WMS Maintenance Services, a specialist provider in precision maintenance for heavy machinery, recently leveraged the Easy-Laser XT770 GEO laser alignment system for critical alignment work at CS Energy’s Callide Power Station.

Known for its expertise in precision laser alignment and positive displacement slurry pumps, WMS chose the XT770 to expand its alignment capabilities, benefiting from its advanced features and local support from GVS.

FIG 1. Weir GEHO 800 ZPM Positive Displacement Slurry Pump.
 
The Challenge

WMS was engaged to rebuild the ash tailings disposal pump system, a critical component at Callide Power Station responsible for pumping ash slurry from the boilers to tailings dams. Failure of this pump system can quickly lead to ash build-up, forcing the generation unit to shut down. The system includes a 450 kW motor, a 5-to-1 reduction gearbox, and a Weir Minerals GEHO ZPM 800 positive displacement diaphragm pump. Previously, the system had experienced repeated gearbox input shaft bearing failures, necessitating a $50,000 gearbox overhaul and posing a significant operational risk.

 

Motor to Gearbox Alignment
FIG 2. Motor to gearbox alignment in progress using the XT770.
FIG 3. Gearbox to pump alignment in progress using the XT770.
 
Maintenance and Alignment Approach 

WMS utilised the Easy-Laser XT770 GEO system to conduct a thorough inspection of the pump system, including geometric measurements of the foundation and alignment checks across the entire machine train. The alignment inspection showed no issues with the machine base, but revealed significant misalignment of approximately 1.4 mm in the horizontal plane between the motor and gearbox. This misalignment likely stemmed from poor alignment practices during previous maintenance work.

With the XT770’s intuitive interface, 360-degree live adjustment, and machine train alignment capabilities, WMS efficiently corrected the misalignment and successfully recommissioned the pump system.

 

Easy-Laser Results
FIG 4. The final alignment results for vertical and horizontal plains between gearbox and pump.
 
Results

Since WMS’s intervention, the ash tailings disposal pump system has operated reliably for over 12 months with no repeat failures. The precision alignment performed with the Easy-Laser XT770 GEO has significantly improved reliability, reducing the risk of costly downtime and maintenance at Callide Power Station.

WMS benefits from ongoing support through GVS, with rapid calibration turnarounds, efficient repairs, and expert troubleshooting, ensuring sustained accuracy in all alignment projects.

 

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