GEK 72271

July 1979
Last Reviewed, October 2003

GE Power Systems

Turbine–Generator
Bearing Alignment Checks

I. GENERAL

Recommended alignment of turbine and generator bearings and couplings is based on calcula-
tions as well as measurements taken on operating units. The specified alignment will result in accept-
able bearing loadings and shaft bending stresses throughout the operating range of the unit and contrib-
utes greatly to the smooth and reliable operation of the unit.

When bearing and coupling alignment is incorrect, the load–carrying ability and the damping
properties of the bearings can be adversely affected. Bearings which are too lightly loaded may cause
the turbine rotor to be more sensitive to small unbalances and exhibit higher then normal levels of vibra-
tion. Light bearing loads may also lead to an unsteady vibration known as oil whip. This condition is
not related to unbalance and is recognized by high amplitude vibration at or below half the running speed
frequency. Bearings which are too heavily loaded may run hotter than normal and are more susceptible
to wiping of the babbit bearing liner. Another serious consequence of bearing and coupling misalignment
is the higher–than–normal cycle bending stresses that can be introduced at certain locations in the rotor.
These higher stresses can contribute to the initiation and propagation of rotor cracks.

Although proper alignment may have been achieved during the installation of a machine, experi-
ence indicates that significant changes can occur over a period of years due to foundation settling or
shifting, due to severe transmission system electrical disturbances that produce tortional shocks on the
generator, or due to distortion of some stationary parts. Often, over the life of a unit, alignment changes
are made for reasons such as bearing wear or bearing operating temperature and vibration characteris-
tics. After a number of these changes, alignment can vary significantly from that recommended. An
apparent satisfactorily operating turbine unit should not be construed as having proper alignment.

II. MAINTENANCE RECOMMENDATIONS

It is recommended that alignment be checked periodically during scheduled maintenance or in-

spection outages. This is best done by a complete tops–on and tops–off alignment program. Although
alignment checks with upper shells and casing assembled are not normally included in maintenance
outages or inspections, they can be performed without extending the outage if properly planned.

These instructions do not purport to cover all details or variations in equipment nor to provide for every possible
contingency to be met in connection with installation, operation or maintenance. Should further information be desired or
should particular problems arise which are not covered sufficiently for the purchaser’s purposes the matter should be
referred to the GE Company.
 1979 GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
GEK 72271 Turbine–Generator Bearing Alignment Checks

Bearing alignment checks are recommended every ten (10) years on units which do not have two
bearings per rotor, or on units which have a known foundation settling problem.

On units having two bearings per rotor, coupling checks are a good indication of alignment and
the tops–on wire checks can be made at somewhat longer intervals. Coupling checks should be made
when the unit is being disassembled to help anticipate and evaluate alignment corrections that may be
required later during the outage. On these units, bearing position changes are often made to correct
coupling alignment during inspections. It should be noted that bearing position changes may change
internal radial clearances. Realignment should also be considered on units that have experienced a se-
vere thermal or torsional shock capable of distorting stationary parts, or when rubbing has caused fre-
quent vibration problems.

Deviations from the specific bearing alignment diagram should be observed by, or be brought to,
the attention of the General Electric representative early in the outage.

GE Power Systems

General Electric Company

One River Road, Schenectady, NY 12345
518 • 385 • 2211 TX: 145354