HOT KILN ALIGNMENT,
SHELL PROFILE MEASUREMENTS,
COMPREHENSIVE KILN
INSPECTION AND SUPERVISION
OVER ROLLERS ADJUSTMENT

Introduction

Rotary kiln alignment is well known preventive maintenance tool. The rotary kilns are affected by mechanical and technological stresses causing components wear and as consequence misalignment. Every kiln user wish to have high run-time factor and no unexpected fails and stoppages. Therefore the managers prefer preventive routines than costly repairs.

Geoservex is a pioneer in hot kiln alignment in dynamical conditions. Since 1973 till today we have aligned and inspected hundreds of kilns, improving and upgrading our scope of analyzes. Our vast experience in this field is appreciated by all leading cement, paper and steel manufacturers in 46 countries of the World.

Today Geoservex is a leading kiln alignment service provider worldwide. Our scope of works and quality of services fits the highest available standards. The kiln axis survey and adjustment, rollers position and profiles, shell deformation analysis and 3D modelling, radial and axial run-out of tires and girth gear, shell crank detection, kiln thrust balancing, drive mesh inspection, finally complete recalculation of kiln mechanical parameters, all in one comprehensive kiln inspection report.

All global kiln manufacturers recommend to align the kilns on regular basis at least every 2 years. Sometimes service groups connected with kiln manufacturers concentrate on components replacement. Geoservex is an independent engineering company and service is our core business. We do alignments and inspections in order to safe cost of maintenance and our goal is to adjust existing equipment and improve the kiln condition and operation.

Recalculation of Kiln mechanical parameters

We know from our practice, events when a kiln frequently has bearing overloads (hot bearings), shell cracks, roller shaft \ cracks, frame cracks in spite of measuring alignment and adjustment. In these cases, the kiln should be again mechanically verified. This process is reverse to design: the same parameters are checked but the kiln is real, and the process is based on real dimensions and production parameters. There are cases of an uneven distribution of support loads with simultaneous dimensional over design for stress the kiln shell, which lets the kiln axis position optimize. This technique has been known by producers for many decades but it is not widely offered.

3D Animation of rotary kiln shells

Measurements of rotary kiln shell deformation constitute a significant part of our extensive offer of kiln inspection. Geoservex was the pioneer in the field of these measurements, covering the scope ranging from simple measurements of distance and geometric approximation of a cross-section shape, to linear laser scanning and unique computer software development enabling the calculation of shell eccentricity in a particular cross-section and its shape deformation (circularity). The next step of the development of this service is our newest product – a three-dimensional computer animation of a rotating kiln shell, presenting its measured shape deformations (cross-section eccentricity and circularity deformations).

Additionally, this model has been enhanced with a visualization of tyres rotation together with their wobbling (axial unbalance) and radial run-out.

Sample Report Pages

SCOPE OF WORKS (All types of rotary kilns up to 4 supports, under normal operation)

MODULE 1: Hot kiln alignment survey

  • Measurement of kiln axis position in horizontal and vertical plane

  • Measurement of tire migration and calculation of under-tire clearance

  • Measurement of rollers’ axis position, rollers’ skewing and operating angle

  • Measurement of rollers’ inclination and foundation frame axial slope

  • Measurement of rollers’ profiles (mechanical wear of running surface)

  • Measurement of thrust rollers position in reference to the kiln axis

  • Measurement of tires and shell temperatures

  • Calculations of axial deviations in horizontal and vertical plane and kiln slope

  • General mechanical inspection of drive mesh, bearings and shafts condition, lubrication efficiency, inlet and outlet sealing, thrust unit, adjustment equipment, covers and housing.

  • Check for kiln thrust and mechanical balance

  • Preparation of optimal version of adjustment program and schedule

  • Preparation and submission of completed report including results of survey, short and long term recommendations for preventive maintenance actions.

