A Microcomputer Based Vibration Diagnostic System for Steam Turbines and Turbo-Generators in Power Plants

A new shaft-vibration diagnostic system for rotating machinery in power plants has been developed. This system, with its microcomputer, can be effectively applied to solve almost all the vibrational problems which occur during load operation or inspection. For frequency spectral analysis, the Walsh to Fourier transform is used with some modifications to reduce the microcomputer load. New firmware is also developed. With these improvements it is possible to diagnose simultaneously shaft vibrations for a five second period at a maximum of twelve points. This system has been successfully used in field tests to diagnose abnormal shaft vibrations caused by machinery unbalance or rubbing of steam turbines and turbo-generators.