What is the value of the information collected when you perform a hot alignment check?

The value of the information collected during a hot alignment check primarily lies in its ability to reveal the relative positions of the shafts when the machinery is operating at its intended temperature. When machines are running, thermal expansion can alter their alignment. Performing a hot alignment check allows you to see how the shafts line up under operational conditions, ensuring that they are correctly aligned when heat is a factor. This alignment is crucial for the efficient operation of rotating machinery, as it helps prevent excessive wear, vibration, and potential failure.

While other options might provide useful insights in different contexts, such as assessing soft foot conditions or determining foundation integrity, they do not specifically focus on the conditions present during operation, which is the primary purpose of a hot alignment check. Thus, revealing the relative shaft positions is essential for maintaining optimal performance and longevity of mechanical systems.