TG317 - Turbine Generator Vibration for the Non-Engineer

2 days - 1.3 Continuing Education Units Awarded

We have a vibration alarm!!!!!  What should be the action taken?  What is the Cause?  Should we trip the unit?  The 50:50:90 Rule states that if we leave this decision to us making a best-guess, 90% of the time we will be wrong.  Maybe we cannot completely eliminate guess-work, but we sure can make that an educated guess!  Better yet, we can make that a confident, educated best-guess.  Knowledge is the tool that is needed.

The first lesson one needs to learn is that “Vibration is a Symptom of a Problem”.  If you are experiencing vibration then there is a reason, a cause.  We need to be able to evaluate the probable cause in a relatively short period of time such that timely action can be taken.  The recommended corrective action is a function of the cause.  To understand the cause we need to interpret data that is available to us in the control room.  Tripping the unit is not necessarily the best action to take, so learn when tripping is or is not required.  If the unit is tripped, are there any additional actions to be taken?  If the unit is not tripped, then what other action should be taken.

OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of this course the participant should be able to:

1. Describe, in layman terms, fundamental theory of vibration of rotating equipment.
2. Describe, in layman terms, the use of vibration instrumentation.
3. List those vibration problems that are typical of a steam turbine generator.
4. Describe the symptoms of those vibration problems listed above.
5. Demonstrate the knowledge necessary to collect data necessary to make an informed operational decision.

COURSE OUTLINE

1. Day One
   1. Vibration Theory for Non-Engineers
   2. Symptoms: An application of the Vibration Theory for Non-Engineers
   3. Vibration Measuring Equipment: Shaft Riders, Non-Contact, Phase Angle Detection
2. Day Two
   1. Critical Speeds
   2. Routine Mechanical Unbalance: Description of Problem, Symptoms, Actions
   3. Steam Path Component Failure: Description of Problem, Symptoms, Actions
   4. Low Speed Steam Packing Rubs: Description of Problem, Symptoms, Actions
   5. High Speed Steam Packing Rubs: Description of Problem, Symptoms, Actions
   6. Generator Shorted Turns: Description of Problem, Symptoms, Actions
   7. Oil Whip: Description of Problem, Symptoms, Actions