Internal Diaphragm Alignment Overview

The Diaphragm Internal Alignment process is a crucial method used in engineering and manufacturing to ensure that the internal components of a diaphragm are correctly aligned. Proper alignment is essential for optimal performance, reliability, and longevity of the equipment.

The diaphragm acts as a critical component that separates different functions within the machinery. Ensuring that the diaphragm and its associated components are properly aligned is vital for the efficiency of the turbine.

Applications

• Steam Turbines

• 5MW – 1200 MW

• Fossil and Nuclear

Importance of Internal Diaphragm Alignment

Efficiency: Misaligned diaphragms can cause steam leakage and uneven flow, leading to reduced efficiency and increased fuel consumption.

Performance: Proper alignment ensures that steam is directed accurately onto the turbine blades, maximizing power output.

Longevity: Misalignment can lead to uneven wear and tear on turbine components, reducing the overall lifespan of the turbine.

Safety: Ensuring diaphragms are correctly aligned helps prevent mechanical failures that could pose safety risks to personnel and equipment.

Best Practices for Diaphragm Alignment

Use Quality Tools: Invest in high-quality alignment tools and instruments to ensure accurate measurements and adjustments.

Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Always adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines and specifications for alignment procedures and tolerances.

Skilled Personnel: Ensure that the alignment process is conducted by skilled and experienced personnel who understand the intricacies of steam turbine operation.

Regular Maintenance: Conduct regular maintenance and inspections to catch any alignment issues early and prevent major problems.

Learn about ACQUIP Turbine Laser Alignment Services

How is Acquip different when applying this procedure?

• Speed of setup

• Other work can be performed at the same time

• Simple repeatable check

• Non-user-dependent readings

• Points can easily be re-measured after long periods of time

• All presets are programmed into the computer

• Data can instantly be viewed from different perspectives

ACQUIP Services Walking Through the Procedure

1) Create CAD file:

Create bearing features

Create diaphragm/blade ring features

Create gland features

Create oil deflector/oil bore features

2) Laser Tracker setup:

Position laser tracker for maximum line of site

Wire laser tracker

Compensate laser tracker for maximum accuracy

3) Drift nest target Setup:

Position Drift Nests throughout measurement locations

Make sure at least 5 drift nests can be seen by the laser tracker for each setup.

Hot glue drift nests in place to ensure stability

4) Measure each position:

Lock movable positions into place

Variety of tooling Hidden Surface Bar | Different size of SMRs

Tops On

Tops OFF

5) Create Coordinate System:

Level Plane

In line with oil deflectors/bores or bearings

6) View results:

Bore presets are accounted for

Bore deviation is set to axis than runs through the fixed points results can be viewed from different perspectives.

Bore deviation is set to axis than runs through the fixed points results can be viewed from different perspectives.

7) Make corrections:

Calculate shimming

Monitor moves

8) Confirm moves:

Ensure Laser Tracker is in Coordinate System

Measure all moved position

9) Report:

CAD drawing

Form values of each section

Proper internal diaphragm alignment is crucial for the efficient and safe operation of your equipment. By following a systematic alignment process and adhering to best practices, you can enhance the performance, longevity, and safety of your steam turbine. Regular maintenance and skilled personnel are key to ensuring that your turbine operates at its best, providing reliable power generation for years to come.

If you have any questions or need further information on steam turbine maintenance, feel free to reach out.

To request a service quote specific to your project, you should fill out this form: ACQUIP SERVICES

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