Improving Unit Availability at Tucurui with New Wicket Gate Bearings

摘要

Tucurui Power Station owned by Centrais Eletricas do Norte do Brasil S.A. (Eletronorte) in Brazil. Marios Eletronorte experienced numerous problems with the original wicket gate bearings at its 4,245-Mw Tucurui 1 power station, including water leaks from the turbine shaft and premature wearing of several components. Each of these bearings is being replaced with a self-lubricating sliding bearing. Unit operation with the new bearings is improving dramatically — increasing availability by more than 40 percent.