NDT Devices Blog

Pruftechnik Optalign Smart RS

Pruftechnik Optalign Smart RS tool uses a single laser and a 5-axis sensor. The sensor contains two fully-linearized biaxial position detectors and a precision inclinometer. It can precisely measure relative shaft movement in five degrees of freedom. This measurement principle is the only one which allows ‘Live Move’ with concurrent monitoring of the vertical and horizontal machine corrections and with the sensor at any angular position.

Pruftechnik Optalign Smart RS

Benefit of precision shaft alignment

Machines that are well aligned at the commissioning stage and thereafter regularly maintained, will quickly reduce both plant operating and maintenance costs.

Laser precision alignment extends machine availability as the Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) increases. It protects assets and increases product quality, as vibration is reduced to very low levels.

OPTALIGN® smart RS uses a single laser and a 5-axis sensor. The sensor contains two fully linearized biaxial position detectors and a precision inclinometer. It can precisely measure relative shaft movement in five degrees of freedom. This measurement principle is the only one which allows ‘Live Move‘ with concurrent monitoring of the vertical and horizontal machine corrections and with the sensor at any angular position.

The sensor contains two position sensitive detectors and an electronic inclinometer, which measure the exact position of the laser beam, as the shafts are rotated.

The SWEEP measurement mode 

In this exclusive and patented measurement mode, data is automatically and continuously collected as the shafts are rotated. A shaft rotation captures a large number of measurement points to accurately determine the alignment condition. Measurement can start at any position and in any direction. Wireless Communication

OPTALIGN® smart RS integrates an RF-module for convenient and flexible wireless data transmission.

Concurrent Live Move

Monitor the machine corrections concurrently in both horizontal and vertical directions with laser and sensor mounted at any angular position on the shaft.

OPTALIGN® smart RS is packed with powerful functions for the alignment of horizontal, vertical and flange mounted machines. The system has been designed for industrial applications and can be used in extreme maintenance working conditions.

3 keys to precision alignment

The main function keys allow a quick switch between the main functions during the alignment

Laser / Sensor

The OPTALIGN® smart RS measurement principle is based on the patented single laser beam technology which uses one laser and a sensor including two biaxial position detectors and an electronic inclinometer.

Computer

The OPTALIGN® smart RS computer features a high resolution TFT color display for clear information readability even in unfavorable light conditions. The computer is operated by disposable or Li-Ion rechargeable batteries. The connection to a PC and other peripheral devices such as a printer is via a USB interface.

Operation and user interface

The alphanumeric keyboard and the navigations keys ensure comfortable operation of the measurement system. With the context menu the user can easily access all required options. The status line text provides valuable guidance for the beginners. The alignment results are clearly displayed in graphic and digital formats.

• Wireless communication

Convenient and flexible wireless data transmission.

• SWEEP measurement mode

Automatic collection of alignment data during shaft rotation.

• Concurrent Live Move

Monitor the machine corrections concurrently in both horizontal and vertical directions with laser and sensor mounted at any angular position on the shaft.

• Single laser technology

Patented single laser/sensor technology for easy set-up.

• InfiniRange®

This function extends the detector surface, making it possible to measure machines with severe angular misalignment or distant from each other. Rough alignment is not necessary, and the initial alignment condition is recorded and documented.

• Intuitive user guidance 

The system guides the user progressively to determine the machinery alignment condition and its tolerance evaluation.

• Alignment tolerances

Dynamic tolerances based upon the machine RPM (TolChek®) or user defined values.

• Automatic evaluation of alignment

The Smiley and an LED provide visual indication of the alignment condition and a live update status during machine correction.

• Soft foot check 

Measure, correct and save results.

• File management

Save measurement files in the device and generate reports as PDF to a USB memory stick.

• Data protection

Auto save and resume capability.

Standard features

• RF module for wireless data transmission

• Live Move: concurrently monitors horizontal and vertical corrections

• Alignment of horizontal, vertical and flange mounted machines

• Alignment of coupled, uncoupled and non rotatable shafts

• Soft foot check – measure, correct and save results

• Continuous SWEEP measurement mode: automatically activated as shaft is rotated – start and stop rotation at any position

• Automatic evaluation of alignment condition with TolChek® and user-defined tolerances

• InfiniRange® extends detector measurement range to handle gross misalignment and large coupling separation distances

• QuickCheck – uses a single dimension to display both horizontal and vertical coupling values

• Checking the effects of pipe strain on machine

• Static measurement mode – requires any 3 of the 8 available 45 degrees measurement positions for vertical or inclined mounted machines 

• Result table to verify measurement repeatability

• Save up to 500 measurement files in the device

• Save measurement reports as PDF to a USB memory stick

• Data protection – auto save and resume capability

Powerful options

• 3-machine train alignment

• Fixed feet selection – resolves base-bound and bolt-bound problems 

• Multipoint mode – measurement at any 3 or more positions. This measurement mode is suitable for all bearing types

• Alignment of cardan and spacer shafts 

• Heavy-duty rechargeable Li-Ion battery