Turbine Alignment
Proper component positioning is vital to turbine maintenance and operation. Mechtell can measure component positions both axially and radially, using virtually any baseline reference. We can also monitor component movement in real time for delicate, dangerous, or difficult measurements. Our advanced measurement techniques and equipment allow us to be accurate to 0.001" or better while working within a 20’ range.
Mechtell’s Measurement Capabilities and Experience include but are not limited to:
- Diaphragm/Blade Ring Alignment
- Diaphragm Bar Checks
- Setting Bore Measurements
- Surface/Diameter Measurements (bearings, bearing ring, shaft, coupling face, flange face, horizontal joint)
- Coupling Alignment
- Rotor Train Catenary Curves
- New equipment hold down bolt slots and the existing hold down bolt positions to ensure new equipment would seat correctly.
- Bolt hole layouts in couplings to determine if new component machining was within spec.
- LP turbine exhaust flow guide alignment without having the rotor in place.
- Blade tip and shroud band diameters
Coupling Alignment
Mechtell can perform coupling alignment using photogrammetry and/or laser trackers and provide bearing shim change recommendations. The techniques used measure the relative positions of the coupling rims and faces are similar to the data produced using conventional dial indicator techniques. Our technique, however, requires only a single 180 degree roll of the individual rotors to determine the amount of sag of each coupling half. We can also provide multi-bearing move solutions.
Catenary Curves
Catenary Curves can be an important part of determining the positional health of a turbine train and can play a vital part in long term alignment move planning. Mechtell can create partial or complete catenary curves at disassembly, upon reassembly, or with no disassembly. We typically measure catenary curves using the rotor centerlines near each bearing, but we can also measure the bearing bores when the rotors are out. Mechtell uses high definition industrial photogrammetry and/or laser trackers to determine within a few thousandths of an inch, where each measured bearing is located in relation to all the others.
Rotor To Bore Measurement
Mechtell can measure true rotor position to nearly any bore desired. Results are usually more accurate than 3-point readings because we measure many points rather than three. The additional readings minimize the effect of any localized shaft and casing imperfections. We can acquire rotor to bore measurements quickly, usually with no critical path intrusion.