Pregrouted baseplate for supporting rotating machinery

• US 6,405,992 B1
• Filed: 09/19/2000
• Issued: 06/18/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 09/19/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Kermit Palmer
• Original Assignee: Kermit Palmer
• Inventors: Palmer, Kermit L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Canfield, Robert
• Application Number:
  US09/665,143
• Time in Patent Office: 637 Days
• Field of Search: 248/678, 248/679, 108/51.11, 29D/IG.26, 295/271, 298/88, 298/97, 298/980.7, 527/421.2, 527/421.5, 527/421.6, 527/452, 522/92, 264/267, 264/268, 264/271.1
• US Class Current: 248/679
• CPC Class Codes: F04D 29/605 specially adapted for liquid pumps
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 5/00 Engine beds, i.e. means for supporting engines or machines on foundations
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 29/026 Method or apparatus with machining

Abstract

A pregrouted base plate and the method of its use and construction with rotating machinery such as pump and electric motor assemblies that are coupled together by a pair of shafts and require precise alignment of those shafts for a long and dependable service life is disclosed. The pregrouted base plate is formed as a generally rectangular parallelepiped structure with one side open. The novel method of its use includes pregrouting the baseplate before installation, curing the grout and machining the mounting surfaces for the rotating machinery before field installation to ensure precise alignment of the pump and motor shafts. A second embodiment is shown with an open frame having two sides open.

Claims

1. A method for preparing and installing a baseplate for supporting rotating machinery, comprising sequentially the steps of:

(a) preparing and pouring a grouting material into a cavity in a baseplate;

(b) curing said grouting material to achieve desired physical properties for said grouting material;

(c) checking the mounting surfaces adapted for supporting a piece of rotating machinery on said baseplate for specified tolerances;

(d) placing said baseplate in a fixture to allow machining of said mounting surfaces;

(e) machining said mounting surfaces adapted for supporting a piece of rotating machinery on said baseplate to a specified tolerance; and

,

(f) installing a piece of rotating machinery on said machined mounting surfaces.

2. A method for preparing and installing a baseplate for supporting rotating machinery, according to claim 1, including the step of:

accelerating the curing of said grouting material by maintaining said baseplate at an elevated temperature for a specified time period.

3. A method for preparing and installing a baseplate for supporting rotating machinery, according to claim 2, further including sequentially the steps of:

(a) securing said baseplate to a foundation;

(b) leveling said baseplate;

(c) placing a form around said baseplate and said foundation; and

,

(d) pouring a grouting material into the void between said baseplate and said foundation.

4. A method for preparing and installing a baseplate for supporting rotating machinery, according to claim 3, wherein:

said grouting material is an organic grout.

5. A method for preparing and installing a baseplate for supporting rotating machinery, according to claim 1, including sequentially the step of:

ensuring the curing of said grouting material by curing said grouting material for a specified time period.

6. A method for preparing and installing a baseplate for supporting rotating machinery, according to claim 5, further including sequentially the steps of:

(a) securing said baseplate to a foundation;

(b) leveling said baseplate;

(c) placing a form around said baseplate and said foundation; and

,

(d) pouring a grouting material into the void between said baseplate and said foundation.

7. A method for preparing and installing a baseplate for supporting rotating machinery, according to claim 6, wherein:

said grouting material is an inorganic grout.

8. A method for preparing and installing a baseplate having an open frame configuration for supporting rotating machinery, comprising sequentially the steps of:

(a) securing a grout retaining means to a baseplate to form a cavity therein;

(b) preparing and pouring a grouting material into said cavity in said baseplate;

(c) curing said grouting material to achieve desired physical properties for said grouting material;

(d) removing said grout retaining means from said baseplate;

(e) checking the mounting surfaces adapted for supporting a piece of rotating machinery on said baseplate for specified tolerances;

(f) placing said baseplate in a fixture to allow machining of said mounting surfaces;

(g) machining said mounting surfaces adapted for supporting a piece of rotating machinery on said baseplate to a specified tolerance; and

,

(h) installing a piece of rotating machinery on said machined mounting surfaces.

9. A method for preparing and installing a baseplate for supporting rotating machinery, according to claim 8, including the steps of:

accelerating the curing of said grouting material by maintaining said baseplate at an elevated temperature for a specified time period.

10. A method for preparing and installing a baseplate for supporting rotating machinery, according to claim 9, further including sequentially the steps of:

(a) securing said baseplate to a foundation;

(b) leveling said baseplate;

(c) placing a form around said baseplate and said foundation; and

,

(d) pouring a grouting material into the void between said baseplate and said foundation.

11. A method for preparing and installing a baseplate for supporting rotating machinery, according to claim 10 Wherein:

said grouting material is an organic grout.

12. A method for preparing and installing a baseplate for supporting rotating machinery, according to claim 8, including the steps of:

ensuring the curing of said grouting material by curing said grouting material for a specified time period.

13. A method for preparing and installing a baseplate for supporting rotating machinery, according to claim 9, further including sequentially the steps of:

(a) securing said baseplate to a foundation;

(b) leveling said baseplate;

(c) placing a form around said baseplate and said foundation; and

,

(d) pouring a grouting material into the void between said baseplate and said foundation.

14. A method for preparing and installing a baseplate for supporting rotating machinery, according to claim 12, wherein:

said grouting material is an inorganic grout.