TURBINE INTERLOCKS AND

PROTECTION
 What is an Interlock?
 An interlock is a feature that makes the state of two
mechanisms or functions mutually dependent.

 It prevents incorrect operation to avoid possible

damage of equipment.

 Interlocks can be considered as start permissives of

any equipment.
 What is Protection?
 The state of action to prevent possible damages of
any equipment or system.

 It is necessary to safeguard the equipment against

abnormal deviation of process parameters to
unacceptable values .
 BASICS OF TRIPS, INTERLOCKS, PERMISSIVES &
SEQUENCES
THIS POST PROVIDES INFORMATION ABOUT BASICS OF TRIP, INTERLOCK, PERMISSIVE AND
SEQUENCES WHICH ARE REGULARLY USED IN INSTRUMENTATION CONTROL SYSTEMS LIKE ESD,
DCS, PLC ETC.

TRIP:
THE TERM TRIP REFERS TO AN ACTION THAT IS INITIATED BY THE CONTROL
SYSTEM AND WHICH FORCES A DEVICE OR DEVICES TO A PRE-DETERMINED STATE.

What does TRIP mean:-

Boiler trip :
Stops fuel feed to Furnace
Purpose :To clear out combustibles from the Boiler and prevent any explosive condition from persisting.
Turbine trip :
Close all steam admission valves (ESV, GOV Valves)

Purpose : Stop steam admission to ensure turbine coasts down and Open all drain lines of steam admission
pipes upstream / down stream valves to prevent accumulation of water which may enter the Turbine
Generator trip :
Opens CB connecting Generator to Grid
Purpose : Isolate system from faulty generator Opens Field Circuit Breaker to cut-off excitation
• Under normal circumstances it shall not be possible to ‘override’ or `defeat’ Trips.
 INTERLOCK

• An Interlock is in essence a ‘self resetting’ Trip. Interlocks are not

deemed safety related and can be used for on/off control.

• Interlocks are normally initiated by the DCS or PLCs, however if an

Interlock is deemed to be safety related it may, depending upon SIL
rating, be implemented in the SIS or a Hardwired system.

• An interlock will force a device or devices to a pre-determined state e.g.

Close valve, stop motor, etc.

• Once a device or devices have been forced to a pre-determined state by

the action of an Interlock they will remain in that state until the
initiating cause returns to a ‘healthy’ condition, the Interlock will then
be automatically removed.

• Under normal circumstances it shall be possible to ‘override’ Interlocks

for operational reasons or ‘defeat’ them for maintenance or other
reasons.
 PERMISSIVE

• A Permissive is a particular type of Interlock used to prevent actions

taking place until pre-defined criteria have been satisfied, for
example prevents a pump starting until the suction valve is open.

• Permissive are normally initiated by the DCS or PLCs, however if a

Permissive is deemed to be safety related it may, depending upon SIL
rating, be implemented in the SIS or a Hardwired system.

• Once a Permissive has been satisfied and the resulting action

implemented it becomes inactive, for example once the suction valve
has been opened and the pump started the Permissive takes no
further action, even if the suction valve is closed while the pump is
running.

• Under normal circumstances it shall be possible to ‘override’ Per

missives for operational reasons or ‘defeat’ them for maintenance or
other reasons
 SEQUENCE
A Sequence is defined as a pre arranged action or number of actions which are
carried out by the control system. Sequences may be initiated by an event or
operator actions.

Sequences may be ‘single pass’ or ‘cyclic’.

The following is an example of a ‘single pass’ sequence:

An agitated vessel reaches a pre-determined level. The operator initiates a sequence

that carries out the following actions:

• Stop the feed pump

• Close the filling valve
• Stop the agitator.
• Wait 30 seconds.
• Open the discharge valve.
• The following is an example of a ‘cyclic’ sequence:
• Low level in a vessel opens the filling valve.
• The valve remains open until high level is detected.
• On high level the valve closes.
• The valve remains closed until low level is detected.
• On low level the valve opens and the sequence it repeated.
 COMBINED FUNCTIONS

It is common for TRIP, INTERLOCK, PERMISSIVE AND SEQUENCES to

fulfill combined functions, for example the following pump protection
system illustrates how the same system can perform various functions.

