Measuring Displacement with CAS Technology

In machine operations, heat generation or settlement effects can lead to unexpected large shaft displacements between the motor and equipment such as pumps or compressors. Generally, this can result in two major outcomes:

1. The shaft coupling can no longer compensate for the large displacement, leading to damage and failure.
2. The machine may suddenly stop, resulting in significant costs and downtime for the user.

To avoid such situations, preventive measures must be implemented, such as regularly checking the alignment of the drive system. However, this often requires stopping the machine, leading to downtime costs. While these procedures reduce the risk of failure, they cannot completely eliminate it because displacement typically occurs only during machine operation. In a stationary state, shaft displacement becomes immeasurable.

CAS (Coupling Alignment Scanning) Technology

To address this issue, we introduce CAS (Coupling Alignment Scanning)—a system designed to continuously monitor radial and angular displacements of couplings in real-time. CAS provides immediate displacement signals when shaft misalignment occurs. Moreover, it offers the option to record displacement data over time, allowing users to track loads under various operational conditions.

The CAS system consists of a double universal steel thin-plate coupling and specialized sensors. These sensors measure both the direction and magnitude of shaft displacement and calculate the total displacement of the coupling.

Key Benefits and Applications of CAS

The benefits of CAS are substantial, as it allows continuous monitoring of shaft displacement without requiring machine downtime. This system is particularly valuable for industries where equipment failure can result in costly downtime and repair.

Some of the main applications of CAS technology include:

• Chemical/Petrochemical: Ensuring the smooth operation of industrial plants that rely on rotating equipment.
• Oil/Natural Gas: Monitoring equipment to avoid unexpected displacements that could lead to operational halts in critical machinery.
• Hot Water and Heat Transfer: Maintaining efficient operation of heating systems by monitoring displacement in the drive components.
• Energy Technology: Enhancing the reliability and uptime of power generation equipment by tracking displacement during normal operation.
• Wastewater Technology: Minimizing the risk of equipment failure in wastewater treatment plants, ensuring continuous service.

Conclusion

The use of CAS technology for monitoring shaft displacement offers significant advantages in industrial operations, especially in high-risk and high-cost environments. By providing real-time monitoring and the ability to track displacement over time, CAS reduces the chances of catastrophic failure, improves system reliability, and helps optimize maintenance schedules. This makes CAS an essential tool for industries that rely on critical rotating machinery.