CS30: Steam Turbine Oil Seal Rub

Abstract

The purpose of this case study is to describe a problem with random, intermittent rotor vibration excursions in a large steam turbine These types of problems can be very difficult to diagnose, especially when the vibration excursions are during steady state operation and are not coincident with any operational changes Although the vibration excursion data was consistent with a light rub, other observations pointed to a coupling problem It was a long process to finally find the problem was due to an oil seal rub This case study demonstrates the complexity of random vibration excursions and how difficult they can do diagnose and solve