Thrust pad damage of a 16 MW Generator

Question

Thrust pad damage of a 16 MW Generator

RAgrawal (Electrical)

(OP)

18 Jul 19 05:14

Dear All, We are having a 16 MW 11 kV Generator. Recently thrust pad of machine got damaged. Mechanical team is fearing that it may be due to improper magnetic center of Generator. Please guide me on following:
1. If thrust pad can get damage due to improper magnetic center?
2. How to test that magnetic center is out
3. How to correct the magnetic center.

edison123 (Electrical) · Answer 1 · 2019-07-18 05:19:56

Vertical or horizontal generator?

In horizontal generators, the thrust pads are only for momentary contacts and momentary loads. Constant contact will damage the thrust pads. Constant contact can happen due to improper assembly, improper magnetic centering etc.

In vertical generators, the thrust pads are designed for constant thrust load against a thin oil film. If oil supply is lost, the thrust bearings will fail within seconds due to direct metal to metal contact.

Muthu
www.edison.co.in

ewooden (Mechanical) · Answer 2 · 2019-08-16 08:51:25

Magnetic imbalance would cause radial loading and fail the guide bearing, not the thrust bearing. Do a full alignment check of the thrust runner and check the check valves if you have high pressure oil lift.

electricpete (Electrical) · Answer 3 · 2019-08-20 02:41:24

I agree magnetic centering seems unlikely as a cause of thrust bearing damage.

I also agree with edison, lots more info would be helpful beyond "thrust bearing got damaged"

unfortunately op hasn't logged on in about a month...

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Thrust pad damage of a 16 MW Generator