Flatness Vs Level
The conditions of the base foundation for gas compressor installations is crucial for the unit’s operation, ensuring longevity and minimal damage or wear.
Flatness is a measure for the planar condition of the base foundation; whether it has even elevations throughout.
Level is a measure for the position of the unit; based on how perpendicular it is to gravity.
A base foundation can be flat but not level, and vice versa – level but not flat.
Not meeting the required tolerance for both measures can result in disastrous results, mainly:
- High Vibration, which leads to:
- Bearing Failure
- Worn pistons
- Bent shaft
- Higher energy consumptions
You don’t have to be a mathematical genius to know how much will be needed to repair the damages.
With Easy-Laser XT770 Geo unit, we can kill two birds with one stone – measuring both at the same time, using easy and simple method. The pictures shown are when our technicians are measuring the existing base plates for the compressor unit that we supplied. Using the XT22 and XT770, we were able to get the data in less than 10 minutes!
It turned out that many of the base plates had very different variations in elevation, resulting in the compressor skid not sitting flat on the base plates (see circled picture above). As this will surely cause many problems if left as is in the future, we requested our clients to lift and move the compressor away, and did some rework for the foundation. It caused some delays for sure, but it was miles better than forcing the inevitable breakdown of the unit!
Check out the XT770 Geo here: https://www.bhumiphala.co.id/product/xt770-shaftgeo/
