Machine vibration is not necessarily a mechanical problem. There are many reasons for increasing or high vibration levels, in addition to the normal evaluation process we suggest the following also need to be considered when evaluating machinery faults:

• Oil & vibration induced degradation of the cement based grout
• Corrosion induced uplift
• Loose anchor bolts
• Dis-bonded construction joints in the foundation
• Stress cracks in the foundation
• Soil mechanics
• Foundation mass and size
• Alignment condition

ALPHATEC's unique approach to solving vibration problems focuses on the integrity of the machine/foundation unit. One of the major functions of the mass poured concrete foundation is the attenuation of vibrations. Once cracks, or separations, appear in any area of the foundation, particularly between the foundation and the machine, the concrete can no longer perform this vital function adequately.

ALPHATEC's site inspection and evaluation service begins with identifying the actual problems, and engineering a repair that addresses those problems directly.

In summary, the ALPHATEC methods typically consist of:

• Restoration of the integrity of the foundation
• Addition of steel reinforcing to distribute stresses with the foundation
• Addition of concrete, if the existing foundation mass or shape is unsatisfactory
• Re-bonding or replacing loose or broken anchor bolts
• Re-alignment of machine
• Restoration of the necessary bond between machine and foundation

Epoxy grouts are certainly the only suitable material for regrout projects, their unique properties also make them ideal for new machine installations as well. The ability of a good high quality polymer grout to resist all the forces transmitted through it, and to protect the underlying concrete means that it can perform better, and for longer than a cement based grout.

Many plant owners and operators are specifying the use of polymer based grout products for their heavy and precision machinery installations ('heavy' has been defined by one major oil company as any piece of equipment weighing more than 2,500kg), and are reaping the benefits of stable machines running smoothly on stable foundations. Other areas where polymer grouts need to be specified are where dynamic loading and thermal stress is high, chemical process environments etc. Cement based grouts are commonplace and function well for light to medium equipment, low dynamic loading and general-purpose structures.

In all cases the grout selection, layout and installation technique are critical to the long-term success and reliability of the equipment or structure. Cement based grouts require batching water to meet certain requirements such as make up, quantity and temperature. Pumping equipment needs to be of the correct capacity to ensure placement within the specified period. All these issues are routinely dealt with at Alphatec from assistance with grout selection specifications to placement in hostile conditions using industry best practices and equipment.

• Precision Insitu Regrouting And Structural Repairs To Rotating/Reciprocating Machinery
• Optical & Laser Alignment Of Machinery And Machine Sub-Bases
• Solutions To Machinery Base-Plate Setup, Alignment And Anchoring
• Insitu Repair/Replacement Of Broken Anchor Bolts
• Polymer And Cementatious Grouting
• Dry Hire Of Grout Pumping Equipment
• Structural Concrete Repairs To Machine Foundations
• Chemical Resistant Grouting
• General Concrete Repair
• Polymer And Cement Based Grout Pumping
• Alignment And Chocking To Marine Propulsion And Auxilery Equipment
• Technical Support And Design For All Machinery Grouting, Regrouting & Structural Concrete Repairs
• Regrouting & Grouting Of LNG, LPG and Process Vessels
• Material Specification And Supply