Condition Monitoring for Steam Turbines

Presented by

Engr. Dr. Abdul Rehman AbbasiEmail: qurman2000@gmail.com

June 26, 2014

Motivation to Learn About this Topic

• Early (Just-In-time) Detection of Faults/Abnormalities

• Corrective Action in Time to Save Valuable Assets and Avoid Production Losses

What we are going to discuss here:

1. (Steam) Turbine Operation-A Reminder2. Identify the Monitoring Methods3. Identify the Failure Modes

What does a turbine actually do?• Steam in and Steam Out…..• The steam comes in under a certain set of

pressure, temperature, and flow conditions; and goes out under another set of pressure temperature and flow conditions

• The change in steam conditions occurs because we are using some of the energy in the steam to rotate the turbine rotor

Condition Monitoring Methods

• Some common methods are:– Steam Conditions and Flow Rates– Vibration– Lubrication Conditions– Bearing Condition– Rotor Speed– Noise Level– Auxiliary System Operation

Operating Limit is the Key

Selection of Vibration Measurement Points

Vibration Analysis: Standards

Probable Failure Modes• Bearing failures from:

• Loss of lubrication• Lubrication contamination• Excessive load

• Overspeed protection

• Blade failures:• Foreign object damage• Erosion• Fatigue

• Valve failures:• Solid particle damage• Erosion• Fatigue

• Steam seal failures:• Wear• Erosion• Corrosion

• Governor/Regulation failure

• Insulation failure

• Coupling failures

• Hydraulic system failure • Alignment Changes

Failure Modes

Failure Modes

Conclusion

• Condition monitoring of steam turbine is critical to identify faults and provide remedies

• Condition monitoring methods are there to ascertain equipment condition

• Failure modes could be prevented by appropriate condition monitoring and preventive measures