Field Application Note

Turbine Supervisory Instrumentation TSI

Specification of a Turbine Supervisory Instrumentation (TSI) Monitor

system can be an exacting process when the individual
parameters must be specified. This application note is Selecting the monitor follows the process of detailing
supplied to provide a guide to be used in selecting an the turbine generator layout. The monitor selection
appropriate TSI system. TSI systems not only measure generally involves deciding what the monitor should
bearing vibration levels, but also can include shell expansion, do and how the user will interface with it.
differential expansion, valve position, turbine speed and
acceleration, thrust position, phase angle, and bearing The monitor can be specified to be a stand-alone
temperatures. output with user interface or to interface with an
existing output device such as PLC or DCS.
When an existing TSI system is being retrofitted the
immediate indication is that a one-for-one replacement of Radial Vibration
each original parameter is sufficient. This approach may be
adequate if the original system was a complete package. Radial vibration is usually the heart of the TSI
system. It gets the most attention and generally
Recent experience with retrofitting TSI systems has brought gives the first indication of out of specification
to light that many of the existing systems could be enhanced conditions. Most OEM TSI systems utilized a shaft
with additional parameters. Also, certain parameters should rider transducer system to monitor vibration with a
be considered for complete replacement with a different type shaft absolute output signal. An exact replacement
sensor. transducer system can be supplied, but most
customers and OEMs are specifying an Eddy Probe
General Systems. A complete vibration system would install
two sensor systems per bearing with the sensors
The information required under this topic will define and located 90° from each other.
describe the turbine generator along with who will perform
and/or supply the various tasks and parts of the TSI For more information about Eddy Probe Vibration
installation. The time frame for the system installation should Sensors and their application see the STI Application
get consideration at the point. Note, Eddy Probe Transducer Installation, Part 1-
Radial Vibration.
Describing the turbine generator involves listing the number
of bearings, type of bearings, turbine/generator manufacturer, Thrust Position
the number and function of each rotor segment, etc. This
information may be obtained from the OEM operation and Thrust position indication includes one or two Eddy
maintenance manuals and is required whether a retrofit or an Probe Systems to observe the position of the thrust
entirely new installation is being specified. collar within its bearings. This system is an internal
installation and need not replace the existing system
Documentation of the proposed TSI should include who because many original installations utilize a
supplies the individual components and service of the new differential pressure system that interfaces with the
system, along with the number of operation and service turbine hydraulic control system.
manuals and/or drawings required.
For more information about thrust position sensors
For more information about installation services see the STI and their application see the STI Application Note,
Application Note, Field Service, FS. STI Application Note, Eddy Probe Transducer Installation, Part 2-Thrust
Field Wiring Installation, FWI covers many topics of particular Position.
concern prior to and during the electrical system installation.

Copyright 2005
Sales Technology, Inc. 2911 South Shore Blvd., Ste. 170, League City, TX 77573
Phone: 281.334.0766 Fax: 281.334.4255 Web: www.stiweb.com
 Field Application Note

Turbine Supervisory Instrumentation TSI

Shell Expansion For more information about valve position systems

and applications see STI Application Note, Valve
Shell expansion is the measure of a turbine case or shell Position, TSI Part-2.
moves in relation to a fixed location usually measured with a
Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT). Some Eccentricity
existing OEM systems still use spindle micrometers or dial
indicators that are subject to mechanical damage and human A rotor which has been sitting idle during overhaul or
error. Although many systems installed with only one LVDT has been inadvertently stopped during coast down
are adequate, a complete TSI system specification should for an extended period will develop a bow or bend.
consider two LVDTs located at each corner of the turbine This condition must be corrected by turning gear
shell. A second sensor will monitor shell cocking or uneven operation and, possibly, with auxiliary heating prior to
thermal growth, which is a fairly common occurrence during high speed operation to prevent internal clearance
startup when the sliding feet may have inadequate rubbing.
lubrication.
Eccentricity systems installed by OEMs monitor the
For more information about shell expansion systems and turbine stub shaft or a shaft collar using induction
applications see the STI Application Note, Shell Expansion, coils. A retrofit Eddy Probe system will monitor the
TSI Part-4. same location and many times use the same
bracketry.
Differential Expansion
For more information about eccentricity systems and
Differential expansion measurements are an important applications see STI Application Note, Eccentricity,
parameter receiving much attention during turbine startup TSI Part-1.
and warming. This parameter measures how the turbine
rotor expands in relation to the turbine shell, or casing. Speed

