Turbovisory Instruments

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Shaft Eccentricity Turbine Speed

Axial Shift

To Condenser

Differential expansion

Bearing Vibrations Sealing

Eccentricity
What is eccentricity? The circle can be said is an ellipse with zero eccentricity. Reason of Eccentricity Sagging due to weight ( Mechanical related) Uneven expansions ( Temperature related ) Bearing Problems ( Mechanical Related )

What is eccentricity and how it is measured? Deviation of mass center to geometrical center. Generates vibrations Increases with speed Measured in microns / millimeters

Type of measurements
Inductive type ( 50Hz to 20KHz) Proximity Type ( 500 Khz to MHz)

10Khz

A1

A2

B2

B1

OSC

DM

LP Filter 4rth order

AMP Peak Detector

4-20mA 0 500 microns

Proximity Sensor
It is a flat coil of wire located at the end of a ceramic tip, protected by epoxy fiber glass. Probe generates EMF at radio frequency. As the EMF cuts any conductor nearby its vicinity eddy currents are produced which absorbs the power. The loss of power is proportional to the gap between the conductivity meter and the probe. This sensor also generates voltage oscillations proportional to the air gap and hence the signal is demodulated to stable DC output as that of inductive sensor.

Vibrations
The most vital parameter to be logged during startup, shutdowns and also during normal running conditions. Can be transmitted radially as well as in axially . Calls for immediate action, since they lead to catastrophic disaster.

Why vibrations are created?

Due to unbalance conditions Load changes Mechanical looseness

Vibrations measurement
They are measured in microns ( amplitude of vibrations) or mm/sec ( speed at which it vibrates) They are normally measured in mm/sec as it gives fatigue and the other gives stress. There are two types of transducers that can measure velocity
Magnetic type ( 10hz 150hz, < 6g) Piezo electric type ( Accelerometers )

Magnetic Type sensors

Based on the fundamentals of flemings right hand rule. Here there is a permanent magnet which when vibrated causes relative motion wrt a coil, generating emf directly proportional to the rate of vibrations.

Accelerometers
Main constituent is Piezo electric crystal Vibrations induces force on the crystal. The vibration produces force on the crystal which then generates proportional voltage.

Axial Shift of the Rotor

The thrust bearing is the point at which the rotor is connected to the stator axially, at the front end of HP turbine. Result of thrust in HP, IP, and LP turbines

Causes for increment of axial shift

Increment of axial thrust
Resistance to steam flow inside turbine Bearing failure Oil flow failure

Axial Shift Detector

Reluctance type transducer supplied with 10V rms and 1953 Hz supply in bridge configuration Basic components are as follows
Detector coils (LVDT) Amplifier Rectifier Lineariser amplifier

Differential expansion of Rotor and Cylinder The difference in their rate of expansion is due to thermal inertia inbetween rotary and stationary elements It is basically rotor axial expansion stator axial expansion Normally it is a positive value

Occurrences of high differential Expansion

High Positive value
During Startup Low Load running High exhaust temperature Restrain to casing expansion

High Negative value

During Shutdown High Load running Low exhaust temperature

Detector of Differential Expansion It is same as axial shift detector , expect here we have two axial shift detector that are arranged in bridge configuration.

Casing expansion
Turbine is anchored nearly in the middle of LP Casing Expansion in the front is cumulative of the casing from the anchor point. It also shows the degree of thermal soaking done. Expansion is also measured in the middle pedestal Abnormal expansion indicates serious fault
Less jamming, lack of freedom of movement More permanent creep

Casing expansion Measurement

LVDT Linear Variable Differential Transformer ( More Used )
Does not have mechanical linkages, hence life is more

Rectilinear Potentiometer Has mechanical linkages , hence less life LVDT Linear Variable Differential Transformer ( More Used )

+
OSC 10KHz

AMP

Rectifier

Smoothening ckt

Speed Measurement
This is the most important parameter of the power plant, and if not monitored properly may led to irreparable disaster There are three ways of measurement
Slotted wheel voltage pick ups when subjected to magnet field Permanent magnet is connected in the shaft which when rotated generates voltage proportional to the speed Eddy current pick ups. Laser