Steam Turbine Vibration

Operation Fault Tracing

Despite all design, manufacturing and
erection measures to prevent it, excessive
vibration can occur and because the various
kinds of vibrations are intermingled, the
reasons for it are difficult to isolate.
If excessive vibration occurs, it is necessary
to carryout extensive tests together with the
manufacturer to determine its cause and
effective measures to be taken to combat it.
So, it is difficult to give a complete list of
possible causes and proper corrective action
to be taken, in this instruction.
The following data refers to the
characteristics, causes and remedial actions
pertaining to some typical type of vibration.

Fault Cause Remedy

ƒ Other symptoms
Rapid or instantaneous
increase in vibration over
the permissible limits or the
range of the measuring
system (alarm or instrument
display)
ƒ Loud noises and/or the Suspected damage, e.g. Caution: stop turbine
following operating broken blades or metal to immediately even when
parameters exceed their metal rubbing accuracy of reading is
limits: doubtful.
Casing wall temperature, Clearances eliminated by Check whether increased
because of rapid temperature casing distortion. vibration is maintained after
changes. load is reducing and when
coasting down.
Casing top-bottom differential Clearance eliminated by Measure the time taken to
temperatures. casing distortion. coast down; listen for noises
during this period.
Bearing metal temperatures Bearing damage

ƒ Low-frequency vibration. Unstable running due to self Reduce turbine load

Vibration frequency less excited vibration immediately until vibration
than rotational frequency. decreases; examine vibration;
Irregular point trace from load turbine slowly to stability
recording Instrument. limit.

Vibration increases above

normal value for specific
power outputs and operating
conditions
ƒ Vibration values less than Many possible causes Carryout the following tests to
permissible limits find out the causes:

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 Fault Cause Remedy
ƒ Other symptoms
Determine main frequency of
vibration.
Measure vibration at all
bearings in three plans:
h - Horizontal
v - Vertical
a - Axial
Measure shaft vibration in two
directions at right angles, if
possible.
Measure the phase relation
ship of the bearings and shaft
vibration.
Measure the foundation
vibration.
Measure the vibration in
relation to all principle
operating parameters and their
variations.
Increased vibration at rated
speed
ƒ Increased vibration over
Changes in shaft system
entire load range under Examine magnitude and
balance due to:
steady-state operation. direction of vibrations.
Vibration increased above Rotor condition induced by
previous values, including eccentric coupling. Check the coupling for:
when passing through - Firm and proper fit of
critical speed ranges. coupling bolts
- Fit of centering spigot and
recess; redial runout of
coupling faces
- Alignment
Initial corrective action:
- Dynamically re-balance the
rotors (except if coupling
bolts are not tight and
alignment unsatisfactory)
- Correct any discrepancies
found during the checks

Permanent shaft distortion due Measure redials runout of

to metal to metal rubbing shaft.
Initial corrective action:
Dynamic re-balancing of rotor,
if runout is less.

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 Fault Cause
ƒ Other symptoms
Blade damage
Modifications or repair on the
blades during on overhaul
ƒ Temporary increase in Temporary shaft distortion due
vibration during non steady to temporary non-uniform
state operating conditions temperature distribution during
(startup, loading and temperature changes.
unloading, main steam
temperature changes etc.)
Temporary distortion of shaft
resulting from metal to metal
rubbing at the seal rings
caused by misalignment due to
temperature changes.
Alignment changes due to
restricted expansion at turbine
casing and bearing housings.
ƒ Constant relationship Many possible causes
between vibration and
specific changes in
operating parameters.
BHEL, Hardwar
Remedy
Final corrective action: Stress
relieving, thermal stabilisation
and balancing at
manufacture’s works, if runout
is more.
Inspect blading.
If blades in the final LP stages
are damaged, a temporary
corrective measure is to
shorten the blade in the 180°
opposite position to damaged
blade or to attach a balancing
weight in the plane of damage
to compensate for the missing
piece (consult manufacturer).
If the blade damage is
suspected elsewhere the
appropriate turbine casing
must be opened.
Dynamic balancing of rotor.
Reduce speed, load and/or
rate of change of temperature.
Wait until vibration improves
when steady state conditions
are reached.
Reduce speed, load and/or
rate of change of temperature.
Remove restriction to
expansion by improving sliding
of bearing housings and
casing guides.
Determine relationships by
measuring magnitude and
direction of vibration under
varied operating conditions.
If possible, vary only one
operating parameter at a time.
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 Fault
ƒ Other symptoms
Note: Changes in vibration
characteristics due to changes
in temperature usually occur
slowly and at a constant rate.
ƒ Increased vibration during
warm-up.
ƒ Increased vibration during
turbine acceleration.
Vibration is normal at rated
speed.
ƒ Increased vibration during
turbine acceleration. No
improvement in vibration at
rated speed.
BHEL, Hardwar
Cause
Warm-up speed near a critical.
Increased vibration while
passing critical speeds.
Distortion remaining from an
interruption of turning gear
operation before start-up.
Remedy
After, each variation there
must be a delay for steady
state conditions.
Check the following operating
parameters and conditions:
- Speed
- Active load
- Reactive load
- Valve lift
- Steam temperatures
- Casing temperatures
- Steam pressure
- Oil temperatures
- Bearing metal temperatures
- Casing expansion
- Thrust bearing position
- Shaft eccentricity
Check turbine casing and
bearing housing for:
- Freedom of spacing
washers
- Seating and freedom of
expansion of casing palms
- Freedom of movement for
bearing housings
- Freedom of movement for
piping
Change the warm-up speed
within permissible ranges.
Pass through critical speed
ranges rapidly.
Reduce turbine speed to less
than 400 rpm. And eliminate
shaft distortion before
increasing speed.
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 Fault Cause Remedy
ƒ Other symptoms

ƒ Increased vibration in LP Balancing pressure of Adjust seal ring balancing

turbine and generator generator axial seal ring not pressure.
area. correctly set.

Sudden sharp increase in

vibration with accentuated
low-frequency components.
Vibration frequency less
than rotational frequency.
ƒ Irregular point trace from
recording instrument
Many possible causes
After finding out the stability
limits, identify the operating
parameters affecting vibration:
- Oil temperature
- Load
- Control valve lift
- Expansion
- Shaft displacement
- Bearing metal temperatures

ƒ Vibration is related to load Bearing loading too low. Increase bearing loading by
and valve lift. changing the alignment.
ƒ Vibration related to Bearing clearance excessive Change oil temperature
lubricating oil temperature
Changes in damping
changes.
properties due changes in
viscosity.

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