Steam Leakage of Turbine Split Joints

Steam at 22barg and 315degC is a potent force and can do a lot of damage. It sounds as though a telephone call to the original equipment manufacturer [OEM] is well overdue.

Has this problem happened on other installations? The OEM may have solved the problem elsewhere.

When was the last time you machined the split lines? Also have you checked to make sure your bolt torque is correct, it may be loose bolting.....

Having said that, I agree that you should call Elliott and explore options with them...

Check your bolt torque. The bolts will have grown in length due to the increase in temperature.

If the bolts were torqued up when cold then they will have a lot less tension on them when they are at operating temperature.

Damage may have occurred to the split flange if it is only leaking in a small area. As your leak does seem to be general you may be lucky.

BAB

Use a specialist contractor like "Furmanite" to seal your leaks temporary. This will allow you time until your next outage when you can get another on-site specialist to skim the flanges. The longer you leave this problem the worse it will get until the guttering of the flange is so bad you will not be able to skim you will need a complete replacement. In future use a spiral wound gasket with outer retaining ring.

Dear Mr. Jawed,

Over a period of time steam casings due to changes in temperatures like heating and cooling develop distortions and need refurbishing like making them leak proof by blue matching by scrapping etc. the mating surfaces. Welding is never done to rectify the leak as this further generates stresses in the casings, a reason for distortions. There are some special puttys available in the market but as the casings are pressurised during operation, application of putty shall not work.

Only solution in my opinion, lies in blue matching the top and bottom casings through scraping or light grinding. Off course, other sub-assemblies shall also need correction accordingly.

As a temporary measure, you can use 1 mm dia. asbestos thread to seal all openings in the steam casing's parting plane in view of the low steam pressure involved. I have used this method with great success.

I am available at precision96@gmail.com and can be contacted for any clarification or help.

Thanks,

Karan

Project Sales Corporation General Agency of A.I. Schulze for marketing BIRKOSIT - Dichtungskitt ® in the India -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Product Data Sheet BIRKOSIT - Dichtungskitt ® for extreme conditions of temperature and pressure Description: BIRKOSIT is a single-component, paste luting agent / sealing compound for industrial use wherever conditions of temperature and pressure at smooth, plane sealing surfaces (butt joints) make extreme demands on the quality of the sealing compound. Product data sheet This applies, in particular, to the sealing of metallic joints: steam and gas turbines, compressors, pumps, housings, flange joints etc. Technical data: Temperature resistance: hot steam and air, hot and cold water, light fuel oils and lubricants, crude oil and natural gas at up to 900 °C. Pressure resistance: The excellent adhesion on sealing surfaces and butt joints guarantees a perfect seal up to 250 bar. The pressure resistance for flanges without sealing rings is up to 450 bar and even up to 550 bar for screw joints. Plastic deformation: is unlimited in its plastic workability so that, even under the most demanding conditions, the sealing film does not break. cf. temperature and pressure resistance. Application areas: Steam and gas turbines, power plants, gasworks and waterworks, oil refineries, smelting works, shipyards, paint and rubber manufacturing, chemical industry. Working recommendations: To be spread on the dry surfaces using a putty knife or rubber spatula. As the product doesn't cure but slightly changes its consistence staying flexible and elastic, application on butt joints without time pressure is possible. And the product can be subjected immediately to working loads! A small amount of linseed oil varnish may be added to improve the spreading properties. Storage: Unlimited storage life when correctly stored. Its properties are stable and it is flexible in use. The tin should be properly closed when only a part of the contents is used. Packaging: BIRKOSIT is packed and supplied in special 1-kg tins. Its colour is reddish-brown. For further properties of the product, see the materials safety data sheet 91/155/EEC, changed 93/112/EC and the storage life certificate. State of October 2009. Project Sales Corporation, General Agency of A.I. Schulze, for marketing BIRKOSIT - Dichtungskitt ® in India 28 Founta Plaza, Suryabagh, Visakhapatnam 530 020, AP, India; phone: +918912564393; fax: +918912590482 http://india.birkosit.com