In the utilities sector, particularly in water and wastewater, pump stations are vital infrastructure. They are expected to run reliably around the clock, with little tolerance for downtime.
That is why correct alignment during installation is essential. According to Yashpal Katkade, Reliability Engineer at Motion, proper motor-to-pump alignment underpins efficiency, performance, and equipment life.
“If something goes wrong with the pump or motor in water or wastewater, the impact can be huge – not just in terms of cost, but in the services that get disrupted,” Katkade said. “If alignment isn’t done right from the beginning, the system won’t perform the way it’s supposed to, and components will wear out faster than they should.”
Alignment issues typically occur in two forms: parallel misalignment, where the motor and pump shafts are offset, and angular misalignment, where the shafts meet at an angle. Both conditions introduce stress into the system.
“You’ll see more vibration, rising temperatures, more energy consumption and reduced system performance,” Katkade said. “And over time, bearings and seals will start to fail. The whole system suffers.”
Motion’s laser alignment services help utilities address these risks from day one, ensuring new pump stations are correctly set up for long-term performance and reliability.
To read the full article in Motion’s new interactive magazine, please click here.
