Applications and Diagnostics

We have provided a series of articles covering a range of topics concerned with the design, configuration and use of turbine supervisory system, and the subsequent interpretation of the acquired data.

The University of Life teaches us that, ironically, the most important things to do are often the hardest things to do – just try asking any politician about this! Similarly, experience in the field of working on turbine supervisory instrumentation projects, shows that it is sometimes the most important parameters to be measured which are the hardest to get right. Paradoxically, it also seems that these parameters are at best, given scant consideration, and at worst, they are overlooked altogether until the last moment, just before the turbine is being closed up, or just as it is about to be run, when it is often then too late.

The key turbine parameters of Thrust, Differential Expansion and Case Expansion can have such an impact on the efficient operation and on the general health of the machinery being monitored that it is clearly an anomaly that these parameters are probably the least understood of the TSI parameters. The reasons for this are probably many, not least that the other main parameters of Vibration, Temperature and Valve Position are easier to set up, and are well established and documented. Other historical and anecdotal evidence points to a general scarcity of knowledge and understanding as to the benefits and pitfalls associated with measuring these parameters.

Lack of ownership of the supervisory system is often cited as the reason for this, with no clear responsibility being taken either for the collation of relevant information or for making appropriate allowance in the outage schedule. This is particularly the case for the differential expansion, the setting and checking of which is necessarily time consuming and often requires mechanical and electrical support from outage engineers.

These articles are intended to provide some insight and to clarify the requirements and to highlight the pitfalls associated with measuring Thrust, Differential Expansion and Case Expansion, which will, it is hoped, lead to a more proactive approach towards them, thereby ensuring that they are adequately provided for in any project schedule.

This list of available articles is not exhaustive and will be subject to revisions and additions from time to time as and when they become available, so please visit this page again regularly.

We produce new articles based on customer feedback and in response to specific requests for assistance. Therefore, if you would like any specific help on any topic either listed here or not listed here, please contact us via our contact page and we will try to help.