Extending small steam turbine performance and reliability

Beyond the large units driving generators, small steam turbines are commonly used in parallel with electric motors to power important assets such as pumps. Keeping these smaller turbines properly maintained is essential for continued performance and reliability.

Sulzer has a network of specialised facilities that are equipped to service these turbines as well as the rotating equipment that they drive.

Small steam turbines, typically producing less than 1,500hp (1,100kW), are often used in industrial environments, such as chemical, oil refinery, paper mills, power plants and many food industries. These may be a primary driver or a standby unit for the back-up of a motor-driven unit.

Typical service intervals for small steams turbines are six to seven years, with biennial planned maintenance. Steam conditions play a major role in increasing unit availability and downtime for repairs. Where wet steam conditions are found, various coatings can be applied to reduce wear. A field site visit to review case, steam valve and carbon gland leak-off provisions is key to ensuring the drain or leak-off is adequate to minimise the wear on turbine parts.

It is important to understand the key points of a small steam turbine that need to be properly maintained for continued safe and efficient operation. At the top of this list is the overspeed trip mechanism. The trip safety device is designed to operate in the event of a governor failure and prevent the turbine increasing in speed to the point of destruction. It is essential that any turbine overhaul includes a check for the correct operation of the overspeed mechanism.

Simplifying steam turbine maintenance with Sulzer

Steam turbine health relies on the bearings being properly maintained. These could be a roller bearing or a white metal, Babbitt, bearing, both of which need to be monitored for wear and to highlight any signs of failure. These may include water contamination of the oil system, misalignment or incorrect oil levels. Frequent monitoring of oil quality, oil temperatures and performing scheduled vibration measurements for analysis is key for turbine reliability.

Sulzer has vast expertise in steam turbine design, operation and repair. Decades of experience of working with assets from a wide variety of manufacturers means that customers can benefit from a rich bank of knowledge and understanding.

Coupled with a network of service centres that are equipped with all the necessary machine tools, and the ability to maintain all types of rotating equipment, Sulzer offers a local one-stop-shop for a wide variety of machinery repairs. This includes small steam turbines, which can be fully tested using in-house test stands and lube oil systems that have been installed specifically for this service.

Strategic support from Sulzer

In the USA, Sulzer has five specialist small steam turbine repair centres strategically located throughout the country. Field service teams can provide onsite services as well as remove, install and commission assets for minimal downtime, while the workshops offer a comprehensive range of services including reverse engineering of failed parts.