A new differential expansion system using Eddy Probes can Turbine speed indication supplied by OEMs come in
be retrofitted to any existing system. An Eddy Probe is more many forms: observing a gear wheel located inside
reliable and robust than OEM supplied induction coil systems. the front standard, electrically converting the
generator output frequency, or monitoring the turning
For more information about differential expansion systems gear. A retrofitted system using Eddy Probe's can be
and applications see the STI Application Note, Differential specified to observe any multi-toothed gear wheel.
Expansion, TSI Part-3. Applications monitoring generator output frequency
without an integral turning gear may require
Valve Position installation of a custom gear wheel.

Correct valve positioning is required to efficiently operate a Speed indication may be specified as an analog
steam turbine. Some turbines may require several throttle display or as a digital display and can be interfaced
valves be monitored and some turbines will instrument the to a zero speed system for turning gear engagement.
main stop valve(s) to determine when they crack from their
seats.

Retrofit valve position measurements use DC LVDTs or DC

Rotary Potentiometers. All OEM TSI systems include valve
position measurement(s) as a startup and operation
parameter. Some OEM systems utilized AC LVDTs while
others use mechanical linkages and scales for indication.

A retrofitted system can be installed in the same position or at

relocated to a more accessible or protected position.

Copyright 2005
Sales Technology, Inc. 2911 South Shore Blvd., Ste. 170, League City, TX 77573
Phone: 281.334.0766 Fax: 281.334.4255 Web: www.stiweb.com
 Field Application Note

Turbine Supervisory Instrumentation TSI

Rate of Acceleration Custom Cabinet

The rate of acceleration parameter is usually monitored Congested control boards may preclude installing the
during startup to prevent over-torquing the rotors, as the TSI rack requiring a stand-alone cabinet. This
turbine approaches critical speeds, and as the operating cabinet can house auxiliary equipment associated
speed is reached prior to line synchronization. Once the with the new TSI system, such as power supplies,
generator has been synchronized and is being controlled by termination strips, external relays, etc.
load dispatchers the acceleration rate is not monitored.
The cabinet can be configured to many differing
Acceleration rate measurements use a speed input to derive designs depending upon the user's requirements.
its output display. Eddy Probe systems can be installed as a Cabinets should be sturdy enough withstand
replacement or supplement an existing application. See STI environmental conditions, such as moisture content,
Application Note, Eddy Probe Transducer Installation, Part-1 explosive atmospheres, temperature, etc.
Radial Vibration for relevant information about this type of
sensor.

Phase

Phase, or phase angle, is a measure of the relationship of

how one vibration signal relates to another vibration signal
and is commonly used to calculate the placement of a
balance weight. This parameter is not usually displayed
continuously but is monitored periodically to determine
changes in the rotor balance condition, deviations in system
stiffness such as a cracked shaft.

Phase angle measurements are sometimes not supplied by

OEMs, but can be installed using an Eddy Probe system.
Installation involves locating or installing a once-per-turn
event such as a key or notch that the Eddy Probe will view.
An Eddy Probe viewing a notch is easier to install and adjust,
but the installation of the notch requires special tooling to cut
the notch. Keys are easier to apply using glues or epoxies
and are subject to coming off due to centrifugal forces.

Temperature

Bearing temperature is a measure of the how hot a bearing is

operating. It may be due to overloading, miss-alignment,
improper lubricant pressure and/or flow.

Nearly all turbine generator bearings were originally installed

or retrofitted with bearing temperature sensors. These
sensors may be thermocouples or RTDs. This parameter is
often overlooked possibly due to the OEM output display
located at some other panel not within the vicinity of the
retrofitted TSI system. Any bearings that were not originally
equipped with temperature sensors can be retrofitted to
accept thermocouples or RTDs.

Copyright 2005
Sales Technology, Inc. 2911 South Shore Blvd., Ste. 170, League City, TX 77573
Phone: 281.334.0766 Fax: 281.334.4255 Web: www.stiweb.com