Failure-Cause Analysis: Turbine Bearing Systems. Phase I. Development of Data Collection Plan

摘要

This report comprises the summary of the first of a three phase study intended to investigate rotor/bearing/lube system-related failures in large capacity (greater than or equal to 300 MW) turbine/generator units. The objectives of Phase I were to: (1) identify and tentatively rank the proximate/root causes of generic problems that result in failures of the rotor/bearing/lube system, (2) determine the nature of the available data and select the appropriate methodologies for both data collection and analysis, and (3) develop the data collection plan to be implemented during Phase II. These objectives were accomplished by: surveying existing data bases, relevant literature and technical personnel; implementing fault tree methodology to identify potential root causes; establishing an integrated analysis approach to maximize the value of the information available; and finally, structuring a data collection plan based on a mail survey of all utilities having unit capacities greater than 300 MW, on-site visits to selected utilities, and personal interviews with industry experts. The successful completion of Phase I has established the foundation for the subsequent phases of this study, the goal of which is to formulate recommended, ranked research and development programs to minimize outages due to turbine/generator rotor/bearing/lube system-related failures. (ERA citation 06:020148)