High Vibrations & Component Failure In Turbomachinery Due to Magnetic Currents

Case StudyCS2Objective: To share with users of Turbomachinery the fact that High Speed Turbomachinery with components possessing Residual Magnetism produces high shaft voltages & high current, which can lead to severe problem like high Vibrations, damage to the machine components and can cause heavy production loss. Scope: The Case Study details this typical problem due to residual magnetism in Synthesis Gas Compressor at National Fertilizers Limited, Panipat Unit, INDIA, in which the problem lead to repeated overhaulings of compressor, replacement of three numbers of rotors, damage to number of bearings & Oil film seal rings . It details work associated in diagnosis of the problem, measure taken for temporary relief, so as keep machine running and final work done for permanent solution of the problem. Result of the Case Study: The machine behaved normally after the rectification job, at low vibration levels. Lesson Learnt : The Residual Magnetism can cause typical problems in Turbo machines, like High Vibrations, Component Failure, causing severe limitations in machine. Its early detection is typical but ways are there to detect it. The users of Turbomachinery & the Maintenance Team have to take precautions so as to prevent introduction of Residual Magnetism in the machine