Hello to all Tech-City enthusiasts! I have a compact steam turbine with deflectors on the bearings housings that is experiencing persistent leakage from both sides. This issue has led to minor fires from oil seeping into the insulation. Have any of you encountered similar problems with turbines? While newer machines typically come equipped with labyrinth seals, I am curious if there are alternative solutions available, such as the INPRO seal. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
To better grasp your issue, it would be helpful to see a photo of your bearing housing with the deflector. What is the purpose of the deflector in a sleeve bearing setup? In order for a fire to occur, there needs to be oxygen, heat, and fuel present. The air provides oxygen while the fuel comes from the lube oil, which will only burn if the temperature reaches the oil's flash point. Where did the heat originate from and what type of insulation material is being used, ceramic or rockwool? Can you provide more information on why the labyrinth seal was mentioned? It's worth noting that while the fluid in question is steam, which is not flammable, it may be at a high temperature. What type of sealing mechanism are you currently using?
Ensure that your bearings are properly lubricated with slinger rings and oil deflectors securely positioned on the shaft for optimal performance. Regularly monitor the oil levels in the housing to prevent excessive oil leakage. Additionally, inspect the steam end seals, specifically the carbon rings seals, to identify any potential issues. By following these maintenance steps, you can ensure the efficient operation of your equipment.
Hey everyone, I wanted to discuss the sleeve bearing in this machine, which features sealing through deflectors on the housing ends. The oil level in this machine is well-maintained, and it also has rockwool insulation, which is commonly used in these cases. In my opinion, the labyrinth seal is effective at containing and sealing the oil. However, I have a question - could the steam sealing through carbon rings be causing the oil to evaporate from the housing? Let me know your thoughts on this issue.
What are the temperature and pressure of the steam in the steam turbine? The labyrinth seal is typically chosen for sealing in flammable and toxic gases to ensure tightness. Could you provide any sketches of your sleeve bearing setup with sealing through the deflectors on the housing ends? Additionally, do you know the manufacturing year of this steam turbine?
The steam temperature and pressure are recorded at 370 degrees Celsius and 38 kg/cm2, respectively. The machinery in question is approximately three decades old. Please see the attached file named "DEFLECTOR.ppt", which is 14 KB in size and has one version available for viewing.
Hello! I dealt with a similar problem on an older turbine a while back. In our case, replacing the seal altogether with a modern one like you mentioned wasn't feasible because of resources and downtime. However, we did find a workaround. We utilized a condition-based monitoring approach where we'd regularly capture vibration data to assess the wear of the bearings. By closely monitoring this, we were able to prevent severe leakage and fires. It might not be the most high-tech solution, but it worked for us and saved us from major downtime. It's a bit more labor-intensive but might be worth considering if replacing seals isn't an option right now.
Hey there! I've encountered a similar issue in the past with one of our older steam turbine models. Have you considered adopting a magnetic bearing? They're not only efficient but also cut down on the leakage problem significantly. Just make sure your system's load capacity and rotation speed are compatible first. As for the INPRO seal, I can't vouch for it personally, but a colleague of mine has had positive experiences with it. However, their turbine setup was slightly different, so remember that each solution needs be tailored to the unique specifications of your machine.
Hi there! I faced a similar issue with my system a while back. I would recommend you to look into the option of brush seals; they worked great for me. Their brushing bristles prevent leakage way more efficiently than standard seals and they are quite durable as well. Regarding fire risk, it might be worth considering a synthetic fire-resistant lubricant to minimize the chance of fire in case of a leak. Just remember to check the compatibility of the lubricant with your existing system as this can affect performance. Cheers!
Hey there! I’ve dealt with similar issues on older turbine models, and it sounds like you're right to be concerned about those leaks. While labyrinth seals are definitely a great upgrade for reducing leakage, I’ve seen some success with INPRO seals as well—they can help manage oil leaks effectively and are often more durable than traditional seals. Additionally, ensuring that the cooling setup around your turbine is adequate can help keep oil temperatures down and reduce the risk of fire. You might also want to check if there’s any misalignment contributing to the problem. Good luck, and stay safe!
Hi there! I’ve dealt with similar leakage issues in steam turbines, and they can definitely be a headache. If you haven’t already, it might be worth inspecting the seals for wear and ensuring the maintenance schedule is up to date, as that can sometimes resolve leaks before they become serious. The INPRO seal is a solid choice—it's designed to handle tough conditions and can reduce leakage effectively. Also, consider checking your bearing alignment; misalignment can sometimes contribute to seal failures. Good luck with your turbine, and I hope you find a solution soon!
Hey there! I've dealt with a similar issue before, and it sounds frustrating. The leakage from the bearings can be tricky, especially with the potential fire risk involved. Have you considered using the INPRO seal? I've seen it work wonders in reducing leakage on a few turbines, as it provides a robust barrier and minimizes oil loss. Additionally, regular inspection and maintenance on the deflectors might help identify any other contributing factors. If you're looking for alternatives, also keep an eye out for other modern seal technologies that might enhance your turbine's performance. Good luck!
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Answer: Answer: Oil leakage in turbine bearings can be caused by worn out seals, improper installation, high pressure inside the turbine, or misalignment of components.
Answer: Answer: Oil leakage in turbine bearings can lead to safety hazards such as fires, damage to surrounding insulation, and reduced efficiency of the turbine.
Answer: Answer: Common solutions include using labyrinth seals, upgrading to INPRO seals, ensuring proper maintenance of seals, and addressing any misalignment issues within the turbine.
Answer: Answer: INPRO seals are known for their effectiveness in reducing oil leakage in turbine bearings by providing a more secure and robust sealing mechanism compared to traditional seals.
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