Alignment measurement of a propeller shaft using Wärtsilä's gyro laser technology Wärtsilä’s alignment service for propulsion equipment has been extended to new products and markets, with a newly developed condition measurement system allowing diagnosis to be performed while vessels are in operation. The services are offered to correct alignment issues that can lead to serious damage if not remedied. As René Bertelsen, global sales manager, Wärtsilä Seals & Bearings alignment and measurement services noted: “As the misaligned equipment rotates, it causes vibration and stress that can result in breakdown of the shaft assembly or, in the long run, even large-scale damage to struts and hulls. Costly repairs and downtime can be avoided by regular alignment inspections and realignment when necessary.” Wärtsilä uses patented gyro laser technology with a jack-up system to compare the measured bending curve with the actual load in the bearings. Realignment of shaft lines can be completed within two hours when the necessary tools are at hand. Shaft realignment is also useful in case of a bearing failure: measuring and correction can help bring the ship safely to dock for repairs. Wärtsilä has developed a new portable condition measurement system allowing health checks of equipment to be carried out while the vessel is in operation. Service engineers measure the vibration, temperature, torque and position of the equipment to determine the reason for the failure and make the necessary repairs and adjustments. "Vessels with constant charter can have the portable measurement equipment mounted while loading or unloading cargo to avoid downtime,” said Bertelsen. “Monitoring can be initiated within one day, and the system logs all incoming data from the equipment while the vessel is in operation.” The company noted that the new system would be particularly useful for cruise and ferry operators and container vessels, for whom vibration reduction is crucial and operational delays very costly. The range of equipment covered has been expanded - now including stern tubes, propeller shafts, intermediate shafts, engines, gearboxes, shaft generators, rudders and hulls - while geographical reach has also been extended to provide a global service.