PERMISSIVE
Prevent pump starting until suction valve is open.

INTERLOCK
Pump running – suction valve closed-pump stops.

• SEQUENCE
High level in vessel-Pump stops
Low level in vessel-Pump starts.
Pump running – suction valve closed – pump stops,
Suction valve re-opened – pump remains stopped.
Operator resets trip.
Pump available for re-start.
 Turbine Interlocks checklist
You may check your Interlock checklists through out your Plant Capacity
Example;

Sr No Description Type Value Action Delay Remark

1 Main steam Pressure high Analog 95 kg/cm2 Trip 10 sec

2 Main steam Pressure low Analog 60 kg/cm2 Trip 10 sec

3 Main steam Temp high Analog 540 Deg C Trip Delay of 10 sec

4 Main steam Temp Low Analog 390 Deg C Trip 10 sec

5 Trip Oil Pressure Low Analog 4 kg/cm2 Trip 5 sec

Exhaust Steam Pressure High--

6 Switch Digital -0.5 kg/cm2 Trip Delay of 2 sec

7 Exhaust Steam Temp High Analog 150 Deg C Trip 20 Sec

Sr No Description Type Value Action Delay Remark

Over speed Tripping-

8 - DCS Analog 7600 Trip

Over speed Tripping-

9 - GOV Analog 7600 Trip

Emergency Trip
10 From GOV Soft Trip

Lube Oil Header

11 Pressure Low- Switch Digital 1.8 kg/cm2 Trip Delay of 2 sec

Bearing Vibration
Analog 83 mic
high
12 Trip From TSP

Analog
13 Bearing Temp high 120 Deg C Trip 5 Sec

Axial Displacement
Analog +- 0.6
High
14 Trip
 CONTROLLED PARAMETERS
Most commonly controlled parameters in Industry are:
1 .Flow
2. Level
3. Temperature
4. Pressure
5. Speed (RPM)
6. Position

FLOW:- Measured with Orifice, Nozzle Pressure drop measured with

DP Transmitter

TEMPERATURE:- RTD, Thermocouple, Temperature Transmitter

Most common final control devices are: Pneumatic actuators –

modulating type, Pneumatic actuators – On/ Off type
 Inline Procedure of CEP :
(Condensate Extraction pump.)
Check Points
1. CST –(Condensate storage tank) level to
be normal.
2. Discharge valve to be closed.
3. Make sure re-circulation control valve
open.
4. Proper air venting to be done.
5. DP across suction filter should be
normal.
6. Proper access way.
7. Proper illumination.
Inline Procedure of AOP :
(Auxiliary Oil Pump.)
Check Points
1. MOT –(Main Oil Tank) level to be
normal.
1. Discharge valve to be closed.
2. Make sure supply feeder healthy
3. Proper access way.
4. Proper illumination.
5. MSDS
Start up of JOP:
(Jacking Oil Pump)

Check Points
1. Make sure supply feeder healthy.
2. AOP is in running condition.
3. Proper illumination.
4. Use EPB, In case of emergency
Start up of Barring Gear :
Check Points
1. Ensure MOT level, AOP, EOP, JOP for
Healthiness.
2. Ensure AOP is in running condition.
3. Ensure Lube Oil Header Pressure.
4. Ensure Return of oil from bearing housing
5. Ensure JOP is running Condition and its header
pressure.
6. Ensure Overhead tank oil is overflow
7. After check all system in field give clearance to
start the Barring Gear from DCS.
 Start up of Turbine:
Check Points
1. Make sure CEP, ACC fans, AOP, JOP, Barring
gear running normally.
2. Make sure required TG inlet temp. and
pressure attained .
3. Make sure required vacuum is their.
4. After that give start command to turbine.
5. Use of Appropriate PPE’s Like, Ear Plug, Ear
Muff, Hand gloves Safety Helmet & Safety
Shoes.

