Hydro turbine thrust bearing

[Abdul69]

80MW kaplan hydro turbine commisioned in 1969, we are experiencing serious thrust bearing overheating for the last three years. The bearing is a self pumping external heat exchangers, we introduced circulating pump to ease the problem but it persists - need your help.

 

[MikeHalloran]

What a piece of crap; only 4 decades of service before it starts asking for help!





Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[Tmoose]

when was last overhaul and inspection?

what changed 3 years ago?
Possibly an overhaul, change in thrust position, a possible maintenance event that went unrecorded that could have damaged the bearing, etc??