Steam Turbine Vibration Dampers

Maintenance

Introduction Another point to watch are the attachments

If the piping of the lubricating and control of the dampers to the piping and to any
fluid system is excited to vibration, the thermal installation plates installed between
deflections involved could cause them, as these connections may work loose.
inadmissible stressing of the piping material. For these reasons, regular inspections are
necessary to ensure that the vibration
Dampers are used to attenuate piping dampers are in good condition and
vibration. These consist essentially of a functioning properly.
cylindrical casing enclosing a plunger
embedded in a viscous bitumen mass that
performs the actual damping function. The Inspection Intervals, scope of Inspection
upper part of the damper is sealed by a Table-1 gives all important criteria to be
fabric-base plastic guard sleeve. reviewed during vibration damper
inspections. The intervals between
This damper design is not subject to wear,
inspections are given in “y” (years).
but the damping medium properties may be
impaired by temperature influences or, if the The inspections may also be performed
guard sleeve is damaged, by contamination during plant operation.
with foreign matter.

Table-1 : Inspection Intervals, Scope of inspections and Criteria

Inspection Scope of Inspection

Intervals - Criteria
1y Damper Attachment
- firm seating of damper components on pipe and support sides (and at
thermal insulation plates, if applicable)
Motion reserve
- cold condition: position of plunger as in support drawing
Guard sleeve
- correct and firm seating
- tension of the clamps
- damage (cracking or perforations)*
External influences
- effects of water, oil or similar *
5y As for 1 y
Condition of the damper medium
- surface appearance
- elasticity
* If found, perform 5-year inspection immediately

BHEL Haridwar 4-1230-01/1

Points to Note
If welding work is to be performed close to
the piping dampers, take care to protect the
dampers (and particularly the guard sleeves)
from weld spatter and other potential
damage.
To preclude any deterioration due to ingress
of foreign matter such as water, oil, etc.,
replace guard sleeves as soon as any
damage is discovered. In that event, also
check the condition of the damper medium
immediately.
4-1230-01/2
If cracking, crumbling or loss of elasticity is
discovered on the surface of the damper
medium, or if the plunger has worked itself
out of the medium, this indicates that
ambient temperatures in excess of design
have caused deterioration in the damper
medium properties.
Consult the damper manufacturer if the
damper medium is unserviceable and has to
be replaced. Damper medium can be
removed from the casings without leaving
residue if heated to about 80°C.