Foundations, Baseplates
and Soleplates

Field Machining Baseplates To Flat and Same Elevation

Most rotating equipment must be installed on flat and level baseplates, rails or soleplates. Optical tooling measurement equipment is ideal for recording locations and elevations of these components. Measurements may be performed on new installations, in order to insure proper positioning prior to grouting, or on older existing equipment to evaluate potential foundation problems. Optical measurements are relatively fast and easy to obtain, and are very accurate. As many individual points as desired may be recorded. This allows not only elevation and level to be set or evaluated, but flatness of an individual piece or surface may be measured. Also, multiple pads or plates, even separated by long distances, may easily be brought to the same elevations.

Some machinery installations require that equipment bases be installed flat and level, but at various elevations. Optical measurement provides a way to easily and accurately establish any number of elevations.

Optical measurements may be recorded at any time during the leveling process. This is particularly useful during field machining operations where constant monitoring is required.

Typically, an optical sight level is used to view tooling scales attached by magnet to the surfaces being measured. In most cases, the scales may remain in place during leveling and checked as often as necessary. Reference is made to known benchmarks to ensure installation at the proper elevation. One existing machinery requiring re-grouting, elevations may be recorded prior to removal of the equipment. Upon reinstallation, the baseplate can then be established in the same relative position. This ensures that piping, electrical conduit, tubing and other associated equipment will match up to the new position after grouting.

Compressor Sole Plate Positioning and Ready for Grouting

Some reciprocating equipment is leveled and established on elevation with vertical jacking screws prior to grouting. This can easily be accomplished optically. After positioning level and on elevation, the main bearing saddle alignment, and perpendicularity of the crosshead guide to bearing saddle centerline is usually verified. A discussion of optical measurement related to alignment of reciprocating equipment follows in a later section.

Positioning Compressor Crankcase Prior to Re-grouting