Experimental investigation into the capabilities of acoustic emission for the detection of shaft-to-seal rubbing in large power generation turbines: a case study

摘要

An experimental investigation was undertaken in order to assess the potential of the acoustic emission (AE) technology for the detection of seal-to-rotor rubbing in steam turbines. Rubbing was induced at various axial locations along a 4.5 ton test rotor rotating at 3000 r/min and supported by 7 in (178 mm) journal bearings. This article examines the capabilities of bearing-mounted AE transducers for the detection of seal-to-rotor rubbing. It was concluded that the AE technology can detect simulated rubs from the hydrodynamic bearings.