I am seeking advice, tips, and real-life stories on the "Warehousing and Storage of Rotors for Machines" such as steam turbines and compressors. Any insights on best practices would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your help!
In an ideal world, I would suggest storing the rotors vertically to prevent any bowing. While this method requires a significant amount of space and caution during handling, it eliminates the risk of damage. It is important to ensure the rotors are clean and properly preserved during storage. Another option is to invest in custom-made, sealed containers for each rotor, which can be purged with nitrogen for added protection. These containers can be stored either horizontally or vertically, providing a more expensive but secure storage solution.
In response to caveman-cheddar's comments, in Philadelphia PA there are numerous refineries that used to store spare rotors horizontally, resulting in balance issues. After sending the spare rotors to a balance shop for verification, corrections were often necessary due to a bow caused by horizontal storage. This led to vibrations increasing over time once the machine was in use. It took years to convince the refineries to store rotors vertically, following API recommendations. Alternatively, if storing horizontally, it is important to balance the rotor before storage and address any bow. When replacing the rotor, trust the previous balance and allow any residual bow to work itself out by slow rolling the unit. Additionally, when storing horizontally, be mindful of protecting proximity probe target areas and prevent them from becoming load-bearing while in storage.
When storing motors, it is common practice to have lubricant in the bearings to prevent corrosion. Regularly rotating the bearings manually can ensure proper coating and prevent excessive bowing of horizontal rotors. While it may not be feasible for all types of rotors, periodic rotation can be beneficial in reducing bowing when stored horizontally.
Following my previous suggestion, it is imperative to check the balance of any rotor that has been stored, whether horizontally or vertically. For rotors stored horizontally, it is crucial to perform a thorough slow-roll with runout checks to ensure any bow has been eliminated before the balancing process. Any workshop that does not automatically check rotor runouts before balancing should be avoided at all costs.
In the discussion about rotors, it may be beneficial to consider the practicality of periodic rotation to help limit bowing when stored horizontally. Vertical storage is often avoided due to space and safety concerns, especially for rotors weighing between 150kg and 450kg with lengths of up to 2.5m. One may wonder about the ideal frequency for rotating these rotors – should it be done yearly, bi-annually, or something else? Interestingly, balance checks before installation are typically not necessary, as balance issues are rare. Do you have any recommendations for creating a physical mark to track the rotation of rotors?
In my experience, humidity control is paramount when storing rotors for machinery like turbines and compressors. Try to aim for a relative humidity below 60% to prevent corrosion. Also, consider using VCI (Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor) bags for added protection. If possible, rotating the stored rotors every few months can also help prevent any localized stress or distortion. Do ensure the storage area is free from dust and vibrations as well. Regular inspections are advisable as they help in early detection of any potential issues.
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Answer: - Properly clean and inspect the rotors before storage - Ensure the storage area is clean, dry, and well-ventilated - Use appropriate protective coverings to prevent damage - Implement a labeling system for easy identification
Answer: - Clean the rotors to remove any contaminants - Inspect for any damage or wear - Apply corrosion protection if necessary - Properly package or cover the rotors to prevent exposure to environmental elements
Answer: - Choose a location that is clean, dry, and free from temperature fluctuations - Ensure the area is secure to prevent unauthorized access - Consider the size and weight of the rotors to determine storage space requirements - Evaluate the accessibility of the storage area for easy retrieval when needed
Answer: - Regularly inspect the rotors for any signs of damage or deterioration - Monitor environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity - Implement a rotation schedule to prevent prolonged storage of rotors - Follow manufacturer's guidelines for storage and handling of rotors
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