Employees should be wear safety helmet In TG area

If using of EOT Crane: Check Point

Ensure Fire Extinguisher Nearby

 If using of EOT Crane:
Check Points
1. Description displayed
2. Make sure Third party test to be done.
3. Make sure internal inspection to be done like
that hook latch, worn out of wire rope etc.
4. Competent person to be used of EOT crane
5. Make sure feeder is healthy
6. Hooter / limit switch is healthy condition
7. Work permit to be taken for required job.
8. Rest of hook with proper marking.
Lighting Arrestor:

Check Points
• It is device that protect structure
damaged by intercepting lighting
surge and diverting them to the
ground
Safety Precaution at Transformer:
Check Points
1. Locking arrangement for fencing gate
2. Separate Earthing for transformer
fencing
3. DANGER,HIGH VOLTAGE display on
transformer fencing
4. No vegetation in transformer area
5. MSDS of transformer oil
6. Procedure for top up / filtration of
transformer oil by electrical
7. Only authorized person are allowed
Emergency Equipment:
Check Points
1. Fire Pump test record / dates
2. Water tank capacity
3. Pump capacity details with makes & number
4. SOP for fire pump operation
5. Numbering to hydrant/hose boxes & Monitors
6. Fire hydrant location display chart of Power
plant area
7. Total number of hoses & branches nozzles
Unsafe act /condition record register
8. Any tapping from hydrant line
9. Drainage line should be clean to avoid water
accumulations
10. List of the fire Marshals display at 2 to 3 location
Fire Equipment:
Check Points
1. Type & capacity etc. as per - IS
2190
2. Extinguisher detail chart & record
3. Extinguisher testing records
4. Updated extinguisher tag record
on each extinguishers
5. Smoke detector, fire alarm, are
healthy
MOT:
Check Points
1. Its a main oil storage tank for turbine
2. It is equipped with oil mist fan
breather, oil cooler and AOP EOP
pump
3. It has oil level gauge, indicate a
running oil level
4. Provide fire stand, foam type
extinguisher
5. Installed fire hydrant line near the
MOT area.
6. Displayed MSDS.
Cable Cellar:
Check Points

1. Maintain housekeeping

2. Proper illumination and ventilation

system

3. Only authorized person are allowed

4. Locking arrangement for main door

5. Provide CO2 type fire extinguisher

DCS Operation and Interlocks:
1. As shown in picture all

parameters are healthy then

we can start the turbine

2. Emergency stop button

provided in DCS and also locally

3. Safety Helmet should be hang

over in only helmet stand EPB

before enter in control room

Flow marking of different pipe line:
• Easily identifications of

lines and flow direction

Over Head Oil Tank:

• It a act as a emergency oil

storage tank.
• OHT level interlock with
TG.
Deaerator Tank:
• Deaerator are mechanical devices
that remove dissolved gases from
boiler feed water. Deaeration
protects the steam system from
the effects of corrosive gases. It
accomplishes this by reducing the
concentration of dissolved oxygen
and carbon dioxide to a level where
corrosion is minimized.

• What does a deaerator tank do?

A deaerator is a device that
removes oxygen and other
dissolved gases from water, such as
feed water for steam-generating
boilers.
 A B B R E V I AT I O N
CB – CIRCUIT BREKERS
AOP – AUXILIARY OIL PUMP
EOP – EMERGENCY OIL PUMP
CEP – CONDENSATE EXTRACTION PUMP
JOP – JOCKING OIL PUMP
EPB – EMERGENCY PUSH BUTTON
DCS /PLC – DISTRIBUTED CONTROL SYSTEM/PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC CONTROLLER
ESV - EMERGENCY SHUTDOWN VALVE
GOV - GOVERNOR (controlling the steam flow through the turbine by adjusting the control value.)
SIL - SAFETY INTEGRITY LEVEL
SIS – SAFETY INSTRUMENT SYSTEM
POINT TO BE CHECK IN TG AREA
• Person Should be wear helmet and ear plug in premises
• Label or identification should be mention in equipment's
• Equipment checklist should be check periodically and fit for work
• Drainage should be clean properly and avoided spillages
• Unwanted materials should be kept in designated area
• OCP/ SOP should be displayed, were applicable
• Temporary platform shall be inspected
• Entry restricted in prohibited area, e.g. Cable cellar area, MCC, Battery Room,
Control Room etc.
• Only Experience person shall operated EOT crane
• EOT Lifting hook shall be mention in proper marking
• Do not carry any ignited materials like Machis, lighter etc.
• Emergency fire fighting equipments should be in proper place and operated.
Thank You!