Fire in Steam Turbine

Well,,,I would, fix the leak first...and then fix everything else...

GA to MJ Cronin's comment and now to SE.

The occurance explained is not exactly the leak to be fixed. Normally the oil tanks of turbo machines operate at slight vacuum, say about 1 kPa below atomosphere. This pressure acts as suction pressure for oil pump. During the machine in operation oil temp increases and lot of oil vapour is forming and comming back to oil tank. This vapour is removed with the help of an exhust fan to maintain the slight vacuum needed. In case of tripping of this fan, oil tank pressure increases resulting higher oil pressure at pump discharge and to bearings. Bearing oil seals/labyrinths can hold up to a little higher pressure, else oil leak will occure. once oil pressure reduced, again no leak.

In many turbo machines alarm/trip inerlocks are provided for high/too high pressure in oil tank and fan running/tripped. Many suggestions for OP:

1. To be checked whether such interlock provided but not worked. If not provided, discuss with OEM and provide it.

2. To install an air ejector as an alternatine to evacuate oil vapour from tank. It can work with a solenoid valve activated by fan tripping or high oil tank pressure.

3. Use fire resistant insulation pads (why pads are so hot that oil catches fire?).

4. Install barriers on the way to hot surfaces for evantualities.

First of all thanks for giving reply. (*) We have 30 MW MAN Turbo, double extraction condensing type turbine. (*) We have water cooled generator. (*) Main reson of Lube oil leakage during tripping of Vapour extraction fan (No stand by fan available), and LO tank got pressurised. (*) Once tank was pressuriesed LO leaking started from Bearing seal and Control oil started leaking from Extraction Control valve (operated hydrulically), and leaked oil drop on insulation (pad type insulation) and insulation get oil socked and later on catch fire because of so much heat near the casing. (*) We have no detection system of fire/smouldering. Pl. suggest any better type of insulation or prevent fire.

More information is needed to provide useful suggestions, preferably supplied by a competent English-user (this is for efficiency in communication).

Fire on the turbine is a serious concern and you must have approached the OEM for the appropreiate solution. GHH Man turbo is a reputed manufacturer and will definetly suggest you the solution.

Pad type insulation is one of the best way of insulating the hot surface, your primary look out should be to avoid oil spillage on the insulation or to hot surfaces. alternate mist eliminator blower or ejector shall be used with some pressure alarm on the oil console.

Again, i would like to know, "Where is this plant located ?"

Why does everyone on this forum refuse to answer this simple question ?

I agree that Mann Turbo will suggest and offer a fire protection system, but who in your Ministry of Water and Power refuses to install this important equipment.

The fire protection system that you need is offered by a fine US company that has spent millions of dollars on research. CHEMTRON.

Read Technical Bulletin Number 0015 on this website http:/www.chemtron.com

......then go buy a cheap copycat Chinese system on alibaba

Where is the plant located ?