVERVIEW

Comprehensive and intuitive shaft alignment utilizing tablets and smart phones.

The TKSA 51 shaft alignment tool provides high measurement flexibility and performance suitable for entry-level to expert alignment jobs. Designed to work with the shaft alignment for TKSA 51 app on a tablet or smart phone, this intuitive tool is easy to use and requires no special training. The included accessories enable use of the TKSA 51 for a wide range of alignment applications, such as motors, drives, fans, pumps, gearboxes and more. The tool's mobile app includes tutorial videos to show operators how to perform accurate measurements.

Of the TKSA family of products, the TKSA 51 shaft alignment tool is suitable for the broadest range of applications. Its compact, lightweight design, high measurement flexibility and included accessories enable use of the instrument on virtually any machine, even in difficult-to-reach locations. Protective cases can be used on tablets and smart phones and do not affect the functionality of the TKSA 51.

The TKSA 51 App is available for free in the Apple AppStore and Google Play. Just search for “SKF TKSA 51” or follow the QR code on this page with your device and try the alignment process with the fully functional demonstration mode.

The soft foot function is available via an additional app “Soft Foot for TKSA51”. Just search for “TKSA 51 soft foot” in the Apple Appstore or Google Play, or scan the QR code on this page with your device.

Shaft misalignment is one of the most significant and most preventable contributors to premature machine failure. When a machine is placed in service with less than optimal shaft alignment, the following conditions are likely:

• Poor machine performance
• Increased power consumption
• Increased noise and vibration
• Premature bearing wear
• Accelerated deterioration of gaskets, packing, and mechanical seals
• Higher coupling wear rates
• Increased unplanned downtime

Proper alignment is achieved when the center lines of each shaft are co-linear when the machine is under load and at normal operating temperatures. This is often referred to as shaft-to-shaft alignment. If the shafts of a machine train are not colinear, when the machine is in operation, they are misaligned.

In essence, the objective is to have a straight line through the centers of all of the shafts of the machines.

The SKF Shaft Alignment for TKSA 51 is a wireless shaft alignment tool that allows an easy and accurate method for aligning the shafts of a driving machine (e.g. electric motor) and a driven machine (e.g. pump).

Principle of Operation

The TKSA 51 is a Line Laser Shaft Alignment System and it has two measuring units that are mounted on each shaft, or on each side of the coupling. After rotating the shafts into different measuring positions, the system calculates offset and angular misalignment values between the shafts. The values are compared with user-defined tolerance limits and adjustments to the machine can be made instantly.

During the measuring procedure, measurements are taken in three positions, each separated by at least 20°. As the shafts are rotated through an arc, any parallel misalignment or angular misalignment causes the detectors to measure the difference in their positions relative to each other.

Positioning information from the measuring units is wirelessly communicated through Bluetooth Low Energy to the displaying device, which calculates the amount of shaft misalignment and advises corrective adjustments of the machine feet.

If the shafts of a machine train are not co-linear when the machine is in operation, they are by definition misaligned. While the actual shaft positions can be illustrated in three-dimensional space and the center lines can be defined mathematically, it is easier to relate the relationship between shafts at the coupling as an offset, an angle, or any combination of the two in the vertical and horizontal axes.