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consistent insertion depth if the rotor and stator design permit. They are easily user removed or adjusted depending on the depth required.


A complete, connected solution Measured distances are displayed and stored in a


user-friendly app available for both iOS and Android devices. Instructions for download are included with purchase of the tool (mobile device not included). During typical use, operator A positions the tool between the rotor and stator poles. Operator B then records data via the mobile app; this can be done either by voice command or touching the “Write Point” button on the mobile device shown in Figure 4. The app then sequentially numbers the data points and stores them, leaving no need for an operator to record manually. Data can be viewed in the app and downloaded to a PC for storage and analysis. This download feature is a major time saver for operators and eliminates possible manual data entry errors. More information on using the app is detailed below.


Using the mobile app When the app is launched, it will automatically search


for an AGT within Bluetooth range, which is typically 10 ft to 15 ft. An AGT within range will display on the screen and connect upon operator command. The intuitive user interface is easily set up prior to taking measurements. Main features include: Entry of the installation or generator number Entry of high and low display limits of acceptable gap measurements, shown in figure 4. While the AGT is designed to wirelessly communicate with the app on the mobile device, some environments may have too much background interference for reliable communications. If a communication interruption occurs, recording of measurements resumes from the last data point when communication is restored. For environments with higher interference or


installations where wireless is not desired or permitted, the AGT and handheld device can be connected via a USB cable. In acoustically noisy environments a headset connected to the handheld device is recommended when using voice commands. The handheld device should be maintained within 6 ft of the AGT for the most reliable operation. The AGT is supplied with factory calibration to NIST traceable standards for measurement ranges from 0.4 inch to 1.3 inches. With factory calibration, measurement accuracy is 0.001 inch over the entire measurement range. If an operator has a calibration lab to set the compression springs to specific distances, then a calibration check or recalibration can be done within the app.


Simplifying real-world complexities Recent testing at a large-scale US hydro-generating


facility reported reduced measurement time over previously used parallels. Measurements with the parallels required two hours to check every third pole, whereas measurements with the AGT required only 30 minutes to take measurements of every pole. Since data was required for both above and below the rotor, the AGT was able to realise a time savings of three hours. At this same facility, the operator quickly downloaded data from the app into an Excel


spreadsheet and generated the radar plot shown in figure 5. The data is displayed with the actual pole number. Two sets of data were taken by two different operators to verify repeatability of the measurements. As can be readily seen, results are consistent. A quick review of the data can reveal inconsistencies or potential problem locations that should be verified.


Kaman measuring While other tools can measure hydroelectric rotor


and stator alignment to an acceptable level, none can compete with the speed and precision of the Kaman static AGT.


With locations in Middletown, Connecticut, and Colorado Springs, Colorado, Kaman Measuring has been in the precision measurement business for many years as a trusted solutions provider. For more information or a quote on the AGT, contact Kaman Measuring.


Left: Figure 3. Kaman’s AGT is designed to be just as user friendly as it is technically sound Source: Kaman Measuring


Below: Figure 4. The mobile app intuitively stores measurements and notifies if out of range Source: Kaman Measuring


Left: Figure 5. Measurement data easily and quickly reported for operator analysis Source: Kaman Measuring


www.waterpowermagazine.com | October 2025 | 29


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