This author has yet to write their bio.Meanwhile lets just say that we are proud Mike.Lake contributed a whooping 68 entries.
At STUG 2015, 50% of users of the GE D11 Steam Turbine reported cracking issues in the HP/IP shell, especially the N2 packing gland and shell fit. These cracks create the potential for forced shutdowns and relatively long outage cycle times. Operators can mitigate this potential through a more rigorous NDE of the gland and […]
At STUG 2015, a survey revealed that 43% of D11 combined cycle users perform valve freedom testing on a daily basis, while 38% perform it on a weekly basis. The potential accumulation of deposits is a little more critical in these high temperature units, but exercising valves is important on any unit. For instance, on […]
A generator is susceptible to four categories of aging factors which reduce the overall service life of the machine: 1) Mechanical aging; 2) Thermal aging; 3) Electrical aging; 4) Environmental aging. Simply stated, a dirty (contaminated) generator causes environmental aging. A few of the more common contamination elements include oil, water, dirt, dust, carbon, and […]
Steam turbines can reliably run for 30, 40 years or more. However everything wears and eventually fits, finishes and tolerances become unacceptable. For instance, the rabbet fit on the coupling faces of a three bearing machine will eventually become loose and in need of repair. This defect can cause misalignment, abnormal vibration levels and undue […]
A generator is a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. According to the concept of energy conservation, all mechanical energy that is introduced into the generator is converted into useful energy (electricity) or useless energy (primarily heat). The efficiency of a generator is based upon the ratio of useful to useless energy. As […]
Traditionally operations and maintenance personnel have used gas detectors to check the fuel pig tail flanges for leaks during the startup process. This is to ensure that no fuel is present that could cause a fire in the compartment. An less risky alternative to this process is to perform a soapy water check while the […]
A turbogenerator stator is comprised of two major components: 1) the stator windings, and 2) the stator core. The stator core is made up of thousands, tens of thousands, or hundreds of thousands of individual steel laminations. Modern laminations are comprised of silica-steel, cold-rolled and grain-oriented as specific designs might require. The material is typically […]
The steam turbine gland steam seal system is designed to keep steam from leaking out of the turbine and to prevent air from leaking into the turbine. A gland seal system can be as simple as a spray chamber, loop seal and a steam ejector or as complex as surface condensers, air blowers or vacuum […]
Some compressor failures have been attributed to “lock-up” of the stator vanes. The vane roots are designed to rock slightly at their roots when moved with your hand. Rust and debris can inhibit this movement. An immobile vane changes the stress profile on the vane which can cause cracking and potential failure. Mechanics should check […]
Ever heard the adage “Close is only good in horseshoes and hand grenades”? We think that close calls are also important to maintaining a safe work environment. Exposing, analyzing, communicating and learning from these events is an important part of TGM®‘s safety program. We call these experiences “Near Miss” events. The resolution of one of […]
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