  • Minor adjustments of rollers and/or kiln mechanical balance (not exceeding 4 hours of works)

MODULE 2: Kiln shell profile and shell crank survey

  • Measurement of kiln shell permanent deformations (circularity deviation and eccentricity of cross sections)

  • Preparation of shell polar diagrams and shell animation model (unique full 3D rotating shell)

  • Measurement of tires and girth gear wobbling

  • Measurement of rollers’ shaft cyclical deflection (indication of kiln shell mechanical crank)

  • Measurement of kiln shell temperatures distribution (indication of shell temperature crank)

  • Geoservex is the only service provider in the world making kiln shell 3D animation model

MODULE 3: Kiln shell ovality test (direct survey of elastic deformation of the kiln shell)

MODULE 4: Kiln drive system geometry: girth gear, pinion, shafts, reducer, engine

*The kiln must be stopped for a few hours due to safety reasons

MODULE 5: Recalculation of kiln mechanical parameters

  • Current loads on piers

  • Pressure on bearings

  • Hertz pressures on roller-tire contact

  • Bending stress in the kiln shell

  • Stress in the tires

  • Stiffness matrix, optimization of kiln vertical axis position considering load distribution

  • *All results must be treated solely as technical opinion.

  • *Geoservex does not take any responsibility for changes in the kiln design.

MODULE 6: Supervision of adjustment action to be carried out by technicians of the Plant

  • Supervision of adjustment works

  • Thrust control and correction whenever necessary

  • Control survey and reporting of actual state after adjustment

Terms of Execution:

  • The above listed work will be done by the team of 2 Geoservex’s specialists within: four days for module 1, six days for modules 1+2 (+3 if apply), one extra day for modules 4 or 5. Adjustment supervision – module 6 is ordered and charged daily for Customer request. Each module includes reporting, all reports are prepared and presented on site. In some cases report for module 5 takes more time and is sent within 14 days. In case the adjustment supervision included in module 1 (4 hours) is not utilized within planned inspection time, as detailed above, the price for service remains firm.

  • Geoservex assures the accuracy of kiln axis survey within +/- 1 mm and the accuracy of adjustment of kiln axis in horizontal and vertical plane below 1.5 mm.

  • Geoservex ensure competent, fully trained, specialized and experienced engineers for measurement and adjustment of the kiln. Geoservex ensures technical consulting support of senior advising engineers for own teams as well as for Customer in case of untypical, complicated and complex problems with the kiln alignment, geometry deviation, operating and maintenance problems.

  • The team of specialists is equipped with all necessary measuring devices including patented state of the art equipment, high precision laser range finder, high precision electronic theodolite, radiation pyrometer, digital gauges, induction sensors, own computer base, specialized calculation software, tripod. The complete equipment consists of 4 boxes of regular luggage size. Total weight of equipment is 100 kg (below 30 kg per box). The engineers PPE and small sensors are taken on board as overweight luggage.

  • The Client shall determine the best time for execution of measurement and adjustment work considering that the kiln will be normally operating.

  • The Client will delegate skilled technicians for assistance and help to surveying team for about 2 days per kiln. The technicians must be equipped with electrical drilling machine (suitable for concrete drilling) and basic hand tools.

  • The Client will nominate team of competent and skilled technicians with good knowledge of organizing and executing rollers adjustment according to instructions and in presence of surveying team.

  • The Client makes sure that the necessary equipment for use, e.g.: hydraulic jacks and pumps, hand hammers, spanners, cleaning brushes and cleaning sprays, etc is available and in working condition.

  • The Client will support the measuring team with electrical power, locked equipment storage as near the kiln piers as possible, office room with air condition (if needed) and internet connection, free of charge.

  • If the Client wishes to extend adjustment works (beyond minor works included in Module 1 or total 4 days for Module 1), additional days will be charged basis on daily charge per fully equipped team.

  • Any claims for indemnities are excluded. Only in case of deliberate or grossly negligent behaviour by Geoservex employees, or in case of fundamental default in fulfilment of contract, Geoservex can be held liable. Geoservex liability is limited to the amount covered by insurance company.