PERFORMANCE OPTIMIZATION OF 500MW STEAM TURBINE BY CONDITION MONITORING TECHNIQUE USING VIBRATION ANALYSIS METHOD

In this paper, description of vibration analysis method used for condition monitoring of 500MW steam turbine (Kraftwork Union, Germany) has been discussed. The importance and critical role of this technique in predictive maintenance used in thermal power plant is evaluated based on possible type of failures that can be detected at early stage before any unexpected, unscheduled breakdown during operation of steam turbine. Efforts are being made for most of the steam turbines in power generation thermal plants to run or operate them at Ideal condition by regular technical consultations resulting in continuous generation of power and reasonable increase in operational life span of these turbines. This paper deals with one such effort. In this paper real time condition monitoring of 500MW turbine, which was carried out by them at NTPC-Ramagundum power plant, using vibration analysis, has been discussed without disturbing its operational working condition and the causes for increase in the vibrations and its practical diagnosis by spectrum analysis, Interpretations and recommended steps to be taken to minimize the vibrations.