The total measured shaft deflection allowed when aligning an American Petroleum Institute (API) 610 pump shaft and motor shaft must be less than how many inches?

When aligning an American Petroleum Institute (API) 610 pump shaft and motor shaft, it is critical to ensure that the total measured shaft deflection is minimized to maintain operational efficiency and prevent mechanical failures. The API 610 standard specifies that the total measured shaft deflection should be less than 0.002 inches. This tolerance helps to reduce wear and tear on the components, ensuring the longevity of both the pump and motor.

A deflection that exceeds this limit can lead to misalignment issues, resulting in increased vibration, noise, and premature failure of bearings and seals. Thus, maintaining alignment within this specified limit is essential for optimal performance and reliability of the pump system in industrial applications.