How To Install Maintainable Bearing Temperature Sensors

Abstract

This paper covers techniques for retrofitting turbomachinery to accept "stab-in" type thermocouples for bearing temperature monitoring. The objectives of bearing temperature monitoring and shutdown systems are to (1) avoid machine wrecks caused by bearing failure and (2) to provide warning of impending bearing failure. The reliability of the sensor has a major impact on achieving these objectives. Improved sensor reliability is achieved by an installation that prevents damage to the sensor during machine assembly, and the ability to remove the sensor during operation for inspection or replacement. The emphasis is not in locating the measurement point, but how to get a sensor there.