Troubleshooting Turbo Generator Set Vibrations: ODS Analysis and Resonance Detection

Question:

Hello, we encountered some issues with a small turbo-gen set recently. I have created an animated ODS of the machine, but require assistance in interpreting it accurately. From my observations, it seems that there may be horizontal resonance at the oil pump end, indicated by the turbine feet moving in the opposite direction of the oil pump. Additionally, there may be turbine vibration being influenced by the foundation, as the foundation shows higher amplitudes and slightly leads the movement of the turbine foot. It's worth noting that the turbine seemed to have "fixed itself" during a runup, although it tripped on high vibrations. Upon reviewing ADRE plots, a sudden phase shift at bearing 3 was identified. After a restart, vibration levels decreased. We also replaced the retaining bars and end rings on the generator rotor, suspecting that a retaining bar may have shifted outward and caused imbalance. We are monitoring the situation closely. I have included 2 ODS movies for reference: one showcasing casing movement with accelerometers, and the other displaying shaft movements with displacement data from a BN probe. You can watch the video titled "Turbine_TA3_shafts_only_Movie_1.Avi" for more details.

Top Replies

| This is the additional file for the video "turbGen_structure_ODS_Movie_3.Avi".

Hello Planty, can you please share the project files used for creating this animation?

Jon, here are my latest creations. I welcome any feedback you may have. I have recently taught myself ODS techniques.

Looking to attach multiple files at once? It seems like I have to attach each individual subfile separately. How can I attach more than one file?

| Building Design and Layout

It sounds like you’ve gathered a lot of valuable data already! The observation about the horizontal resonance at the oil pump end is intriguing, especially since the turbine foot's movement direction is opposite. The phase shift at bearing 3 could definitely indicate something more complex, possibly related to coupling or misalignment issues. Given that the vibration levels decreased after the restart, it might suggest a temporary condition, but I’d keep an eye on those amplitudes and any further changes. Your monitoring strategy seems spot on—let's hope replacing the retaining bars resolves the imbalance! Looking forward to seeing how the situation evolves after more runs.

It sounds like you're dealing with quite a complex situation! The resonance you're observing at the oil pump end could definitely be a key factor, especially if the turbine feet are moving in opposition. That foundation influence you mentioned is also interesting—higher amplitudes there could definitely indicate the source of the issues. I’d suggest closely reviewing the phase relationships between the different components in your ODS movies, as those sudden shifts might point to mechanical looseness or misalignment that occurred during the runup. Keeping an eye on those vibrations after the retaining bars and end rings replacement is wise; sometimes, it's the subtle changes that can make all the difference. Good luck, and I hope you get it sorted soon!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: 1. What is ODS analysis and how can it help in troubleshooting turbo generator set vibrations?

Answer: - ODS analysis stands for Operating Deflection Shape analysis, which involves creating animated visualizations of the machine's movement to identify potential issues causing vibrations. It helps in interpreting the behavior of different components and pinpointing areas of concern, such as resonance or imbalance.

FAQ: 2. How can horizontal resonance impact the performance of a turbo generator set?

Answer: - Horizontal resonance, indicated by components moving in opposite directions, can lead to increased vibrations and potential damage to the system. It is essential to address and rectify such resonance issues to ensure the smooth operation and longevity of the turbo generator set.

FAQ: 3. What causes sudden phase shifts at specific bearings, as observed in the ADRE plots?

Answer: - Sudden phase shifts at bearings can indicate issues such as misalignment, wear, or damage, which affect the dynamics of the system. Identifying and addressing the root cause of these phase shifts is crucial in maintaining the operational efficiency and reliability of the turbo generator set.

FAQ: 4. How can replacing retaining bars and end rings on the generator rotor help in resolving vibration problems?

Answer: - Retaining bars and end rings play a critical role in maintaining the balance and stability of the generator rotor. If any of these components shift or become damaged, it can lead to imbalance and increased vibrations. By replacing these parts, the system can be restored to optimal working conditions and vibration levels can be reduced

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