Page 25 - Practical Machinery Management for Process Plants Major Process Equipment Maintenance and Repair

10 Major Process Equipment Maintenance and Repair

2. After the pour, the surface of the foundation should be chipped to
remove all laitance and defective or weak concrete. Normally, a
chipping hammer should be used; sand blasting or using a needle
gun is not effective. The amount of concrete removed should be
such that the final baseplate or soleplate elevation allows for one to
two inches of grout between the surface of the foundation and the
lower baseplate flange or the underside of the soleplates. After
chipping, the top surface should be reasonably level and free of all
oil, grease, and loose particles.
3. Baseplates or soleplates should not be placed on the foundation until
a minimum of ten days has elapsed after pouring the normal con-
crete. High early-strength concrete may be used in some specific
applications but is not usually required. In any event, baseplates
and soleplates should not be placed on foundations until the con-
crete has had time to dry and cure so that 85 percent of the shrink-
age has taken place.
4. Protect the surface of the foundation according to the type of grout
to be used. When using epoxy grout, the concrete surface must be
dry at the time the grout is applied. When using cement-based
grout, keep the foundation wet for the period of time recommended
by the grout manufacturer prior to grouting.
5. If used, remove the tops of the plastic anchor bolt sleeves and en-
sure that the sleeves are free of foreign material.

Baseplate and Soleplate Preparation

1. While the practice varies from company to company, it is suggested
that all equipment be removed from its baseplate or soleplate prior
to grouting. This aids in leveling the plate and prevents unwanted
distortion of the baseplate. The machinery can easily be reinstalled
after the baseplate or soleplate has been grouted.
2. Normally, baseplates and soleplates are provided by the equipment
supplier and manufactured in accordance with some company or in-
dustrial specification. The installing agency must inspect and verify
that the baseplate or soleplate is in accordance with these specifica-
tions but, as a minimum, it should have the following:

a. All baseplate and soleplate surfaces (except on mounting pads
and in threaded holes but including the outside edges) that will be
in contact with the grout should be coated with an inorganic zinc
silicate or other primer compatible with the grout being used.
Base metal, blistered, or rusted surfaces are unacceptable.