SUBJECT : ANALYSIS OF HIGH BRACKET VIBRATIONS IN 18 MW MOTORS PROJECT : SRISAILAM LEFT BANK CANAL LIFT IRRIGATION numbers

Srisailam Left bank Irrigation scheme is Equipped with 4

of 18 MW Synchronous motors to drive Vertical pumps of Francis type with a discharge head of 81 m which is the highest in the country. . The unit is supported by a Thrust and Guide bearing on generator top , Lower Guide bearing at generator bottom and Turbine Guide bearing at Turbine top. The pumps are designed to start through Static frequency converter which brings the unit to rated speed before synchronization. The pump discharge head and volume are controlled by outlet guide vanes.

Direction of Rotation : Anticlockwise from top Rated Speed : 427 RPM Thrust Bearing No. of pads : 8 Upper Guide bearing Lower Guide bearing Turbine Guide bearing No. of pads : 10 No. of pads : 10 No. of pads : 10

Number of guide vanes : 20

Balance weight locations : Rotor top -- 12 locations Maximum balance weight at any location 14 KG During initial commissioning trials Units 3 & 4 experienced bracket vibrations of the order of 130 microns peak to peak on Motor bracket which supports the guide bearings. BHEL Bhopal had recommended 100 microns Peak to peak as acceptable levels on brackets. The vibration levels on Units 1 & 2 were 60 microns

which was well within limits. Bearing and shaft vibration measurements were carried on unit 3 using Bentley Nevada probes and analyser. The shaft and housing vibration levels ( microns Peak Peak ) at 427 rpm , unit in syncronised condition with guide vanes closed near Upper guide Bearing are 1X Running Speed Component Shaft Bracket
Observation

Phase 133 305

Overall levels 90-105 120-125

38 103

1. The shaft vibration levels are less than Bracket vibrations 2. The Shaft vibration running speed component is low

comparable to overall levels

Since the bracket vibration levels were higher it was suspected that the radial forces were not getting transmitted truly to the foundation. The radial jacks 6 in number were checked and tightened. The enclosed figure shows the sectional elevation of motor with Upper guide bearings and radial jack arrangement. The vibration levels measures after tightening are 1X Running Speed Component Shaft Bracket 40 70 Phase 120 357 Overall levels 98 70-80

There is no change in shaft vibration levels , but there is considerable reduction in bracket vibrations . The running speed component of shaft vibration levels is still low compared to overall levels . The other components in the shaft system could be because of hydraulic forces since the measurement were carried out with outlet vanes in closed condition with no water flow in the system. With outlet vanes open and sufficient water in inlet surge tank the pump operation should be smoother. The above vibration levels are satisfactory for continuous operation of the unit. Similar exercise of checking and tightening of radial jacks were carried out on unit 4. The bracket vibrations at rated speed got reduced on Unit- 4 to 65 70 microns peak to peak overall.

Shaft Thrust Collar Radial jack

Guide Bearing Pad Lock nut Thrust Bearing Pad

Stator Frame Stator core Rotor Hub

Rotor Rim

Rotor Coil

FIG. CROSS SECTION OF MOTOR